The Effect of the Number of Dimples and the Number of Layers of a Golf Ball

on the Distance the Ball Travels

Austin Byron and Brendan Oles
Macomb Mathematics Science Technology Center
Physics 11C
Mr. McMillan, Mrs. Cybulski, Mrs. Tallman
29 May 2014

The Effect of the Number of Dimples and the Number of Layers of a Golf Ball on the
Distance the Ball Travels
This experiment was conducted to test the effect of the number of dimples on the
golf ball and the number of interior layers of the golf ball on the distance that the ball
travels before coming to a complete stop. The experiment can benefit any individuals
who golf. Golfers are looking for any little advantage to improve their game and give
them an edge over their opponents. Adding distance to their drive or iron shot is a huge
improvement to help some golfers lose strokes. To test the distance, a golfer would hit
the designated golf ball for the DOE, after the trials were randomized. After the ball came
to a complete stop a range finder was used to measure the distance (in yards).
A two factor Design of Experiment (DOE) was ran 50 times to test the effect of
the number of dimples and the number of layers on the distance a golf ball travels
measured in yards. There were seven trials ran in each DOE: three standards, a (+,+), a
(+,-), a (-,+), and a (-,-). The (+,+) is the high number of dimples and the high number of
layers. The first symbol represents the number of dimples and the second symbol
represents the number of layers. The (+,-) is the high number of dimples and the low
number of layers. The (-,+) is the low number of dimples and the high number of layers.
The (-,-) is the low number of dimples and the low number of layers. The high number of
dimples and the low number of layers (+,-) traveled the farthest distance. The low
number of dimples and the high number of layers (-,+) traveled the shortest distance. No
effect was found significant enough to be included in the parsimonious equation.

Table of Contents
Introduction...1
Review of Literature..4
Problem Statement...10
Experimental Design11
Data and Observations.13
Data Analysis and Interpretation.....20
Conclusion...29
Appendix A: Randomization...33
Works Cited.34

Byron Oles 1
Introduction
Golf is a wonderful sport that is played and cherished by many. It has been around
for hundreds of years, first being played around Scotland and Ireland, and has been
constantly evolving ever since its start. Everything about the game has evolved; the
courses, the players, the clubs, and especially the golf balls. Initially, when golf first
started, golf balls were composed of wood, then some time later they were composed of
leather and feathers. They have evolved to the point that in todays day and age, golf balls
are composed of different layers of different rubbers, resins, and urethanes as well.
Todays modern golf balls come in different numbers of layers ranging between two
and five layers per golf ball. Usually, beginners use two layer golf balls because they are
usually made out of a more durable material, and because they tend to be much cheaper
than a higher-end ball. In contrast, a better player will tend to use the ball with a higher
number of layers because of their ability to control the ball better.
Taking a step back for a moment, when golf balls were first made they did not
have any dimples at all. Rather, a smooth outer cover. Dimples are actually the reason a
ball travels as far as it does. Without them, golf balls would only travel approximately
half as far as they do now (McCoy). According to Bernoullis Principle, as you increase
the speed of the fluid of an object, the pressure of the fluid decreases. Essentially, that
principle applies to a golf ball during its flight. A golf ball has a high-pressure area on its
front side during flight. Air flows smoothly over the front side and eventually separates
from the object toward the wake side. As the ball is flying and spinning backwards, its
dimples leave behind a turbulent wake region where the air flow is fluctuating, resulting
in a lower air pressure behind and underneath it. This difference in air pressure causes an

Byron Oles 2
increase in lift. This lift due to the backspin of the ball as well as the difference in air
pressure is actually called Magnus lift, that peculiar lifting force experienced by rotating
bodies traveling through a medium, (DeForest). The size of the wake affects the amount
of drag on the ball. The dimples of the golf ball decrease this wake and increase lift.
Without the dimples, the size of the wake would be much larger, the amount of lift the
ball produces would be much smaller, and the total distance traveled would be greatly
changed compared to how it currently is for a golf ball.
Just about every single amateur golfer today wants to gain more and more
distance. Most only focus on their clubs, thinking they are the most important parts of
their equipment arsenal. It is true that clubs are incredibly important, however, the golf
balls that said amateurs use are equally as important. If the amateur is a high-handicap
golfer, it would generally be a bad idea to play an expensive high-end ball. Most likely,
that sort of player needs a cheaper, lower-end ball; these golf balls usually have two
layers and a high number of dimples. If that high-handicap player uses the wrong kind of
golf ball, they could be sacrificing an incredulous amount of distance without even
realizing it, and then assume that it is their clubs. If this player wants more distance, they
need to be educated as to what kind of golf ball they should play. On average, tour
professionals hit their driver between 280 and 320 yards. They are all fantastic players,
and all use the proper equipment accordingly. In contrast, the average distance an
amateur or recreational player drives the ball is only approximately between 195 to 205
yards. Unfortunately, this is largely due to their use of inappropriate equipment for their
personal game. These days, the sport of golf is growing in the number of people who love
and appreciate it. If this growing community were more educated about their equipment,

Byron Oles 3
and more specifically which kind of golf ball they really should be playing, then a lot of
people could shoot better scores, hit the ball closer to the distance they want to, and very
importantly follow along with the USGAs While Were Young campaign and, Play
more quickly, play better and have more fun! (United States Golf Association).
The experiment was conducted by choosing a ball by random and determining the
distance traveled by the ball, in yards. After the ball was chosen, the golfer hit the ball
after placing the ball on the tee, to help eliminate the difference of the lie of the ball
throughout the trials. When the ball came to a complete stop, a range finder was used to
find the distance traveled by the ball in yards. The results showed how the dimples and
the number of layers affected the distance the ball traveled. Furthermore, this data was
explicable by the science and physics of a golf ball with concepts such as Bernoullis
Principle, Magnus lift, as well as the coefficient of restitution, which is a measurement
for the amount of energy transferred in a collision. All explain what happened during the
trials; an increase or decrease drag or lift, the amount of energy transferred between
layers, and how they had influenced the distance traveled by the ball.
The results found in this experiment could change the way golf is looked at. The
manufacturing of the golf ball will be closely inspected by all. The manufacturers will
produce a golf ball that specializes in maximizing distance for the average player.
Whether it is increasing the total number of dimples or increasing the number of layers,
the modern golf ball could easily evolve and change forever. The results can improve
upon the business aspect of golf; companies that produce the best, most marketable golf
balls are going to make the most money.

