Why Do Golf Balls Have Dimples?

Most people who play mini golf or regular golf on a regular basis are familiar with how golf balls look – they have little dimples on them. Have you ever wondered why there are dimples on golf balls? The dimples on golf balls are actually there to make them go farther. When starting a mini golf course, there are many aspects you have to take into consideration, which extend to the equipment you purchase. Learn more about the construction of golf balls and how this could impact your game here!

The History of Dimples on Golf Balls

When golf first started back in the 15th Century in Scotland, golf balls were made of leather stuffed with boiled goose feathers. For hundreds of years, this remained the case until the mid-19th century, when a new type of ball was introduced. This new golf ball was made of gum and had a much smoother texture than the leather golf ball. Players noticed that this new type of ball could go much farther than previous versions and wondered if it was due to the several dents on it. This is where the idea of dimples on golf balls started to come in.

Dimpled golf balls started to gain popularity at the turn of the 19th century, but the first patent was issued shortly before that. In the 1920s, dimpled golf balls started to become mass-produced at a uniform size and weight; by the 1930s, golf balls made with dimples became the standard across all golf games and tournaments. 

How Dimples Make Golf Balls Go Farther

The dimples on a golf ball are there to reduce wind resistance and contribute to better aero dynamism. You can find many different types of golf balls on the market today, as there are no regulations as to how many dimples each golf ball must have. Dimples can affect almost every aspect of the way a ball travels. Shallower dimples tend to result in a higher shot and deeper dimples in a lower shot when playing golf or mini golf.

Choosing the Right Golf Balls for Your Course

Most golf balls have between 300 to 500 dimples, and different manufacturers have experimented with the shape and depth of these dimples to improve aero dynamism. For instance, you can find golf balls with spherical dimples and hexagonal dimples, amongst many others.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to how many dimples should be on a golf ball, but one thing all players can agree on is that they are a must. A golf ball without dimples would have an unpredictable flight pattern, which makes it hard for players to acquire any real skill in controlling it!

Turn to Harris Miniature Golf Courses, Inc for the Advice You Need to Construct a Mini Golf Course

If you’re looking to get into the business of mini golf, you have come to the right place here at Harris.  Our architects specialize in building mini golf courses, giving you full assurance that you can entrust your project to us with no worries. From the design and construction elements to the final touches, you’ll always retain full control of how your mini golf course will turn out. Ready to get started? Feel free to request an investor’s kit from us today!