Evolution of Dimpled Golf Balls – Know Your History
The evolution began in 1908, when the first dimple cover design was patented. Other types of covers were being used at that time, featuring a variety of patterns like the "mesh" and "bramble". However, the dimpled cover quickly became the pattern of choice for golfers that wanted to vastly improve their game, given its superior ball flight.
Less than a year later, in 1909, Spalding (later known as Top-Flite) introduced the Domino Dimple, the first modern golf ball to utilize the dimpled cover. It redefined the aerodynamic principles of lift and was made available in various sizes and weights so players could match their playing style. For the next 100 years, Top-Flite led the evolution of dimpled golf balls with the:
- Dot
- Kro-Flite
- Executive
- XL
- Tour Edition
- Magna
- Strata, Strata Tour Ultimate, Strata Tour Ace
- Infinity
- D2
- Freak
- Gamer
Evolution of Dimpled Golf Balls – The Power of Dimples
Today, all golf balls feature the dimple pattern or variation of it. Most feature between 250 and 450 dimples. Few have more than 500 dimples; however one golf ball was designed with 1,070. It is the record-holder.
Dimples on a golf ball, whether one or 1,000, exist to create turbulence and lift. Turbulence helps air flow remain attached to the surface of the ball, while reducing aerodynamic drag throughout flight. When drag is reduced, the ball flies farther.
In 1877, British scientist P.G. Tait learned that a ball driven with a spin about a horizontal axis (the top of the ball coming back toward the golfer) it produces a lifting force. The dimples keep the flow attached during backspin, deflecting wake downward and propelling the ball upward.
Evolution of Dimpled Golf Balls – Dimple In Dimple™ Aerodynamics
Dimple In Dimple™ Aerodynamics was designed by Top–Flite engineers to generate Ideal Flight Trajectory. More specifically, when a ball loses spin at the apex of flight and its speed decreases, it can lose lift and knuckleball out of the sky, sacrificing distance. Dimple In Dimple™ Aerodynamics helps maintain spin at the apex, delivering maximum distance through superior design rather than hard compression for a wide range of swing speeds.
The Top-Flite Gamer, Freak, and entire D2 line represent the latest in the evolution of dimpled golf balls:
- Gamer – A three-piece construction wrapped in Top-Flite's proven Dimple In Dimple™ Aerodynamics combines super soft feel, incredible Tour-like short-game spin, and legendary distance.
- Freak – Maxed out Dimple In Dimple™ Aerodynamics. Lightning-fast, high-velocity core for hot ball speed. Reduced driver spin. It's Top-Flite's longest ball ever.
- D2 – The perfect combination of distance and feel, Dimple In Dimple™ Aerodynamics allow for softer compressions without compromising yardage.
Click here to view Top-Flite's full line of golf balls.