Byron Oles 4
Review of Literature
In sports athletes are always looking to gain an advantage. Golfers are always
looking for the better ball and the better club. Any equipment that could gain them a win,
golfers are willing to buy. Clubs are always looked at as more important than the ball,
which hinders the process of finding the perfect ball, but this is not necessarily true. Golf
balls are just as, if not, as important as the club. The perfect golf ball can increase
distance, spin, and reduce the hook of a golf ball. Determining the perfect numbers of
dimples and layers is the key to finding the perfect ball and maximizing performance.
Six hundred years ago golfers discovered that rough used golf balls flew farther
than new smooth golf balls (Golf ball Aerodynamics). The nicks on a golf ball acted as
turbulators which means they created turbulence in the layer of air that touched the ball known as the boundary layer (Brown). Golf balls have on average 300-500 dimples with
an average depth of 0.010 inch. Changes in depths of dimples can cause changes to
trajectory and distance. Air exerts two forces on an object: drag and lift. Drag acts to
oppose motion where lift acts perpendicular to the motion. A golf ball has a high pressure
are on its front side. Air flows smoothly over the front side and eventually separates from
the object toward the back side. A golf ball also leaves behind a turbulent wake region
where the air flow is fluctuating, resulting in lower pressure behind it. The size of the
wake affects the amount of drag on the object. Dimples on a golf ball create a thin
turbulent boundary layer of air that clings to the balls surface. This allows the smoothly
flowing air to follow the balls surface a little farther around the back side of the ball,
thereby decreasing the size of the wake. A dimple ball thus has about half the drag of a
smooth ball (Veilleux and Simonds). There are two main types of airflow, laminar and

Byron Oles 5
turbulent. Laminar movement creates less drag but is vulnerable to separation, a
phenomenon whereby the air layer clings to the ball as it moves through the air separates
from the ball. Turbulent flow creates more drag initially, but is less vulnerable to
separation. At high speeds, like that of a flying golf ball, you want this air layer to cling
to the ball as long as possible, and the added dimples do just that (Bryner). Contrary to
many beliefs golf balls do not travel in inverted parabolas. They follow an impetus
trajectory the flight of the ball starts low and it gradually gets higher, which it then
peaks and then seemingly drops to the ground compared to how it started out. The
dimples on a golf ball paradoxically create a slight drag, while also increasing Magnus
lift. Without them the ball would travel in more parabolic trajectory, hitting the ground
much sooner. This was discovered by accident in the early days of golf when golfers
noticed that old roughened golf balls went farther than newer smooth ones (DeForest).

Figure 1. Wake Region of the Smooth Golf Ball and the Dimpled Ball (Scott)

Byron Oles 6
Figure 1 shows the wake region for the smooth golf ball and the dimpled golf ball.
The dimpled golf ball has a smaller wake region then the smooth ball causing less drag
and more lift.
A one piece ball is seldom used as a playing ball. It could be a good ball for
beginners, cheap in its production, but is mostly used on driving ranges if at all. It is
typically made from a solid piece of Surlyn with dimples molded in. It is inexpensive and
very durable. On impact with the club face, the one piece ball has a softer feel.
A two piece golf ball is used by most ordinary everyday golfer because it
combines durability with maximum distance. These balls are made typically a highenergy acrylate or resin and are covered by a tough cut-proof blended cover that gives the
two piece ball more distance than any other ball. The ball has a high coefficient of
restitution creating a greater change in momentum when the ball is struck; this causes the
ball to go farther. These hard balls are covered in either Surlyn, a specialty plastic
proprietary to the Du Pont Company, or a similar kind of material. The two piece ball is
virtually indestructible and with its high roll distance, is by far one of the most popular
golf balls amongst ordinary golfers.

Figure 2. Two Piece Ball (Golf Balls - Size, Dimples, Cover, Weight, Compression,
Pieces)

Byron Oles 7
Figure 2 shows the interior of the two piece ball. These balls are made typically a
high-energy acrylate or resin and are covered by a tough cut-proof blended cover that
gives the two piece ball more distance than any other ball. The ball has a high coefficient
of restitution creating a greater change in momentum when the ball is struck, causing the
ball to go farther.
Three piece golf balls or wound balls have either a solid rubber ore liquid center
which is covered by many yards of elastic windings, over which is molded a cover of
durable Surlyn. Wound balls are softer and take more spin, allowing a skillful golfer
more control over the balls flight when hit. It typically has a higher spin rate than a two
piece ball and is more controllable by good players. The wound construction over a liquid
center, combined with a soft synthetic balata cover, produces a very high spin rate,
providing maximum control and feel. The three piece ball has a lower coefficient of
restitution causing momentum to be released in the collision between the ball and the
club reducing the distance. Although that particular construction of the golf ball is
basically outdated, the same principle applies with todays materials. A three piece ball
typically has a higher spin rate than a two piece ball, are softer, and has a lower
coefficient of restitution compared to a two piece ball.

Figure 3. Three Piece Ball (Golf Balls - Size, Dimples, Cover, Weight,
Compression, Pieces)

Byron Oles 8
Figure 3 shows the three piece ball. The wound construction over a liquid center,
combined with a soft synthetic balata cover, produces a very high spin rate, providing
maximum control and feel. The three piece ball has a lower coefficient of restitution
causing momentum to be released in the collision between the ball and the club reducing
the distance
The four piece ball is a newer form of the original three piece ball.

