I used this as the top of a 48" long, 7/8" diameter, wooden mahl stick.
First, I drilled a 7/8" diameter, 7/8" deep hole into the cork ball.
Then, I inserted the end of a 7/8" diameter, 48" long wood dowel into the hole in the cork, with some glue.
Finally, a leather cover was secured around the cork ball with strong thread.