
What The Number on a Golf Ball Means
- One-Digit Number. Most golf balls have a single-digit number on them that is placed right underneath the brand name. ...
- Two-Digit Number. Golf balls with a double-digit number show their respective compression rating. ...
- Three-Digit Number. Have you ever seen a golf ball with a triple-digit number on it? ...
Why are there different numbers on golf balls?
Aug 11, 2003 · The One Number All Golf Balls Have . That one number that all golf balls share is an identification number that almost always appears right below the name of the golf ball's brand. This number is most likely to be a 1, 2, 3, or 4 (although it can also be anything from a zero to a 9—and, in recent times, golf ball customization has allowed some golfers to order a double …
Which golf ball has the least spin?
May 01, 2021 · What Does the Number on a Golf Ball Mean? The numbers printed on a golf ball are there for easy identification of who owns the ball during a game. With most balls looking the same, identifying each can be difficult, which is exactly why the numbers exist. The meaning will differ depending on the manufacturer. There can be one, two, or three numbers.
What is the best all around golf ball?
Nov 05, 2021 · The numbers on golf balls can mean a few different things. Usually, a golf ball will have one or two numbers on it to avoid clutter and confusion, but it’s important to know why they’re there. Generally, the reasoning behind including them depends on if they are one digit, two digits, or three digits. The numbers on your golf ball indicate: The number of dimples on the …
What type of golf ball bounces the highest?
What Do the Numbers on a Golf Ball Mean? One-digit number : The single digit number below the brand name in the middle of the golf ball is for identification. This number can range from 0 to ... Two-digit number : Three-digit number: Other numbers on a golf ball :

How many digits are in a golf ball?
When a golf ball has three-digit numbers, they will usually range from 300 to 500. These numbers are indicative of the dimples a golf ball has. This is a lot more common in older golf balls. For newer balls, this number is indicated on the box instead.
Why are there numbers on golf balls?
The numbers printed on a golf ball are there for easy identification of who owns the ball during a game. With most balls looking the same, identifying each can be difficult, which is exactly why the numbers exist. The meaning will differ depending on the manufacturer. There can be one, two, or three numbers.
How much does a golf ball weigh?
This is another important number you need to know as it is indicative of the weight of a golf ball. A standard golf ball has a mass of 1.62 ounces or 45.93 grams. Using a lighter or heavier golf ball will affect its performance, especially the way it travels.
What is the purpose of a golf ball?
The main purpose is for the identification of the ball and to differentiate it from other players. Even if you and your friend are playing using the same brand of a golf ball, you will start the game with balls of different numbers. For instance, yours is 1 while your buddy’s ball is 2.
How big is a golf ball?
A golf ball has a diameter of 1.68 inches or 42.67 mm. Older golf balls, however, have a diameter of 1.62 inches. The diameter is standard across several manufacturers. This is important to make sure that it fits in standard golf holes.
How fast does a golf ball travel?
For professionals, the ball will travel faster because they are more powerful. In most instances, a ball that is hit off the tee will travel at an average speed of 160 MPH.
What does 22 mean on golf balls?
Rory McIlroy is one of the most popular players with custom number golf balls. His golf balls have 22 printed on them, which signifies his wedding anniversary. This perhaps shows how his wife is his inspiration in his games.
Three-Digit Numbers On Your Golf Ball: Number of Dimples
You may be especially curious about what the numbers on golf balls mean when you see a three-digit number. This number will probably be found directly underneath the ball’s brand name and range anywhere from 300 to 500. This number usually indicates how many dimples are in the golf ball.
Numbers On Golf Ball Can Be Used For Identification
When asking “what the numbers on golf balls mean?”, you may see single-digit numbers.
Compression Numbers Vs. Identification Numbers
It would help if you were careful not to confuse a unique two-digit identification number with a compression number, usually two digits.
Compression Ratings Printed on Golf Balls
We’ve touched briefly on what a compression rating looks like on your golf ball, and it will always be a rounded number that ends in 0. Compression rating numbers are usually two digits but can be as high as 110, so it’s important not to confuse the number of dimples.
What number do golf balls print?
Most golf ball manufacturers print 1,2,3,4. It is not mandatory for a player to use the same number of golf balls throughout the round. A good deal of golf ball manufacturers print black or red numbers on the golf ball. Most are black but sometimes red.
What does a three digit number on a golf ball mean?
But keep in mind that the three-digit number of 100,110, indicates a compression rating .
What does it mean when a golf ball has a double digit number?
When a golf ball has a double digit number, it usually indicates the rate of contraction of the ball. These are important decisions made by golf balls. Through this some strategies can be determined. These numbered golf balls are used by golfers with slower compression and are used for faster swings.