Figure 4. The Four Piece Ball (Golf Balls - Size, Dimples, Cover, Weight, Compression,
Pieces)
Figure 4 shows the interior of a four piece ball. The four piece ball built just like
the three piece ball. The four piece ball has a lower coefficient of restitution than the two
and three piece ball causing momentum to be released in the collision between the ball
and the club, thereby reducing the distance the ball travels.
Engineers at Arizona State University and the University of Maryland built a
computer simulator of the way to track the air flow and the trajectory of a ball.
Mechanical engineers have constructed a computer model of a golf balls surface. The
model simulates a golf ball moving through air, and allows the engineers to solve
equations that describe airflow at more than a billion points across that balls surface.

Byron Oles 9
Running a typical simulation requires a supercomputer - the equivalent of more than 500
networked desktop computer running in parallel for more than 300 hours. The result is a
vast amount data about the local speed and pressure of the air around each dimple and
around the ball. The group is now beginning to rotate the ball to understand how the ball
acts in real life. The experimenters form the University of Maryland and Arizona State
University are testing how the number of dimples on the ball affects trajectory and
velocity. Unlike their experiment, the researchers in this experiment are testing the effect
of dimples and the number of layers on the distance the golf ball travels. Both
experiments are testing the balls with different numbers of dimples to observe the effect
of the number of dimples (Bakalar).
All in all, golfers will do whatever they can to improve. When taking into account
the factors that could improve their games, the golf ball is often overlooked. As for the
best ball for a golfer goes, the number of dimples as well as number of layers are crucial
in the determination of it. The dimples of the golf ball reduce the drag acting on the ball,
and increase the lift of the ball. Thus, dimples make the ball go further. The layers, as
mentioned, can also affect distance, because as the energy of the clubface has to transfer
through more layers, more energy will be lost and decrease the distance the ball travels. If
a golfer is skilled enough, however, they tend to find that more layers in the balls
construction allow them to have better control of the golf ball because of the higher spin
caused by those layers.

Byron Oles 10
Problem Statement
Problem:
To determine the approximate number of dimples and layers a golf ball should
have to maximize its distance within USGA regulations.
Hypothesis:
When the number of dimples is at the highest value, and the layers at the lowest
value, then the distance traveled by the golf ball will be maximized.
Data Measured:
The two independent variables of the experiment are the number of dimples on
the golf ball, and the number of layers the golf ball has. The dependent variable of the
experiment is the distance traveled by the golf ball measured in yards. The statistical
method to analyze the data was a two-factor Design of Experiment (DOE). A total of 50
DOEs were ran with a total number of 250 different trials.

Byron Oles 11
Experimental Design
Materials:
Sleeve of Taylormade Rocketballz (Standard) golf balls
Sleeve of Nike PD Soft (-,-) golf balls
Sleeve of Nike RZN Platinum (+,+) golf balls
Sleeve of Titleist DT Solo (+,-) golf balls
Sleeve of Taylormade Tour Preferred (-,+) golf balls
Nike VR Pro Blade Pitching Wedge
Ti-Nspire CX Calculator
Bushnell Tour V2 Rangefinder
Golf tees
Procedure:
1. Randomize the trials using the Ti-Nspire CX calculator (Appendix A).
2. Place the ball being used for the trial on the tee, which remains in the same location
for each trial. If the tee breaks replace with new one for next trial.
3. Swing the pitching wedge to hit the ball. After the ball comes to a complete stop
measure the distance using the range finder.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until all 250 trials are completed.

Byron Oles 12
Diagram:

Figure 5. Golfer hitting the ball for experiment

Figure 5 shows the setup for how the golfer will hit the designated ball. All 250
trials are randomized to reduce bias and lurking variables. After the swing, the ball was
allowed to roll to a complete stop before being measured with a range finder.

Byron Oles 13
Data and Observations
Data:
Table 1
Design of Experiment Values
Number of Dimples

Number of Layers

(-)

Standard

(+)

(-)

Standard

(+)

318

342

368

Table 1 shows the designated values for the DOE test. There are two factors being
tested in this experiment. The first factor is the number of dimples on the golf ball. The
low value is 318 dimples, the standard number of dimples is 342, and the high number of
dimples is 368. The second factor tested in the number of layers in a golf ball. The low
value for the number of layers is 2, the standard number of layers is 3, and the high value
of layers is 4.
Table 2
Golf Balls Used
Golf Ball

Standard
(+,+)
(+,-)
(-,+)
(-,-)

Taylormade Rocketballz
Nike RZN Platinum
Titleist DT Solo
Taylormade Tour Preferred
Nike PD Soft

Dimples

342
360
376
322
314

Layers

3
4
2
4
2

Table 2 shows the type of golf ball used for each group. The Standard is a
Taylormade Rocketballz. The (+.+) is a Nike RZN Platinum. The (=,-) is a Titleist DT
Solo. The (-,+) is a Taylormade Tour Preferred. The (-,-) is a Nike PD Soft.

