TarheelsRule: Top Flites used to be the worse balls in balls with one exception, the old Club Specials a low scale version made by Titleist. TF's tended to be a very hard ball and last long and roll, they were one of the first balls made that were not wound and didn't cut like the old balls, especially the old Titleist. Today the covers are very different and the characteristics of the balls aren't the same.
I spoke to my Father about this tidbit. He said that back in the day, Titleist, Hogan, McGregor red dot, Wilson staff and Maxfli were the only balls used on tour...all balata cover, wound & 100 compression...(don't know what that means). The Spaulding TopFlite was the first ball with a cover of a composition of surlyn, and an interior of a solid state. Much like our free balls that have no spin and never wear out. He also said that Trevino, because of his low fade knock down shot style would use the super hard no spin TopFlite on par three holes over 200 yards or on long demanding 5 par second shots. He told me there was a time when you could use any ball you wanted, at anytime you pleased...just like I do...