How Many Dimples Are on a Golf Ball?

There are 300-500 dimples on a golf ball. The most common number is 336. However, there isn’t a single answer. The number of dimples on a golf ball varies depending on the model and manufacturer. Most often, numbers may even be different from different models made by the same manufacturer. The dimples are often the same size as the other but few golf balls have different sizes of dimples on the same ball.

The History of Golf Ball

The golf balls didn’t always look like it does today. Earlier, golf balls were made of leather stuffed with wet goose feathers. They were called “feathery.” These feather-covered balls hardly flew in the direction intended and there were a lot of damages after ever subsequent shorts. That’s why dimple was discovered.

Dimple on Golf Ball? Why?

A perfect, smooth, feathery, leather golf ball had more surface area for the air to stick to than a rough, dented golf ball. Every time the leather ball was hit, it removed a bit of surface area and was less impeded in flight.

The Origin of Dimples on a Golf Ball

The goose feather golf balls were replaced with rubbery sap of the sapodilla tree in the mid-1800s. The golfer would carry the hammer to beat the round ball mercilessly before it’s was presented.

Later, golf balls were made with dimples. The tiny cup-like dents shook up the layer of air directly and reduced the drag.

Why Does a Golf Ball Have Dimples?

The dimples on golf balls help the golfer to shoot forward with aerodynamic forces to create lift. Without the dimples, a smooth golf ball would just move forward at the same height and force without the required lift. The size, depth, shape, and pattern of a dimple on golf ball have an impact on the amount of spin and influences the ball’s lift. A professional strike on balls with dimple would travel 290 yards whereas a similar ball with no dimples will travel only about 130 yards.

What Is the Actual Number of Dimples on a Golf Ball?

There isn’t an exact number! The more depressions a golf ball ha, the higher it flies. However, if you have too many, the ball will have too much air-pressure causing it to slow. Golf ball manufacturers are constantly testing to achieve optimal flight. The popular Titleist Pro V1 2017/18 has 352 dimples and Pro V1x has 328 dimples.

What Is the Size of the Dimple on Golf Ball?

The size of dimples is measured by their depth. The average depth of the golf ball is roughly 0.010 inch. However, the circumference of dimples varies from one model to the other. The dimples on a golf ball should have a symmetrical arrangement and must have a defined range of radius and depth for better performance.

How Much Does a Golf Ball Weigh?

The weight of the golf balls is carefully monitored to ensure that heavy balls are not used in the course. The maximum weight for a ball is 1.62 ounces and any ball that exceed this weight is not permitted. Most balls manufactured are close to 1.62 ounces making it safe to be used in tournament play.

What Is the Diameter of Golf Ball?

The minimum diameter of the golf ball is 1.68 inches. In the past, there were a lot of variations but now balls are required to have a consistent size.

Hope you have now understood how dimples help to create lift. Did you know Mission Hills Golf Club holds the Guinness World Record for the largest course in the world? Check out our sports trivia questions and answers for interesting facts on popular sports.