Golf ball comprising a metal, ceramic, or composite mantle or inner layer

A golf ball comprising:

• a core;
• a thin spherical mantle encompassing said core, said mantle comprising (i) a polymeric material selected from the group consisting of epoxy-based materials, thermoset materials, nylon-based materials, styrene materials, thermoplastic materials, and combinations thereof, and (ii) a reinforcing material randomly dispersed throughout said polymeric material, said reinforcing material being selected from the group consisting of silicon carbide, glass, carbon, boron carbide, aramid materials, cotton, flax, jute, hemp, silk, and combinations thereof, wherein said mantle has a thickness in the range of from about 0.001 inch to about 0.100 inch, and
• a polymeric outer cover disposed about said mantle, said polymeric cover comprising a material selected from the group consisting of a high acid ionomer, a low acid ionomer, an ionomer blend, a non-ionomeric elastomer, a thermoset material, and combinations thereof.