Byron Oles 14

Table 3
Effect of Number of Dimples and Number of Layers on the Total Distance of a Golf Ball
Trial
1
2
5
3
4
Trial
1
2
4
3
5
Trial
1
2
5
4
3
Trial
1
3
2
5
4
Trial
1
4
5
3
2
Trial
1
4
2
5
3

DOE 1
Golf Ball
Standard
(+,+)
(+,-)
(-,+)
(-,-)
DOE 4
Golf Ball
Standard
(+,+)
(+,-)
(-,+)
(-,-)
DOE 7
Golf Ball
Standard
(+,+)
(+,-)
(-,+)
(-,-)
DOE 10
Golf Ball
Standard
(+,+)
(+,-)
(-,+)
(-,-)
DOE 13
Golf Ball
Standard
(+,+)
(+,-)
(-,+)
(-,-)
DOE 16
DOE
Golf
Ball16
Standard
(+,+)
(+,-)
(-,+)
(-,-)

Yards
Trial
(Yards)
129
1
126
5
132
2
124
4
129
3
Yards
Trial
(Yards)
132
1
138
5
140
2
139
4
129
3
Yards
Trial
(Yards)
139
1
131
5
141
4
134
3
148
2
Yards
Trial
(Yards)
140
1
141
4
143
2
138
5
133
3
Yards
Trial
(Yards)
130
1
140
3
134
2
134
5
131
4
Yards
Trial
(Yards)
141
1
143
3
145
2
136
4
131
5

DOE 2
Golf Ball
Standard
(+,+)
(+,-)
(-,+)
(-,-)
DOE 5
Golf Ball
Standard
(+,+)
(+,-)
(-,+)
(-,-)
DOE 8
Golf Ball
Standard
(+,+)
(+,-)
(-,+)
(-,-)
DOE 11
Golf Ball
Standard
(+,+)
(+,-)
(-,+)
(-,-)
DOE 14
Golf Ball
Standard
(+,+)
(+,-)
(-,+)
(-,-)
DOE 17
Golf Ball
Standard
(+,+)
(+,-)
(-,+)
(-,-)

Yards
Trial
(Yards)
133
1
127
5
134
3
134
2
132
4
Yards
Trial
(Yards)
129
1
142
2
145
5
135
4
131
3
Yards
Trial
(Yards)
129
1
135
5
139
2
130
3
138
4
Yards
Trial
(Yards)
131
1
130
2
143
5
127
3
127
4
Yards
Trial
(Yards)
133
1
137
2
139
4
140
5
128
3
Yards
Trial
(Yards)
137
1
128
5
142
3
131
2
135
4

DOE 3
Golf Ball
Standard
(+,+)
(+,-)
(-,+)
(-,-)
DOE 6
Golf Ball
Standard
(+,+)
(+,-)
(-,+)
(-,-)
DOE 9
Golf Ball
Standard
(+,+)
(+,-)
(-,+)
(-,-)
DOE 12
Golf Ball
Standard
(+,+)
(+,-)
(-,+)
(-,-)
DOE 15
Golf Ball
Standard
(+,+)
(+,-)
(-,+)
(-,-)
DOE 18
Golf Ball
Standard
(+,+)
(+,-)
(-,+)
(-,-)

Yards
(Yards)
134
144
133
125
130
Yards
(Yards)
140
140
149
132
135
Yards
(Yards)
135
129
140
129
130
Yards
(Yards)
133
137
138
135
130
Yards
(Yards)
135
141
140
135
132
Yards
(Yards)
129
131
141
134
127

Byron Oles 15

Trial
1
3
4
2
5
Trial
1
5
3
4
2
Trial
1
2
5
4
3
Trial
1
4
2
3
5
Trial
1
5
4
2
3
Trial
1
3
2
5
4

DOE 19
Golf Ball
Standard
(+,+)
(+,-)
(-,+)
(-,-)
DOE 22
Golf Ball
Standard
(+,+)
(+,-)
(-,+)
(-,-)
DOE 25
Golf Ball
Standard
(+,+)
(+,-)
(-,+)
(-,-)
DOE 28
Golf Ball
Standard
(+,+)
(+,-)
(-,+)
(-,-)
DOE 31
Golf Ball
Standard
(+,+)
(+,-)
(-,+)
(-,-)
DOE 34
Golf Ball
Standard
(+,+)
(+,-)
(-,+)
(-,-)

Yards
Trial
(Yards)
133
1
134
5
139
2
134
4
132
3
Yards
Trial
(Yards)
131
1
133
2
137
3
130
4
129
5
Yards
Trial
(Yards)
121
1
142
3
140
2
137
5
140
4
Yards
Trial
(Yards)
129
1
128
2
142
5
132
3
134
4
Yards
Trial
(Yards)
130
1
129
3
143
2
125
5
129
4
Yards
Trial
(Yards)
130
1
139
4
140
5
130
3
135
2

DOE 20
Golf Ball
Standard
(+,+)
(+,-)
(-,+)
(-,-)
DOE 23
Golf Ball
Standard
(+,+)
(+,-)
(-,+)
(-,-)
DOE 26
Golf Ball
Standard
(+,+)
(+,-)
(-,+)
(-,-)
DOE 29
Golf Ball
Standard
(+,+)
(+,-)
(-,+)
(-,-)
DOE 32
Golf Ball
Standard
(+,+)
(+,-)
(-,+)
(-,-)
DOE 35
Golf Ball
Standard
(+,+)
(+,-)
(-,+)
(-,-)

Yards
Trial
(Yards)
141
1
141
3
140
5
136
4
130
2
Yards
Trial
(Yards)
134
1
142
4
136
5
129
3
135
2
Yards
Trial
(Yards)
142
1
140
4
144
2
134
3
139
5
Yards
Trial
(Yards)
134
1
136
5
139
2
133
4
133
3
Yards
Trial
(Yards)
134
1
129
4
139
5
130
3
130
2
Yards
Trial
(Yards)
132
1
140
2
140
5
129
3
140
4

DOE 21
Golf Ball
Standard
(+,+)
(+,-)
(-,+)
(-,-)
DOE 24
Golf Ball
Standard
(+,+)
(+,-)
(-,+)
(-,-)
DOE 27
Golf Ball
Standard
(+,+)
(+,-)
(-,+)
(-,-)
DOE 30
Golf Ball
Standard
(+,+)
(+,-)
(-,+)
(-,-)
DOE 33
Golf Ball
Standard
(+,+)
(+,-)
(-,+)
(-,-)
DOE 36
Golf Ball
Standard
(+,+)
(+,-)
(-,+)
(-,-)

