Ever since the first game of golf was played on a field in Scotland some 300 years ago, the sport has steadily risen in popularity. Golf itself hasn't changed much over the years, but the equipment has certainly come a long way. We can only imagine how different it was, way back in the 1700s. Even the simple golf ball has undergone many revolutionary changes until it became the dimpled, white form that we use today.

In the earliest stages of the game, golf balls were made of wood. The lifespan was relatively short, as the wood tended to crack after being struck several times. This led to the development of the feather-filled ball. Bound in leather, this style of golf ball was a wildly popular choice over wooden balls.

Soon after the feather and leather ball was introduced, another new threshold was crossed in the revolution of golf balls. These new balls, called gutta-percha, took the golf world by storm. Commonly known as "gutties", these balls were made of gutta-percha, a type of natural latex, and they really did revolutionize the sport. This style was again adapted to the form that we are all familiar with today: a core of synthetic rubber with a highly engineered white plastic cover.

In the early 1990s, changes in the structure of the golf ball were beginning to take shape. Golfers were given the choice of three different types, including the control golf ball, distance golf ball and the spin golf ball. The latter typically offers the best quality, while the distance ball is usually most affordably priced.

So far as the technological advances are concerned, golf balls have been modified in every area of development; from the roundness of the ball, to materials used in the manufacturing process. Some types of golf balls have gone through so many scientific modifications that you'd almost need a degree in chemistry to fully understand all of the elements that form the simple golf ball.

Amateur golfers usually choose a solid core ball with a cover made of a type of plastic called surlyn. These golf balls are cheaper and achieve more distance, although they can be difficult to control. More experienced players choose golf balls that feature balata covers. This material provides more spin and a better feel, but demands a higher price.

Some manufacturers have delved into developing golf balls made with titanium. Others have used tungsten and magnesium. Some balls are created using a mixture of metal components. There are manufacturers that have exposed golf balls to gamma rays, and others that put "bald spots" on the balls to achieve a truer roll. Of course, all of these developments have been made in the name of improved play.

Technology has also altered compression in an effort to launch the average golf ball to brave new heights. The compression of a golf ball is a measurement that defines the degree of deformation that a golf ball presents after it has been hit several times. Many golfers believe that using a ball with higher compression will add distance to their tee and fairway shots, but this is not the case. There is usually a significant decrease in accuracy after a round of play, which may be attributed to the deformation of the ball after several strokes. Only the accuracy of the hits is affected, and not the actual distance that the ball achieves.

Golf balls are tough as nails and built to last. There is no set "shelf life" to a golf ball, so they can be successfully played after years in storage. However, it's important to know that some conditions will shorten the life of a golf ball. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat, for example, certainly takes away from the life expectancy of your golf balls.

Until several years ago, golfers were able to choose from two primary types of golf balls. These options have historically been so inexpensive, there has never been a demand or a market for used golf balls. Like all products, however, technology has taken over and prices have increased.

Golf has changed little over the last 300 years, but the world of golf equipment continues to evolve. From golf etiquette to golf balls, there's always something new to learn about this age-old sport.