Multi-layer core golf ball having opposing hardness gradient with steep gradient outer core layer

A golf ball comprising:

• an inner core having an outer diameter of about 0.500 inches to 1.550 inches, a first outer surface, and a geometric center, and being formed from a first substantially homogenous composition throughout such that the geometric center has a hardness of about 40 Shore C to about 80 Shore C and the first outer surface has a hardness of about 50 Shore C to about 75 Shore C;
• an outer core layer disposed about the inner core, the outer core layer having an outer diameter of about 1.30 inches to about 1.62 inches, a second outer surface having a hardness of about 85 Shore C to about 98 Shore C, and being formed from a second substantially homogenous rubber composition throughout;
• and
• a cover layer disposed about the outer core layer;
• wherein the geometric center and the first and second outer surfaces each have a hardness, the hardness of the second outer surface being greater than the hardness of the geometric center to define a positive hardness gradient of about 7 to 30 Shore C, and the hardness of the first outer surface being lower than the hardness of the geometric center to define a negative hardness gradient of about −1 to −5 Shore C or −6 to −15 Shore C.