 So that they look cute? NO!
Because the dimples maximize the distance golf balls
travel. Dimpled balls travel up to four times farther than
smooth-surfaced golf balls.
In the early days of golf, smooth-surfaced balls were used
until golfers discovered that old, bumpy balls traveled longer
distances. The science of aerodynamics helps explain
the dimpled phenomenon. The dimples reduce the drag on a golf
ball by redirecting more air pressure behind the golf ball
rather than in front of it. The higher levels of pressure
behind the golf balls force them to go far distances.
The dimples change the levels of pressure by bringing the
main air stream very close to the surface of the golf ball.
The dimples, or "turbulators," increase the turbulence in the
layer of air located next to the surface of the ball. This
high-speed air stream near the ball increases the amount of
pressure behind the ball-thereby forcing the ball to travel
farther. |
