Are balata golf balls softer then the newer balls?

Answer 1

No, they haven't done so for 6 years or more. Golf balls today have soft covers and advanced cores which replaced the need for a balata golf ball, which just wasn't durable enough, which new balls today are.

Answer 2

Yes, they were a lot softer. They used to have a core which was a small compressed rubber ball, which was wrapped in elastic bands (known as wound). The also had a very thin outer layer, therefore they were not very durable and could become out of shape.