Yards
(Yards)
133
130
143
134
124
Yards
(Yards)
131
139
138
138
134
Yards
(Yards)
138
133
141
131
136
Yards
(Yards)
142
140
140
132
130
Yards
(Yards)
134
144
131
128
131
Yards
(Yards)
139
138
145
134
136

Byron Oles 16

Trial
1
3
2
4
5
Trial
1
4
2
5
3
Trial
1
2
4
3
5
Trial
1
3
4
5
2
Trial
1
3
2
4
5

DOE 37
Golf Ball
Standard
(+,+)
(+,-)
(-,+)
(-,-)
DOE 40
Golf Ball
Standard
(+,+)
(+,-)
(-,+)
(-,-)
DOE 43
Golf Ball
Standard
(+,+)
(+,-)
(-,+)
(-,-)
DOE 46
Golf Ball
Standard
(+,+)
(+,-)
(-,+)
(-,-)
DOE 49
Golf Ball
Standard
(+,+)
(+,-)
(-,+)
(-,-)

Yards
Trial
(Yards)
137
1
133
5
145
3
132
4
130
2
Yards
Trial
(Yards)
138
1
140
5
140
2
129
3
136
4
Yards
Trial
(Yards)
131
1
142
5
143
2
125
3
134
4
Yards
Trial
(Yards)
123
1
122
5
144
2
132
4
136
3
Yards
Trial
(Yards)
138
1
134
5
138
3
130
4
132
2

DOE 38
Golf Ball
Standard
(+,+)
(+,-)
(-,+)
(-,-)
DOE 41
Golf Ball
Standard
(+,+)
(+,-)
(-,+)
(-,-)
DOE 44
Golf Ball
Standard
(+,+)
(+,-)
(-,+)
(-,-)
DOE 47
Golf Ball
Standard
(+,+)
(+,-)
(-,+)
(-,-)
DOE 50
Golf Ball
Standard
(+,+)
(+,-)
(-,+)
(-,-)

Yards
Trial
(Yards)
133
1
130
2
141
5
130
4
128
3
Yards
Trial
(Yards)
136
1
141
2
143
4
139
3
128
5
Yards
Trial
(Yards)
132
1
135
2
127
3
137
5
130
4
Yards
Trial
(Yards)
137
1
125
5
140
3
133
2
129
4

DOE 39
Golf Ball
Standard
(+,+)
(+,-)
(-,+)
(-,-)
DOE 42
Golf Ball
Standard
(+,+)
(+,-)
(-,+)
(-,-)
DOE 45
Golf Ball
Standard
(+,+)
(+,-)
(-,+)
(-,-)
DOE 48
Golf Ball
Standard
(+,+)
(+,-)
(-,+)
(-,-)

Yards
(Yards)
137
132
139
127
132
Yards
(Yards)
134
138
142
121
131
Yards
(Yards)
138
134
140
131
137
Yards
(Yards)
132
136
141
129
133

Yards
(Yards)
139
140
140
131
131

Table 3 shows the results for each trial ran. A total of 50 DOEs were ran
consecutively after one another in a period of three days in this experiment, resulting in
250 total golf balls being hit. Each DOE consisted of five golf balls. The standard ball is
a Taylormade Rocketballz consisting of 342 dimples and 3 layers. The (+,+) group is a
Nike RZN platinum consisting of 360 dimples and 4 layers. The (+,-) group is a Titleist

Byron Oles 17
DT Solo consists of 376 dimples and 2 layers. The (-,+) group is a Taylormade Tour
Preferred consists of 322 dimples and 4 layers. The (-,-) group is a Nike PD soft
consisting of 314 dimples and 2 layers.
Table 4
Average Results of DOEs
Golf Ball
Standard
(+,+)
(+,-)
(-,+)
(-,-)

Yards
134.04
135.58
139.96
131.88
132.40

Table 4 shows the averages of all 50 DOEs for all the groups. The farthest
average is from the (+,-) group of 139.96 yards. The shortest average distance is from the
(-,+) group at 131.88 yards.
Observations:
Table 5
Observations
Date

Observations

5-7-14

When trials started there was a strong wind

going against the golfer until about the 5th
DOE. Right after that, the wind changed
directions and began helping the golfer with
a few random strong gusts that made that
ball carry further (example: DOE 6 trial 5
149 yards; wind carried the ball slightly
further than it may have gone otherwise).
The wind began to die down as the day
went on. The ground was a little wet due to
rain from the day before resulting in less
rolling of the ball. Golfer began to get a
little tired toward the end of the day.
Noticed the Taylormade Tour Preferred ball
produced a lot of backspin, and would
sometimes spin backwards after landing

Byron Oles 18
instead of rolling forwards. It happened
with Nike RZN Platinum too, but not as
much. Taylormade Rocketballz golf balls
which are two piece did not roll as far as
the two piece but rolled further than the
four piece. Both are four piece golf balls.
Performed DOEs 1-20.

5-8-14

No wind, the weather was perfect. Hottest

day of the year so far. The ground
conditions were fairly dry giving decent roll
to the ball. The golfer had good stamina
almost all throughout the day, until around
the 40th DOE for the experiment (example:
DOE 42 trial 3 121 yards; was tired so
golfer decelerated and hit the ball fat).
Trends with the four piece balls continued
that were noted the previous day.
Performed DOEs 21-43.

5-9-14

The day started off with little to no wind.

As the day went on a light rain began to
pour down. The rain could have slightly
skewed the data, but it was kept constant
throughout all of the DOEs for the day. The
wet conditions caused the golfer to mishit
the ball slightly more, but nothing too
notable. However, the four piece golf balls
plugged straight into the ground at times
instead of rolling out at all. The two piece
balls seem to have rolled the most over the
past three days. Performed DOEs 44-50.

