I would suggest the old ball could never have been as alive as it was the day it was made. Presuming it was a balata ball, typically with a small core and wrapped with rubber band like material inside, those rubber bands would have given up their tension long ago, just by simple existence, whether they were ever hit or not.

I think a more fair exam would be to use identical new balls, use an Iron Byron machine, then hit the shots with different clubs. The way Sir Nick did it really sounds like apples and oranges to me. You could stick identical shafts in the drivers to take it to a length, just to see if the persimmon versus titanium argument holds up so well.

BTW - Cleaning out some boxes of old photographs a few weeks ago, I found an old Acushnet Club Special ball in perfect condition. It wasn't one of my hole in one balls, so I'm not sure why it was in the box, but it now sits on my desk as a funny little reminder of days 50+ years ago when I thought the Club Special was a great golf ball. (I'm 61)

If I hold my arm straight up and drop a new Pro V1 on the tile floor, it typically bounces to chest level. The Club Special doesn't even get to my waist. That poor little thing needs love.

A poorly designed test can "prove" anything you want (or would that be a well designed test). Of course the usga would say that balls now are not longer, only the test conditions have changed.

There was a similar test "proving" that steel drivers were longer than persimmon(don't remember who swung the club). Yet, the usga tests showed they were not.

The best you can do is do your own tests, and make your own determinations.

I've not seen the demonstration, but I totally agree, the ball has been the greater advencement, in my opinion metal woods and graphite shafts come in second place, they are easier to hit and the ball's flight is straighter. What haven't changed much are the players irons and wedges, we've been using almost the same shafts and blades with slight changes in lofts for the last 20/30 years.

I agree, Faldo's test was apples and oranges.   I hit a few275- 300 yd drives in a pro am with a Toney Penna oil hardened persimmon drive.  Of course with a new Titleist NXT Tour ball.   After the second drive, the Pro asked what I was using.    Typical young club pro, never heard of Toney Penna.  Only could find the sweet spot 2 out of 14 drives though.   I told him to look him up and learn some golf history.  Not many guys longer than Snead.  Imagine those guys with hybrids.   Scary!!!    The metal woods and CB irons are definately the difference.  

Deno