Golfers can now use a golf ball that flies straighter than normal golf balls without getting hauled in by the tournament cops.

The U.S. Golf Association has approved the NDMX golf ball from NanoDynamics for tournament play.

The ball sports an unusual hollow steel core and a special casing that allows the ball to correct its flight slightly so that it goes where the golfer intended it, rather than to the side. The chemical and physical properties of the materials used in the ball help it redistribute its weight on the fly.

Other companies are touting nanotechnology for lighter bike parts, stiffer tennis rackets and socks that don't stink.

The USGA has been cracking down on technological changes in golf, fearing that it could take some of the competitiveness out of the game, according to Keith Blakely, CEO of NanoDynamics. The USGA can't outlaw things like drivers that send the ball farther than typical drives, but it can withhold approval for tournament play. This potentially discourages use and sales.


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