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How did the gutta-percha golf ball change the game in the 1840s?

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Tiger Woods follows through on his golf swing after teeing off, standing in tall grass with spectators watching in the background at St Andrews Golf Links. — golf American golfer Tiger Woods competing at the British Open (Open Championship) at St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland, 2005.

The introduction of the gutta-percha ball, or "gutty," in 1848 revolutionized golf by replacing the expensive, labor-intensive "feathery" ball. Made from the latex of specific trees, the gutty was significantly more economical, costing only one shilling, which led to a rapid expansion of the golfing population.12

While early smooth prototypes struggled to stay airborne, players soon discovered that the ball’s flight improved once it became scuffed during play. This realization led manufacturers to mold balls with intentional surface patterns, ensuring consistent and proper flight.1

The transition was not without controversy; while figures like “Old Tom” Morris embraced the innovation, others like Allan Robertson initially resisted the change. Ultimately, the gutty’s durability and affordability made the sport more accessible, fundamentally altering the game's development before it was later superseded by the rubber-core ball in the 20th century.13