What is a 20 to 40 golf ball?
The numbers 20 to 40 are referred to as a “ ladies ” ball and 70 to 80 are also referred to as a “ladies” ball in many cases. Again some golf ball manufacturers use them to identify a few models of the ball. In this case, they usually use the '99' digit. These digits (100,110) are commonly used for male golfers.
Why do people print lucky numbers on golf balls?
A several uses the lucky number again. Some people print different numbers on the golf ball to remember their birthdays, wedding anniversaries, or special days. If you also want to have a number of your choice that has some personal meaning then, you can use it too.
What is the purpose of the number 1 to 4?
However, most printed numbers are usually 1 to 4. The main purpose of these numbers is to differentiate the ball of one player from the ball of another player. These numbers can help you play with the right ball. If you have to pay a fine while playing, it can help you avoid fines.
Can you pick the same golf ball?
Currently, some golf ball models are very popular. And a few golfers in the same group can play by picking the same golf ball. But if they have different numbers, then there will be a difference.
What Do the Numbers on Golf Balls Mean?
Each number marked on the golf ball has an interesting meaning that you may have never heard about. Below are some common ways of numbering you may notice.
FAQs
Below, I have gathered and answered some of the most frequently asked questions that people are asking in the golf community about what the numbers on their balls mean.
Conclusion
Above are the numbers that can be written on the golf ball and what it means. If people in the past used numbers as indications, numbers on modern golf balls mainly present personal meanings and preferences for the purpose of distinguishing.
What number should a golf ball have?
In both professional and recreational games, there are no current restrictions on what number should a golf ball has.
What does the number of golf clubs mean?
The number of golf clubs refers to the loft (the angle of the clubface). The higher number a golf club has, the loftier it is. It will mean that the angle of the golf club face is more intense: providing a higher launch with a shorter range. For a lower number of golf clubs, the opposite is possible.
What does a 100 mean in golf?
However, a number lower than 300, like 100 may indicate the compression rating of the ball. The number 100 usually designates a golf ball meant for average male golfers.
What does it mean when you see a double digit number on a golf ball?
If you see a double-digit number on your golf ball, it can sometimes be for the identification of players, though it’s not very common. If this is the case, these numbers will be rather low, probably under 20. Once you get into the 80s and 90s, these numbers serve a different purpose.
What is triple digit number?
Triple-digit numbers are either for compression, if they’re in the low 100s, or used to indicate the number of dimples on the ball. This number is almost always between 300 and 500.
Why do golfers put dimples on their golf balls?
This is because a flat surface is more susceptible to changing directions due to wind. However, when dimples are put on the ball, it makes it easier for golfers to control.
One-Digit Number
Most golf balls have a single-digit number on them that is placed right underneath the brand name. This is put on the golf ball purely for identification purposes. The number is put there to help golfers avoid careless penalties during their rounds.
Two-Digit Number
Golf balls with a double-digit number show their respective compression rating. What does compression rating mean? It’s simply a way to measure the hardness level of a golf ball.
Three-Digit Number
Have you ever seen a golf ball with a triple-digit number on it? The three digits are letting you know the number of dimples on the golf ball. Most golf balls that use this feature have a dimple pattern of between 300 and 400 dimples.
Mike Noblin
Mike has been involved with sports for over 30 years. He's been an avid golfer for more than 10 years and is obsessed with watching the Golf Channel and taking notes on a daily basis. He also holds a degree in Sports Psychology.
What Do Numbers On Golf Balls Mean?
Is there a deeper golf ball number meaning to the number on the golf ball?
What Does The Color Of The Number On A Golf Ball Mean?
Similar to the use of double-digit numbers, golf ball manufacturers used color to distinguish between the compression rating of golf balls.
Conclusion
Were you aware of the use of color and numbers on golf balls? Do you think it is a tradition that should return to assist golfers in selecting the right golf ball for them?
What do the numbers on golf balls actually mean?
Although not every manufacturer is the same, most of them will print either 1,2, or 3 digits on the golf ball. Each number can have a different meaning.
What does the color of golf ball numbers mean?
Although it is not as common anymore, golf ball manufacturers would display the numbers on the ball in the color red or black.
Are 25-year-old golf balls still good?
Over time, a golf ball will lose its efficiency and not perform as well as a new golf ball will. Depending on the environmental conditions, and how long the ball has been sitting, a golf ball will last around 10 years. If kept in dry storage at room temperature, the shelf life of the ball will increase.
Golf ball dimensions and weight
There is a rule that states that a golf ball must have a minimum diameter of 1.68 inches or 42.67 mm. Also, the weight of a golf ball must be more than 1.620 ounces.
