There are a lot of questions that people have about golf balls, and one of the most popular ones is how many dimples they have.
Believe it or not, this is actually a topic that has been studied quite extensively!
In this blog post, we will answer the question once and for all and give you some fun facts about golf ball dimples along the way.
Here's What We'll Cover
What Are Dimples & Why Are They Used On Golf Balls?
Golf ball dimples are tiny indentations on the surface of a golf ball. They are there for two main reasons: to improve the ball’s aerodynamics and help it travel further.
When a golf ball is traveling through the air, the dimples help to create turbulence around the ball. This disturbance creates less drag on the ball, which means that it can travel faster and further.
The other benefit of dimples is that they help the ball stay in the air longer. The turbulence created by the dimples creates a spinning effect on the ball, which helps it maintain its trajectory for a longer time.
How Many Dimples Should There Be On Golf Balls?
There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to how many dimples should be on a golf ball. Some balls have as few as 300 dimples, while others have up to 500.
It’s going to depend a lot on the brand and the model of golf ball you’re using since each has a different style and feel.
We’ll cover the most common companies and models later in the post, so stick around if you’re looking for a specific ball.
The main thing that matters is how well the ball performs aerodynamically. The more dimples there are on a golf ball, the better it will travel through the air.
When Did Dimples Start Getting Put On Golf Balls?
The first golf balls were made out of wood and they didn’t have any dimples on them. In fact, it wasn’t until the early 1900s that people started to experiment with different ways to improve the aerodynamics of a golf ball.
And during the same time period, it was patented by William Taylor in 1905, and he is often credited with starting the trend of using them on golf balls.
Other golf ball manufacturers started to put dimples on golf balls in the 1920s, and it wasn’t long before they became popular among professional players.
What Are The Benefits Of Dimples On Golf Balls?
There are quite a few reasons that golf balls use dimples for better performance.
Dimples help lift the ball in the air
They will help launch the ball into their air due to the turbulence they produce around the surface.
This swirling action creates an area of low pressure under and behind the ball, which lifts it off the ground and improves its flight.
Dimples help the ball go further
As we mentioned earlier, dimples help to create turbulence around a golf ball which reduces drag on the object.
This allows the ball to travel further and faster through the air.
Dimples impact the spin of the ball
The spinning effect that dimples create on a golf ball also helps to keep it more stable in its trajectory while traveling.
This leads to more accurate shots and less deviation from the target, making it a stable ball flight throughout.
Which Dimple Pattern Is Best For Golf Balls?
It’s a common question to ask which dimple pattern is best, but truthfully, there is no perfect dimple pattern.
It would be better for you to focus on how the golf ball performs than to try and nitpick the pattern of dimples.
That being said, there are a few different patterns that are more popular than others.
Certain golf balls are aerodynamic, meaning they’ll go further while others promote high-spin or low-spin golf balls for other preferences.
I’d try a bunch of different golf balls until you find one that has the feel and performance that works best for you!
Frequently Asked Questions About Golf Ball Dimples
How big is each dimple on a golf ball?
The size of a golf ball dimple varies depending on the brand and model of the ball.
But typically, they are around 0.01 inches in depth.
In addition to a variation of depth, there are different dimple patterns for different manufacturers and models.
How many dimples are on the Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1X golf balls?
Some of the world’s most popular golf balls are the Titleist Pro V1 and Titleist Pro V1X, used commonly by casual players and professionals.
The Titleist Pro V1 golf balls have 352 dimples, while Titleist Pro V1X golf balls have 328 dimples.
How many dimples are on Callaway golf balls?
Most Callaway golf balls on the market have 332 dimples.
How many dimples are on Taylormade golf balls?
Taylormade golf balls range anywhere from 322 to 360 dimples depending on the model and series.
How many dimples are on Kirkland golf balls?
Kirkland’s signature golf ball has 338 dimples on it.
How many dimples are on other brands of golf balls?
Here are the average number of dimples for the most popular golf brands:
- Top Flite: 332 dimples
- Bridgestone: 326-372 dimples
- Nike: 314-432 dimples
- Pinnacle: 332 dimples
- Maxfli: 318-422 dimples
- Srixon: 328-344 dimples
- Wilson: 302-362 dimples
As you can see, they all stay around the same range but there is no “perfect” amount of dimples on a golf ball, or every manufacturer would use the same count and pattern.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, dimples on golf balls are important because they help you hit the ball farther through the air. They also create turbulence which helps the ball stay in the air longer.
Every golf ball on the market nowadays has dimples, so you won’t have any trouble finding one that you like. And as long as the ball is performing well aerodynamically, it doesn’t really matter how many dimples it has.
Buy a few sleeves of golf balls, give them a try during your round, and see which ones work best for you!
