A low compression golf ball comprising a core formed from a mixture, substantially free of zinc oxide, said mixture comprising polybutadiene, a metal salt of a material selected from the group consisting of diacrylates, dimethacrylates, and monomethacrylates, and calcium oxide, wherein the amount of the calcium oxide is sufficient to provide a core compression of less than 70, and a cover having a Shore D hardness of less than 65.