Dimples on a golf ball improve how it flies. They create tiny turbulent air currents that make the air stick to the ball longer, which reduces drag and increases lift. In simple term: dimples help a golf ball travel farther, fly straighter, and land more predictably than a smooth ball.
If you’ve ever held a golf ball, you’ll notice it’s not smooth like a marble. Instead, it’s covered in hundreds of tiny dimples. This design isn’t random — it’s the result of years of testing and science.
So, why are there dimples on a golf ball? The short answer: they’re essential for performance. Dimples make the ball go farther, spin more effectively, and stay stable in the air.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
- The science of dimples and airflow
- Why some balls have 336 dimples
- How many dimples are on a Titleist Pro V1
- Whether more dimples really mean better performance
- A short history of how dimples were discovered
By the end, you’ll understand why no serious golfer would ever use a smooth ball.
How Dimples Affect Airflow
Imagine throwing a smooth ball, like a marble, through the air. The air slides off quickly, leaving a big “wake” (low-pressure area) behind it. That wake causes drag, slowing the ball down.
Dimples fix this problem by creating a thin layer of turbulent air around the ball. This layer makes the air cling longer to the ball’s surface, shrinking the wake. The result? Less drag and more lift.
Here’s the effect step by step:
- Smooth ball: air separates early → large wake → high drag → short flight.
- Dimpled ball: air clings longer → smaller wake → less drag → longer flight.
Dimples also work with spin. When you strike the ball with backspin, the air pressure difference above and below creates lift (known as the Magnus Effect). Dimples amplify this effect, helping the ball climb higher and stay airborne longer.
Takeaway: Golf ball dimples are needed to increase both distance and stability.
Dimple Design: Size, Depth, and Patterns
Not all dimples are the same. Manufacturers carefully design:
- Number of dimples: typically between 250–500.
- Size and depth: larger, deeper dimples reduce drag but may lower lift; smaller dimples can increase lift but add drag.
- Pattern: circular, hexagonal, or mixed — affects how evenly the ball flies.
This is why different balls feel and fly differently. A “distance ball” may use shallower dimples to reduce drag, while a “spin ball” might use smaller dimples to help generate lift and stopping power.
How Many Dimples Are in a Golf Ball?
This is one of the most common golf questions. Do you know how many Dimples are in a golf ball? Check details to know the types and amount of the Dimples.
- Most golf balls today have between 300 and 400 dimples.
- Some balls have as few as 250 or as many as 500.
Why 336 Dimples?
The number 336 often comes up because it’s a common design many manufacturers have used for decades. It provides a good balance between lift, drag, and spin. But there’s no single “perfect” number — it depends on the design goals.
How Many Dimples Are on a Pro V1?
Titleist’s popular Pro V1 golf ball has 388 dimples.
- The Pro V1x, its sibling model, has 348 dimples.
- This difference helps fine-tune flight and spin for different player preferences.
How many dimples are in a golf ball? Answer: It depends on the model, but most fall between 300–400, with the Titleist Pro V1 using 388.
Are More Dimples on a Golf Ball Better?
The short answer: not always.
Adding more dimples doesn’t guarantee more distance or better control. Instead, performance depends on:
- Dimple shape
- Depth
- Overall ball construction
For example:
- More dimples (smaller size) → smoother flight, higher lift.
- Fewer dimples (larger size) → less drag, more penetrating trajectory.
Tip for golfers: Don’t pick a ball just because of dimple count. Test different models to see which matches your swing speed and feel.
History of Golf Ball Dimples
The first golf balls, called “featheries,” were smooth leather balls stuffed with feathers. Later, gutta-percha balls (solid rubber-like material) were introduced — also smooth.
Players noticed that older, scuffed balls flew better than new smooth ones. This led manufacturers to experiment with patterns, first with raised bumps (bramble designs) and eventually with indented dimples.
By the early 1900s, dimpled balls had taken over because they clearly performed better. Today, every serious golf ball uses them.
What Dimples Mean for Your Game
For the average golfer, dimples translate to:
- More distance off the tee
- More stability in windy conditions
- More control on approach shots and around the green
But remember: dimple design is just one part of the ball. Core construction, cover material, and compression also matter. That’s why testing different balls is key.
Common Myths About Golf Ball Dimples
- Myth: More dimples = more distance.
Truth: It depends on size, depth, and pattern. - Myth: Every golf ball has the same number of dimples.
Truth: Counts vary by brand and model. - Myth: Dimples only affect distance.
Truth: They also influence spin, lift, and control.
FAQs
Why are there dimples on a golf ball?
They reduce drag and increase lift, helping the ball fly farther and straighter.
How many dimples are in a golf ball?
Most balls have between 300–400 dimples. Some have as few as 250 or as many as 500.
Why are there 336 dimples on a golf ball?
336 is a common design choice that balances flight, spin, and distance.
How many dimples are on a Pro V1 golf ball?
The Titleist Pro V1 has 388 dimples. The Pro V1x has 348.
Are more dimples on a golf ball better?
Not necessarily — performance depends on the full design, not just dimple count.
Last Word
Dimples are what make golf balls work. Without them, the game would look completely different — shots would be shorter, less accurate, and harder to control.
So, next time you tee up a Pro V1 or any other ball, remember: those tiny dimples are the reason your drive soars down the fairway instead of dropping like a stone.