Lot # 33: F. H. Ayers-The Vaile Golf Ball

Category: Golf Balls

Starting Bid: $500.00

Bids: 25 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed

Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Spring 2016 Auction",
which ran from 3/23/2016 5:00 PM to
4/9/2016 8:00 PM



F. H. Ayers-The Vaile Golf Ball

Offered here is one of the only known examples of the historic The Vaile golf ball. This golf ball was produced in very small quantities and for a very short period of time by F.H. Ayers in the UK. It was named after P.A. Vaile, who in the early 1900s  was attempting to prove that indentations on golf balls were superior to excrescences (ok, let's just call them pimples). The golf world (read: golf ball makers with a vested interest in protecting their product) thought Vaile's ideas were not only wrong, but were ridiculous.

To prove his point, Vaile enlisted Ayers to produce these uniquely designed golf balls with indentations, not brambles or pimples. Vaile had no interest in making the golf ball a commercial success - just proving his theory. Vaile also wrote substantially on the subject in his 1912 book The Soul of Golf.

Ultimately, Vaile, of course, was proven correct and all golf balls to this day have indentations/dimples.

Offered here is one of the only surviving examples of The Vaile golf ball. It's stunning to look at, and is in mint unused condition. Almost certainly the finest example remaining in the hobby.