The short answer is simple. There are between 300 and 450 dimples on golf balls on average, depending on the brand and design of the ball. Most of the golf balls commonly used fall into the 325 to 360 range.
The golf ball’s dimples change the ball’s flight following contact. The goal is to eliminate the drag on the ball while it rockets through the air. The less resistance it faces, the more likely the ball will head in the direction you intended whether the company is stating that the ball is higher spin or less spin also plays a part in the dimples. The deeper the dimples, the more resistance and more spin that the ball will create.
The ability to spin faster or slower will change how the ball moves. Heavy backspin will cause the ball to rise and fall steeper. The extra spin can be beneficial when approaching the green but could be an issue for golfers that struggle with distance off the tee. Slower spinning golf balls are generally associated with longer distances because the lift or upward motion of the ball is changed. The ball’s lift and spin change by the club used and the angle of attack; the dimples will exaggerate the movement.
Everyone spends time and money on new clothes, new drivers, new putters. Having your clubs fitted or with a specific shaft, people rarely put the same time and energy into selecting their golf balls. Selecting the most expensive ball and assuming it will provide the experience you are looking for will only result in trouble.
Titleist ProV1 and TaylorMade Distance Plus golf balls are two of the highest-selling balls, but are they the right fit?
Today’s ProV1 ball is a high-flying ball with a semi-hard shell to help with short game spin. In my opinion, ProV1 falls into the category of a high spinner. Excellent when attacking greens with accurate strikes, but the extra spin can send heavy fade into a full-blown slice. If you pay attention to new advertising, even Titleist is attempting to showcase their golf balls’ “new softer feel” in 2021.
TaylorMade Distance Plus golf balls boast about distance due to low drag aerodynamics. Directly from their site, you can see that the dimple pattern is a significant speaking point to their claim: “A 342 aerodynamic dimple pattern is designed to reduce drag and promote fast ball speeds off the tee.” Again pointing out the importance specifically around dimple patterns and the effect on the golf ball.
My suggestion to any golfer trying to build their game into something more controlled is to pay close attention to the ball you are using and adjust to one that fits your style of play. If you hit the ball straight and long, a hard-covered, high spin ball can add a more precise level of control to your game. If you slice or hook a ball with a softer shell and low spin will take a lot of the ball spin out of play and get your ball flight closer to where you are aiming.
