Golf ball - the 'Feathery'
The 'Feathery' Golf Ball
Name/Title
Golf ball - the 'Feathery'Entry/Object ID
2025.1.715Description
Hand-stitched leather ball stuffed with feathers.Context
It is believed that the game of golf originated on the west coast of Scotland in the early 1600s. The first balls used were made of wood. It is believed that the "featherie" ball arrived in St Andrews about 1618. This new ball was formed from cowhide and stuffed tightly with goose feathers. The technique involved both parts being wet at the time of forming and stitching so that the leather would shrink whilst the goose down and feather stuffing would expand. This would then form a hard durable ball with favourable flight characteristics. A top hat was the standard measure of feathers per ball. A 'featherie' maker could make about 3 balls a day. Because of the materials and the skill involved the cost of each ball was very expensive. This ball was made c 1890.Category
Sport