Why Do Golf Balls Have Dimples?

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One of the most asked questions about golf ball construction is, "Why do golf balls have dimples?" I will answer that question in a minute, but I will also go into detail about how to choose the best golf balls for each individual golfer. Most golfers, when choosing a golf ball, make the mistake of buying the latest or hottest golf balls of the moment without considering if they are suitable for them.
As there are many types of golfer, golf balls have been engineered to match correctly to each golfer's game. When the right golf ball is chosen, the game of golf becomes much more enjoyable and will also result in better scores and lower handicaps.
Today, golf manufacturers create golf balls with different dimple patterns, covers, cores, compressions, and spin rates; all of these options make the buying decision that more complicated. In general, the average golfer should choose balls with a higher launch angle, relatively low spin rates but with good "feel" around the greens. So, let's take a look at the factors to consider when choosing a golf ball.
Types of Golf Ball
Distance - These balls react quicker of the club face resulting in more distance. Although your tee shots will go further, you will loose control where you need it - on and around the green. This will be most notable for long iron approach shots as the ball could easily skip of the green.
Control - These balls are excellent if you have a tendency to hook or slice your shots. A control golf ball is designed to control excessive spin, so you can keep the ball lower of the tee on a windy day or you can lessen the sidespin which causes hooks and slices.
Spin - These balls are designed to create as much backspin as possible. They don't give you as much distance but the benefit is that you can hit a higher trajectory to the green and stop the ball dead.
What are golf balls made of?
Generally, the type of golf ball construction is what determines the golf ball spin rates, compression rate, and trajectory and therefore, the amount of distance, control or spin available.
Construction - two piece balls contain a large solid core and a thinner cover that gives you more distance and more durability. Three piece balls contain a smaller core (solid or liquid), an inner layer of rubber windings, and a softer cover that creates more backspin and control. Multi layer balls are used as multi purpose balls.
Core - Can be made of high energy rubber, liquid filled or titanium filled. Each type affects the distance, control, spin and feel of the golf ball.
Cover - There are various types of covers, some are made of Surlyn, Balata, or blends. Some are designed for more durability, feel, distance, spin or control.
Dimples - I told you I would get back to the question of Why Do Golf Balls Have Dimples? Basically, it boils down to aerodynamics and trajectory. Balls with smaller dimples decrease the trajectory and balls with larger dimples increase the trajectory. The number of dimples on a golf ball also vary; anywhere from about 300 to 450. The number and depth of the dimples are what determines the amount of drag and that is created. As a side note, Callaway was the first to manufacture hexagonal dimpled golf balls Golf (Callaway HX) which is said to reduce the amount of drag even more. Also, all golf balls have an even number of dimples, but Srixon came out with the Srixon AD333, the first ball to feature an odd number of dimples.
Golf Ball Compression
The golf ball compression type refers to the hardness of the ball. A 90 compression golf ball gives a softer feel and a 100 compression ball is for a harder feel. One of the biggest factors in determining what type of golf ball to choose is your swing speed. If you have a lower swing speed you would normally play a harder distance golf ball, while if you have a higher swing speed, you should normally use a softer golf ball that offers more feel and control.
Weather Conditions and Altitude
Believe it or not, the weather and the altitude can affect the golf ball. Humidity - as humidity increases, you get a slight increase in distance. Temperature - as the temperature increases, distances increase too, but there is a greater decrease in distance as the temperature drops. Wind speed - Obviously the wind speed affects the ball, but there is a difference in the benefit of a tail wind and the disadvantage of a head wind. You will gain less with a tail wind than you lose with a head wind of the same speed. Altitude - as the altitude increases so does the distance of the golf ball.
These are some of the factors to take into consideration when choosing a golf ball. As you become more experienced and consistent in your game, you will be able to choose a golf ball depending on the golf course to be played, the firmness of the fairways and greens, the weather conditions, and the altitude.
Mick Euan Tait is the webmaster of http://golf-online-tips.com/balls where you can find more golf balls tips and resources. Also, check out http://golf-online-videos.com/golf-balls for free golf ball videos and http://golf-online-tips.com/blog/golf for various golf reviews.
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