Golf Ball Dimples: How They Affect Distance - Aerodynamics Explained

Question
How do the size and amount of dimples on a golf ball affect how far it goes?

Answer
Hi Austin,

Dimples alter the flow of air around the golf ball in such a way that drag resistance is reduced. A well hit drive with a dimpled ball may fly 270 yards, while one with no dimples hit with the same speed would only fly 150 yards.

Through trial and error have found that to minimize air drag, the number of dimples should be around 300 to 500. The size depends on the number. The greater the number, the smaller the dimples. There doesn't seem to be a signficant difference in ball flight for balls that have dimples in this range.

Here's a good webpage that explains some of the physics.

http://www.aerospaceweb.org/question/aerodynamics/q0215.shtml

Hope this helps.
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Best regards,
Ken Tannar