Table 5 shows the key observations made throughout the experiment. It notes
different factors such as the date the DOEs were performed, the weather on that date, the
numbers of DOEs performed on that day, as well as how well the golfer was hitting the
ball, and lastly, the amount of stamina the golfer had during the day. Also, trials were

Byron Oles 19
mentioned the certain factors that were uncontrollable that may have had an effect on the
data collected.

Figure 6. Golfer Hitting Ball for Trial

Figure 6 shows the golfer hitting the ball for an example trial. The shot pictured in
figure 1 was a fairly clean strike. Although this was a good strike, no golfer in the world
will have the exact same swing for a total of 250 trials over a period of three days.
Certain shots were hit fat, and some were hit off center of the clubface, which produced
different ball flights than the golfers normal shot shape at times. However, the 50 DOEs
performed helped to eliminate the human error in this due to the large number of shots hit
because repetition reduces variability.

Byron Oles 20
Data Analysis and Interpretation
The data taken in this experiment is very reliable through the use of
randomization, control, and repetition. The use of randomizing which trial is coming next
with the use of the Ti-NSpire CX reduces any possible bias. The control, which was the
standard in the experiment, helps to compare the data collected in the experiment to other
data to check for consistency. Replicating the experiment reduces error and makes the
data more consistent. In this experiment, a total of 50 DOEs were conducted to reduce
variability. According to the Central Limit Theorem, because there are 50 DOEs the data
is considered to be normally distributed. The DOEs were then averaged out and a test was
performed on the averages. A two-factor design of experiment will be used to examine
the data.
Table 6
DOE Standards Results in Distance (yards)
50 Standards
DOE
Distance
DOE
Distance
DOE
Distance
DOE
Distance
DOE
Distance

1
129
11
131
21
133
31
130
41
136

2
133
12
133
22
131
32
134
42
134

3
134
13
130
23
134
33
134
43
131

4
132
14
133
24
131
34
130
44
132

5
129
15
135
25
121
35
132
45
138

6
140
16
141
26
142
36
139
46
123

7
139
17
137
27
138
37
137
47
137

8
129
18
129
28
129
38
133
48
132

9
135
19
133
29
134
39
137
49
138

10
140
20
141
30
142
40
138
50
139

Table 6 shows the results for each standard trial. There were 50 trials for the
standard group. The standard ball is the Taylormade Rocketballz. The distances traveled
are measured in yards.

Byron Oles 21

Figure 7. Scatter Plot of Standard Trials

Figure 7 shows the scatter plot of the standard trials. The average standard ball
traveled 134.04 yards. The data is left skewed with no outliers.

Figure 8. Line Graph of Effects of Number of Dimples

Figure 8 shows the effect of the number of dimples on the distance of the golf
ball. There is a positive effect on the increase of the number of dimples on the total
distance traveled by the golf ball. The average distance traveled by the (-) low number of

Byron Oles 22
dimples is 132.14 yards and the total distance traveled by the (+) high number of dimples
is 137.77 yards.
Table 7
Effect of Number of Dimples on Distance Traveled
Number of Dimples
(-)
(+)
131.88
132.40
Average = 132.14

135.58
139.96
Average = 137.77

Table 7 shows the effect of the number of dimples on the distance traveled by the
golf ball in yards. The effect of the number of dimples was found by subtracting the low
average from the high value, so 132.14 minus 137.77. The effect of the dimples on the
total distance traveled is 5.63, which means on average, as the number of dimples on the
golf ball increases, the distance the ball travels increases by 5.63 yards.

Byron Oles 23

Figure 9. Line Graph of Effects of Number of Layers

Figure 9 shows the effect of the number on the distance of the golf ball. There is a
negative effect on distance as the number of layers increase in the golf ball. The average
distance for the low value (-) of two layers is 136.18 yards. The average distance for the
high value (+) of four layers is 131.88 yards.
Table 8
Effect of Number of Layers on Distance Traveled
Number of Layers
(-)
(+)
139.96
132.40
Average = 136.18

135.58
131.88
Average = 133.73

Table 8 shows the effect of the number of layers on the distance a golf ball
travels. The average distance of the low value (-) of two layers on the distance traveled is
136.18 yards, while the average distance of the high value (+) of four layers is 133.73
yards. The effect of the number of layers on the distance of a golf ball was found by
subtracting 133.73 and 136.18, giving the effect of the number of layers to be -2.45. This

Byron Oles 24
means on average, as the number of layers of the golf ball increases, the distance the ball
travels decreases by 2.45 yards.

Figure 10. Interaction Effect of Number of Dimples versus Number of Layers

Figure 10 shows the interaction effect of the number of dimples and the number
of layers on a golf ball. The dashed line is the high number of dimples while the solid line
is the low number of dimples. The slope of the dashed line is -2.19, which means that
with the high number of dimples, as the number of layers increases the distance traveled
by the ball decreases by 2.19 yards. The slope of the solid line is -0.26. That means that
for the low number of dimples, as the number of layers increases, the total distance
traveled by the golf ball will decrease by 0.26 yards.

Byron Oles 25
Table 9
Interaction Effect of Number of Dimples and Number of Layers
Number of
Layers

Number of
Dimples

(-) 2

(+) 4

Blue
Segment

(+)
368

139.96 135.58

Red
Segment

(-)
318

132.40 131.88

Table 9 shows the interaction effect of the number of dimples and the number of
layers on a golf ball. The interaction between them is found by taking the slope of the
blue line, -2.19, and subtracting the slope of the red line, -0.26, to be calculated to be
-1.93. This means no matter how the number of dimples on a golf ball changes, if the
number of layers increases, on average, the distance of the golf ball will decrease.
Prediction Equation:

Figure 11. Prediction Equation

Figure 11 shows the prediction equation to find Y, the estimated number of yards
the ball will travel. The formula uses the grand average, effect of dimples, effect of layers
and the interaction effects to find the estimated distance traveled.

