The present invention is directed towards a high-spin multi-layer golf ball which comprises a core with a Shore D hardness of preferably greater than about 30, and a mantle layer disposed between the core and a cover layer, wherein the mantle layer has a Shore D hardness greater than 60 and a resilience of greater than 34. Preferably, the mantle layer is comprised essentially of dynamically vulcanized thermoplastic elastomer, functionalized styrene-butadiene elastomer, thermoplastic polyurethane, metallocene polymer, thermoset materials or blends thereof. Preferably, the mantle layer has a specific gravity of greater than 1, and the core has a specific gravity of less than 1.2.