Get a golf ball and look at the bumps (dimples). Why isn't a golf ball smooth like a ping pong ball? For a long time golf balls were smooth! Now they have dimples.



Remember, when you hit a golf ball with a golf club you want it to go very far. It will go much farther with dimples. As the ball flies through the air it slows down and then falls to the ground. The pressure of the air (drag) on the ball is less if there are dimples.

When you hit a golf ball with a club it will usually spin. The way it spins will decide which way the ball will go. The ball can go straight (and rise up) or go to the right (slice) or to the left (hook).