The Science Behind The Golf Ball
It seems simple enough; a small, round object is struck with a larger metal object, but a significant amount of research has gone into perfecting the design of the golf ball. Ever wondered why balls have dimples, or why some are harder than others? Having a greater knowledge of the inner workings of the golf ball may be the slight edge needed to improve your handicap.
Dimples
A golf ball contains somewhere between 330 and 500 dimples depending on the brand. These small dimples, as odd as it seems, makes a golf ball more aerodynamic as it flies through the air. A ball without dimples is much more influenced by wind and the drag of air.
Hardness
Put simply, harder balls go further, softer balls offer more control. Harder balls deform less when struck, which in turn means more energy put into momentum. Softer balls, however, deform more easily, resulting in an easier time giving a ball the spin needed for a shot. Which option you choose is up to you.
Using older balls
Golf balls should be replaced periodically. When a ball is struck, the rubber core at its center changes shape over repeated strikes. Though it may not seem like it, as a ball is hit its shape deforms over time.More info here: Callaway Golf Balls