Byron Oles 26
Check:

Figure 12. Checking the Prediction Equation

Figure 12 shows the prediction equation for the (+,+) group. The equation was
checked by inserting the variables for effect of dimples, the effect of layers, and the
interaction effect into the equation shown in figure 5.
Interpolate:
(0.5,0.5)

Figure 13. Interpolating from the Data

Figure 13 above shows the prediction equation being used to interpolate a value
for a golf ball that would have between 318 and 368 dimples, and have between two and
four layers.
Check if any values are significant:
Range of Standards: 19
19*2 = 38
Effect of number of dimples
= 5.63/2: not significant
Effect of number of layers
= -2.45/2: not significant
Interaction effect dimples and layers = -1.93/2: not significant
To check if any values are significant enough, their own absolute value must be
outside two times the range of standards. In this case, that would mean that the absolute
value of the effects would have to be greater than 38 to be significant enough to belong in
the Parsimonious prediction equation; none of them were found to be significant.

Byron Oles 27
Parsimonious Prediction Equation:
Figure 14. Parsimonious Prediction Equation
Figure 14 shows the Parsimonious prediction equation for the experiment. None
of the values are outside of two times the range of standards and are not deemed
significant, thus the only part to the equation is the grand average of 134.955.
Interpretation:
The first variable used in this experiment was the number of dimples of the golf
ball, and the second variable was the number of layers of the golf ball. After examination
of all of the data, the high number of dimples on the golf ball caused the ball to increase
in its distance traveled, as shown in figure 8 as well as table 7 on pages 21 and 22.
Essentially, the more dimples the ball has, the more distance the ball goes. This is largely
due to Bernoullis Principle, in that the increase in the number of dimples had caused the
air layer surrounding the ball to cling to it longer than it did for the golf balls with the
lower number of dimples. This, in turn, allowed for the separation between that layer and
the ball to be delayed for the ball with the high dimples, allowing the drag force acting on
the ball to be lesser than that of the drag force acting on the ball with the lower number of
dimples.
More is not necessarily better in all cases, however. The second variable, the
number of layers of the golf ball, had an adverse effect on distance when it was increased.
According to the data in figure 9 and table 8, located on page 23, as the number of layers
went from two layers to four layers, the distance of the ball on average, decreased by 2.45
yards. This was because the coefficient of restitution was decreasing as the number of
layers of the golf ball increased. That means that the more layers the ball has, less energy

Byron Oles 28
is successfully transferred to the ball from the clubface at impact. In this case, more is not
better.
Together, the number of dimples and the number of layers affected how far the
ball traveled. In figure 10 and table 9 on pages 24 and 25 it is shown that the slope of the
high value line segment for the number of dimples is -2.19. The slope for the low value
line segment for the number of dimples is -0.26. They combine to have an overall effect
of -1.93. Although the segments do not intersect, their rates of change differ so greatly
between -2.19 and -0.26that an interaction between them can be strongly inferred. That
being so, it can be noted that the high value for the number of dimples was influenced
much more than the low value for the number of dimples by the number of layers the golf
ball was composed of. Basically, when the number of layers the golf ball is composed of
is increased, the ball will decrease in distance, on average, by 1.93 yards.
The scatter plot of standards, shown in figure 7 on page 21, suggests that there
was some variability in the experiment, possibly caused by confounding or lurking
variables that remained uncontrolled or unaccounted for during the experiment. These
variables could have been an array of different things; the outside temperature, the
humidity in the air, the direction and speed of the wind, an unlevel teeing ground and
landing area, as well as human error all could have influenced the data. As far as human
error goes, due to the fact that exact swing replication is incredibly difficult for an
amateur golfer to do just once, it is essentially impossible for anyone to reproduce the
same swing over and over again that was required to be done for the 250 trials from the
50 DOEs.

Byron Oles 29
Conclusion
The purpose of this experiment was to test the effect of the number of dimples
and the number of layers on the distance of golf ball by hitting a total of 250 golf balls.
Four groups of golf balls were tested: (+,+), (+,-), (-,+), and (-,-). The first symbol
represents the value for the number of dimples (+ is high, - is low) and the second symbol
represents the value for the number of layers. The high number of dimples in this
experiment is averaged to be 360 dimples while the low number of dimples is averaged to
be 318 dimples. The high number of layers in this experiment is four layers while the low
number of layers is two layers. The (+,+) group is the Nike RZN Platinum, the (+,-) is the
Titleist DT Solo, the (-,+) the Taylor made Tour Preferred, and the (-,-) is the Nike PD
Soft. The balls were hit by a single golfer after the trial was randomized. When the ball
came to a complete stop a range finder was used to measure the distance of the ball. The
hypothesis stated that when the number of dimples was at the highest value and the
number of layers at the lowest value, (+,-), the average distance of the ball would be the
farthest. After 250 trials, the hypothesis was accepted. The high number of dimples and
low number of layers (+,-) group had an average distance of 139.96 yards.
The first factor investigated in this experiment was the number of dimples on the
ball. The effect of dimples was not significant in this experiment. The effect of the
number of dimples was 5.63, which was not twice as large as two times the range of
standards. Although the factor was not significant, the results showed that an increase in
dimples increased the distance of the ball which agrees with the hypothesis. Dimples
create a turbulent boundary layer of air that clings to the balls surface. This allows the
smoothly flowing air to follow the balls surface a little farther around the back side of

