Ever wonder what the numbers on your golf balls mean? Well, they’re there for a reason. Knowing what those little numbers mean can help you buy the right balls.
Identify the numbers on your golf ball and improve your game
If you’ve just started playing golf or are simply interested in the game, you’ve probably wondered what the numbers on golf balls mean. The thirst for knowledge intensifies when you realize that knowing all aspects of the game can only make you a better golfer, including the numbers on golf balls.
Golf is an interesting sport that has many underlying nuances that you need to become familiar with. Many golfers are actively working on improving their swing, which is undoubtedly a great thing. However, you also need to understand the lesser known aspects of the game if you really want to improve.
The numbers on golf balls have many meanings. So the answer will always vary depending on how many numbers you see. Armed with this information, you’ll be ready to choose the best golf ball for your game in no time.
In this article, we will try to tell you everything you need to know about golf ball numbers. Let’s get started!
Why are golf balls numbered?
The reason golf balls are numbered is to make it easier for golfers to identify which golf ball is theirs. Yes, it’s that simple.
A few decades ago, when golf ball types were limited and there was no differentiated marking, it could become very difficult for golfers to determine which ball belonged to them. This often caused a lot of confusion and most golfers ended up playing with the same ball, which had a negative impact on their game.
Today, the need for numbers and golf balls is especially important because there are nearly hundreds of different golf ball models on the market. In short, numbers are necessary for clear differentiation purposes.
Understanding the meaning of the numbers on the golf balls
You’ll find up to three numbers on a golf ball: one number, two numbers and three numbers.
Single digit number
Most of the time, golf balls have a single digit number that is used for identification purposes only. In other words, when playing golf with other people, each player may have a golf ball with a single digit number that will indicate which ball belongs to whom.
Typically, these golf balls have numbers between 1 and 4, but numbers between 0 and 9 are also perfectly acceptable.
Two-digit number
Golf balls that have a two-digit number indicate the compression ratio.
The compression ratio of a ball will give you an idea of the feel of the ball. Golf balls with a compression ratio between 70 and 80 indicate that they are intended for women, while golf balls with a compression ratio of 100 are generally intended for men, who need to hit hard for the ball to work properly.
Today, however, only a few select brands still use compression ratings. On the whole, this evaluation system has become superfluous.
Three figures
The three-digit numbers on golf balls range from 300 to 400. These numbers indicate the number of dimples on the golf ball. This number should also not be confused with the number 100 because, as mentioned above, it is used to evaluate the compression and not the number of dimples on the golf ball.
Ultimately, you need to understand these numbers so that you can choose the best golf ball for you that really suits your golfing style and technique.
Is there a restriction on the numbers allowed on golf balls?
To answer your question frankly, there are no restrictions on what numbers can or cannot be printed on a golf ball. Numbers like 1, 2, 3 and 4 are the most common but you may also encounter an 8.
To put things in perspective, golf balls can have any number on them. Also, according to the rules of the game, a player is not limited to using the same number on the golf ball throughout the course, they can always change it.
Sometimes these numbers may be printed in different colors, namely red or black. This is an indication of the compression ratio. While the red numbers represent golf balls compressed to 90, the black numbers represent 100 compression.