Golf ball multilayer core having a gradient quotient

A golf ball comprising:

• a core comprising an inner core having an outer surface and a geometric center;
• and an outer core layer disposed about the inner core;
• the outer core layer having an outer surface and comprising a soft transition region adjacent to the outer surface;
• and
• an outer cover layer;
• wherein the soft transition region has a thickness of up to 4 mm, comprises about 5 to 15 percent trans-polybutadiene isomer, and has a negative hardness gradient of up to about 10 Shore C;
• and wherein the core has an overall positive hardness gradient of about 5 Shore C to 15 Shore C and has a gradient quotient, GQ, defined by the equation:
• 1
• ≤
• G
• +
• T
• 10
• ×
• COR
• ≤
• 4
• where G is the overall positive hardness gradient in Shore C, T is the percent of trans-polybutadiene isomer at the core outer surface, and COR is the coefficient of restitution measured at an incoming velocity of 125 ft/s.