Byron Oles 30
the ball, thereby decreasing the size of the wake. The size of the wake affects the amount
of drag on the ball. The larger the size of the wake, the more drag is on the ball. When
there is less drag on a ball, there is an increase in lift. The more lift on a ball the farther
the ball travels. This explains why the high number of dimples traveled the farthest
distance.
The second factor is the number of layers inside a ball. Golf balls consist of either
of one, two, three, and four piece ball. The effect of the number of layers in a ball is not
significant. The effect is -2.45 which is not greater than two times the range of standards.
The results were agreed the hypothesis. The effect of -2.45 means that as the number of
layers the golf ball has increases, distance decreases by 2.45 yards which agrees with the
hypothesis. This makes sense, because the coefficient of restitution for a four piece ball is
smaller than that of a two piece ball, meaning energy is transferred more efficiently in the
two piece ball, causing it to travel farther than the four piece ball as predicted.
The two piece ball is the most common ball used by everyday golfers because it
combines durability with maximum distance. These balls are made with a single solid
core enclosed in the balls cover. The solid core is typically a high-energy acrylate and is
covered by a tough, cut-proof blended cover that gives the two piece ball more distance
than any other ball. The four piece ball is a modern version of a three piece ball,
consisting of a solid rubber core covered by elastic windings and Surlyn, however, in
more modern days those elastic windings have since been replaced by different rubbers,
resins, and compounds like such. These four piece balls are softer and tend to have more
spin, allowing a skillful golfer to have more control over the balls flight when struck.
The two piece ball traveled the farthest partially due to having a harder core then the four

Byron Oles 31
piece ball. When the four piece ball made contact with the ball, the ball lost energy in the
transfer due to the large number of layers the energy had to transfer between. The two
piece ball has a higher coefficient of restitution then the four piece ball which allowed it
to maintain energy and momentum resulting in a farther distance.
Although the data showed possible interaction between the two factors, the
interaction between the number of dimples and layers was not statistically significant.
When compared to two times the range of standards, the interaction effects were
negligible.
The results from this experiment are commonly found in experiments testing the
effect of dimples. Research has shown that with an increase in the number of dimples
comes an increase in the total distance. The results from this experiment agree with the
results of prior research, such as that of Montana State Universitys College of
Engineerings experiment on the science of longer distance with dimples. Other
experiments have not typically tested the effect of the number of layers on the total
distance the ball travels. The results from all experiments conducted on the effect of the
number of dimples have shown that more dimples results to more distance.
Changes to the experiment can be made to improve the results. There were many
factors influencing the results of the experiment. Each trial was run outside where natural
factors like wind, weather, and surface conditions where the ball landed affected every
shot. To reduce the natural factors the experiment could be ran inside a dome where there
is no wind or weather, or possibly a launch monitor inside a building that records and
calculates how the ball should travel based on the club head speed and position as well as

Byron Oles 32
the angle of attack for the swing. An Iron Byron could be constructed to get a consistent
swing every trial. A single golfer hit the ball every trial and they do not have a consistent
perfect swing, every time. In fact, nobody has a perfectly consistent swing every single
time.
There are plenty of different factors that could be researched further in tandem
with the topic. Not only could a different range of the number of dimples be tested, but
also a different number of layers the ball is composed of could be examined, as well as
the materials those layers are composed of. When recording data for the future, certain
launch monitors can record the amount of backspin the golf ball has during flight. This
can lead to researching different principles of a golf balls flight such as Magnus lift or
even further in depth with Bernoullis principle. Such experiments can allow
manufacturers to continue to revolutionize the game and make the golf balls better than
they ever have been, in turn, allowing golfers to hit their ball further, control it better, and
lower their scores all while having more fun than ever, which is the ultimate goal. This
further experimentation would enhance the knowledge about the golf ball for producers
and consumers, which golf balls people need to use to gain the greatest distance, and
simply, the different physics behind it all.

Byron Oles 33
Appendix A: Randomization with TI-Nspire CX
Materials:
TI-Nspire CX Graphing Calculator
Procedure:
1. Turn on TI-Nspire CX calculator.
2. Add a calculator page to the document.
3. Hit menu button.
4. Select option five: Probability.
5. Select option four: Random.
6. Select option two: Integer.
7. Input the minimum value in the random number set.
8. Hit the comma button, then input the maximum value of the random number set.
9. Hit enter and use the random number that came up as the first selection.
10. Hit enter and use the random number that comes up as the next choice until all
numbers/options available have been selected.

Byron Oles 34
Work Cited
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29 Nov. 2008. Web. 29 Apr. 2014.
<http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/30/sports/golf/30score.html?_r=0>.
Brown, Michelle =. The Science Behind Golf Balls. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2014.
<http://radicalgolfcarts.com/articles/science-behind-golf-balls.asp>
Bryner, Michelle. Why Do Golf Balls Have Dimples. . N.p..n.d. Web. 13 Apr 2014.
<http://www.livescience.com/32446-why-do-golf-balls-have-dimples.html>.
Corbett, Jim. "The "Slice" Problem." The "Slice" Problem. Mr. Golf, 1997.
Web. 13 Apr. 2014. <http://www.mrgolf.com/slice.html>.
DeForest, Craig. "Why are Golf balls Dimpled?." . N.p.. n.d. Web. 13 Apr 2014.
<http://math.ucr.edu/home/baez/physics/General/golf.html>.
"Golf Ball Aerodynamics." . N.p..n.d. Web. 13 Apr 2014.
<http://www.franklygolf.com/golf-ball-aerodynamics.asp&xgt;.
"Golf Balls - Size, Dimples, Cover, Weight, Compression, Pieces." . N.p., 1 June 2013.
Web. 26 Apr. 2014. <http://www.golf.vonabercron.com/knowledge.htm>.
Scott, Jeff. "Golf Balls Dimples & Drag." . N.p.. Web. 13 Apr 2014.
<http://www.aerospaceweb.org/question/aerodynamics/q0215.shtml>.

Byron Oles 35
USGA. "USGA: While We're Young." USGA: While We're Young. United States Golf
Association, 2014. Web. 27 Sept. 2014.
<http://www.usga.org/MicroSite.aspx?id=21474856307>.
Veilleux, Tom and Simonds, Vince. "How Do Dimples in Golf Balls Affect Their
Flight?" Scientific American Global RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2014.
<Http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-do-dimples-in-golf-ba>