A 'featherie' was an early form of golf ball. In the early days of golf, golf balls were made by stuffing feathers into a leather pouch and sewing it up. This process created a ball that was surprisingly resilient and had a good flight trajectory. The featherie was the standard golf ball for over two centuries, from the 14th to the 19th century.

However, as the game of golf evolved and players began to hit the ball harder and with more precision, the featherie started to show its limitations. The feather-filled balls were easily damaged and became misshapen after just a few shots. This led to the development of the gutta-percha ball, which was made from the sap of the gutta tree and had a smoother surface that could withstand more punishment.

Today, golf balls are made from synthetic materials like rubber and plastics, which allow for greater consistency in performance and durability. The modern golf ball can travel much farther and with more accuracy than its featherie ancestor, thanks to advancements in technology and materials.

Despite its obsolescence, the featherie remains a fascinating piece of golf history. Collectors and enthusiasts often seek out original featheries to add to their collections, and some even use them in reenactments of historic golf matches. The featherie serves as a reminder of the humble origins of the game and how far it has come since those early days.

So, the next time you hit the links with your state-of-the-art golf equipment, take a moment to appreciate the legacy of the featherie and the role it played in shaping the game we know and love today. And who knows, maybe you'll even come across one in your travels and be able to hold a piece of golf history in your hands.

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