
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.
- Two-digit number :. The number above some golf balls is a two-digit number. Usually like 20, 30, 40 or 90. When a golf...
- Three-digit number:. A lot of times you can see three-digit numbers on your golf ball. And...
Why do golf balls have numbers on them?
What Do the Numbers on a Golf Ball Mean?
- 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 ...
- Numbers in the 300s and Higher. ...
- And the Third Number That Might Be Stamped on a Golf Ball ...
Why are there different numbers on golf balls?
What Do The Numbers on Golf Balls Mean?
- Single- Digit Identification. The single-digit identification number that I mentioned before are generally found on every golf ball.
- Two-Digit Identification Numbers. The second number that may be found on a golf ball is the compression rating. ...
- Three-Digit Identifiers. ...
What is bigger a golf ball or a tennis ball?
Golf balls, on the other hand, are 4.267 cm in diameter, or 1.6”. These minimum sizes increased from 1.62” in 1990. While you may have trouble telling which ball is larger simply by looking at them, most people can easily tell which one is heavier when they pick them up.
What do the different numbers on golf clubs mean?
- Driver = 23o yards
- 3 wood = 210 yards
- 2 iron = 190 yards (use 4 wood or hybrid)
- 3 iron = 180 yards (use 5 wood or hybrid)
- 4 iron = 170 yards
- 5 iron = 160 yards
- 6 iron = 150 yards
- 7 iron = 140 yards
- 8 iron = 130 yards
- 9 iron = 120 yards

What is the difference between red and black numbers on golf balls?
The color of the golf balls being black or red go back to when golf balls were truly made to compression ratings. Red numbers used to represent 90 compression balls, and black numbers were to represent 100 compression balls.
What does the 1 and 2 mean on a golf ball?
In a box of 12 golf balls, they will usually be divided into four sleeves, each sleeve containing three balls. Those three balls will then all have the same number printed on them. So, one sleeve will have three balls with the number '1' on them, another sleeve of three balls with the number '2' and so on.
What do the numbers 1 2 3 4 mean on a golf ball?
Nothing, really. These single-digit numbers are simply there for identification purposes. Say you and your buddy both play the same golf ball—a Titleist Pro V1, for example. You want to make sure you can tell them apart during the round, and using balls with different numbers can help you do that.
What does XL mean on a golf ball?
In this case, XL stands for “extra long,” which refers to the company's claim that its products will travel farther than the typical golf ball. Consumers should be aware that certain golf balls will travel farther only when hit by players with high swing speeds.
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 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.
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.
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.
Can you be sanctioned for golf if you have no number?
What this means is that they are not that important apart from identification of the player who owns the ball in a round of golf. You won’t be sanctioned in tournaments if your ball has no number.
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 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 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.
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 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.
Single-Digit numbers on your golf ball
If there are single-digit numbers printed onto your golf ball, they are probably there for the purpose of players identifying their balls while playing. This is often the case at courses where the balls are given to the players, as if the balls are identical, it will be hard to tell the difference between two balls that were hit near each other.
Double-Digit numbers on your 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.
Red vs. Black numbers
Many times when you’re dealing with golf balls that have double-digit numbers on them, the numbers might be different colors. Often, 90 compression balls or balls with slightly lower compression might be marked in red. This will help golfers quickly identify low compression balls if that’s what they prefer.
Triple-Digit numbers on your golf ball
If there is a triple-digit number on your golf ball, it can mean one of two things. Firstly, it might be a ball with a very high compression rating. This will only be the case if the number is in the low 100s. They do not make balls with a compression rating of much higher than this.
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.
