Ionomeric nanoclay compositions for use in golf balls

A golf ball comprising:

• a core;
• a cover layer;
• and
• an intermediate layer disposed between the core and the cover layer, the intermediate layer being formed from a composition comprised of:
• non-ionomeric acid polymer having a first flexural modulus and first tensile strength;
• and
• a chemically-modified nano-clay having a 50% average dry particle size of 6 μm or less, an individual platelet thickness of 1 nm or less, and an aspect ratio of 50 to 1000;
• wherein the composition has a second flexural modulus and a second tensile strength greater than the first flexural modulus and first tensile strength of the non-ionomeric acid polymer.

A golf ball comprising:

• a core;
• and
• a cover;
• wherein at least one of the core, cover, or both comprises a chemically-modified nano-clay having a 10% average dry particle size of 2 μm or less, an individual platelet thickness of 1 nm or less, and an aspect ratio of 100 to 150;
• and wherein the platelets have a surface area of 500 m2/g or greater.