Golf Ball Physics

The history of golf balls from the first wood balls to featheries to gutta-percha to core balls has all been about the physics and aerodynamics of the flying spheres. Even though some of the initial changes were made from accidental discoveries, it was the scientific study of balls in flight that brought about deliberate improvements.

The flight path of the golf ball is determined partly by the lift and drag on the ball. There are two kinds of drag (air flow) behind the ball as it flies, laminar and turbulent. A smooth ball has laminar air flow, in which the air separates farther in front of the ball giving it less flight distance. A rough ball, or one with dimples, creates a turbulent air flow. With a turbulent flow the air split is closer to the front of the ball, and the air separation at the back of the ball is increased. Thus, the turbulent air flow creates more “flight energy” and the air flow stays with the ball and carries it for a longer time and distance.

A properly hit golf ball also has a backspin. The dimples help with the ball’s lift due to the backspin properties, too. Dimples help hold the air flow with the ball as it spins by creating a faster flow on the top of the ball (due to the spin) which is dragged around the back of the ball, where the friction is greater and the air flow speed decreases somewhat. This greater top air flow dragged to the back gives the ball greater lift.

Of all the factors tested over recent years to improve drive distance, the golf ball itself has had the most effect.