Have you ever wondered why some golf balls have different numbers printed on them? Did you know these numbers actually mean something? Well, they do. In fact, the number printed on your golf ball might even impact your game.
What are the numbers on golf balls?
More often than not, if there is a number printed on your golf ball, it’ll be either a one-digit number, a two-digit number or a three-digit number. Let’s take a closer look at what these numbers mean.
One-Digit Numbers
If there’s just one, single-digit number printed on your golf ball, it’s likely there to make it easier to identify on the course. For example, if everyone you’re playing with is using the same golf balls as you, the different numbers printed on the balls will help you to determine whose is whose.
Golf ball identification is pretty important. In match play, hitting the wrong ball will incur a loss of hole penalty. In stroke play, hitting someone else’s ball results in a two-stroke penalty.
To make them even easier to identify, some golfers will mark or personalise their balls, too. Purchasing personalised golf balls featuring an image or marking of your choosing is a great way to make ball identification simple, without having to get right up close to it to read a tiny number.
So, if you find yourself squinting to find your ball on the course, you might want to consider purchasing some personalised golf balls.
Two-Digit Numbers
Two-digit numbers are actually not a very common occurrence on today’s balls but if they are there, they’re typically a representation of the compression rating.
Compression ratings can range from low to high and different ratings are better suited to different skill levels. Golf ball compression, put simply, refers to how ‘soft’ the ball is. Low compression equals a ‘soft’ feel and high compression equals a ‘hard’ feel.
As a general rule, balls with a lower compression rating are best suited to players with a high handicap and high compression balls are better suited to more advanced players with lower handicaps.
For example, low compression balls require less energy transfer from the club head to travel further. Beginner golfers and players with high handicaps often have a slower swing speed, so a low compression ball will enable them to exert the energy of their swing into optimal distance.
Therefore, the two-digit number printed on your ball is actually quite important. Keep an eye out for them next time you purchase golf balls - it could have a big impact on your game.
Three-Digit Numbers
All golf balls feature unique dimple patterns that can affect the ball’s performance in different ways. A three-digit number on a golf ball tends to signify how many dimples that ball has.
The number of dimples and the dimple pattern will vary depending on the manufacturer. Generally, a golf ball will have between 300 and 500 dimples. So, you’ll likely notice a number in this range printed on your ball.
Personalised Golf Balls
Looking for personalised golf balls? Here at gimmeballs, we stock a wide range of high-quality golf balls from top brands like Srixon and Titleist. Simply choose a brand, choose a ball, then add a custom image, text or alignment line to help you identify your ball with ease or to help line up your putts.
Shop Personalised Golf Balls
