If you've been to a driving range or golf course recently, or even played a round of mini-golf with friends, you've used dimpled golf balls. There's a reason for that: Dimpled golf balls, which have a fascinating history, are the standard because they simply work better than smooth golf balls.
Apperance
The most obvious difference between smooth and dimpled golf balls is appearance. While smooth golf balls have an even, uninterrupted surface, dimpled golf balls are covered with a uniform distribution of pockmarks. The exact number of dimples on a golf ball varies according to manufacturer, design, and ball type, with some balls having as few as 300 dimples and some as many as 500.
History
The dimpled golf ball came into existence by accident. According to Golf Europe, though humans have enjoyed playing golf since 1497 in Scotland, the dimpled golf ball has been around only since the mid-1800s, when a player discovered that improperly smoothed balls flew farther than properly smoothed balls. This led to the development of the "Hand Hammered Gutta" ball, the first intentionally dimpled golf ball.
Less Drag
Dimpled golf balls create less drag than smooth golf balls and fly about three times as far as their smooth counterparts. This is because the uneven surface of a dimpled golf ball disrupts the "boundary layer," a pocket of air that forms around the ball as it flies, according to Today I Found Out. This channels air to the back of the golf ball, reducing the air pressure behind it and generating lift.
Modern Golf Balls
Because they fly so much farther than smooth golf balls, nearly all golf balls manufactured today have dimples, but tthat doesn't mean all golf balls are alike. Today I Found Out reports that golf balls come in two categories: recreational and advanced. Advanced balls are designed to create more spin and thus fly farther, but require a more powerful stroke. If you're new to golf, start with recreational balls.
Member Comments