Golf ball layers based on ionomers made with polyalkenamer carriers

A multi-piece golf ball, comprising a solid three-layered core and cover of at least one layer, wherein the core includes a center comprising a first diene rubber composition;

• an intermediate core layer;
• and an outer core layer comprising a second diene rubber composition, wherein the intermediate core layer is formed from a thermoplastic ionomeric composition containing acid groups neutralized to 30 wt. % or greater, the ionomeric composition comprising:
• i) cycloalkene rubber;
• ii) ionomeric resin;
• and iii) neutralizing agent, wherein the composition is prepared by providing a masterbatch comprising the cycloalkene rubber and neutralizing agent and mixing the masterbatch with a partially neutralized ethylene acid copolymer.