Make New Friends, Play More Golf
There are many reasons why you might want them there. However, the straightforward explanation is that a superb way for a golfer to make sure they don’t get their ball mixed up with either their playing partner OR an opposing team.
Why? Well, primarily, with each ball being easily identifiable, there is little chance of you or your ‘pairs’ partner hitting the wrong ball. And having witnessed this numerous times, especially if two players are playing with the same brand of golf ball.
We asked TSG Blogger, Kevin Booth, to investigate…
If you look closely at the ball in your hand, you will notice that the numbers are sometimes small and single digits, while others have two digits and can be either red or black.
Having spent quite a bit of time researching this and considering how and why I mark ‘my’ ball in the way I do, here are some simple reasons behind those golf ball numbers.
Firstly, the numbers help you identify your ball from someone else’s.
Especially when you and a playing partner use the same brand or range of golf balls.
The number can become your best friend and help you avoid any penalties for playing the wrong ball.
However, you should not rely on the number in isolation.
You should also use a unique marking that can be clearly identified.
In most instances, golf balls have a number between 1 and 4.
These don’t mean nothing in terms of performance – they are just there to help you identify your ball.
Now, this is where things begin to get more technical.
If you see a two-digit number, such as 70, 90, or 100, this often refers to the compression rating of the ball.
Note: Compression is how much the ball compresses when it’s hit. A lower number, like 70, indicates a ball is softer and compresses more, beneficial for slower swing speeds and has a softer feel. A higher number, like 100, means the ball is firmer, which means less spin and more control for those with a faster swing.
Three-digit golf balls typically indicate the number of dimples on the ball (usually 300).
Dimples help increase airtime and help the ball fly straighter.
These golf balls are not seen often, and this is something many manufacturers have discontinued.
If you spot one, this is a sign that the golf ball is old. So old, it may be a collector’s item!
Older golf balls used red numbers to show lower compression, and black numbers for higher compression.
In modern times, this is not a strict rule – different brands do their own thing and don’t rely on colour as a compression indicator.
Regardless of the manufacturer’s number stamped on the ball, it is important to add your own personal identification to your ball.
This could take the form of a ball stamp, a pen marker e.g. dots, lines, initials or little drawings.
A friend of mine who is an amputee golfer has a stick man drawn (with one leg missing).
It’s just another way to ensure there’s no confusion when you’re playing and quickly need to identify your ball.
In addition, some professional golfers have a personalised number on a golf ball.
I was interested to discover that Justin Rose uses the number 99 on his golf balls.
Why 99? It turns out it’s a tribute to his wife, Kate, whose favourite number is 9.
However, having made the decision to use this number for ‘luck, he then chose to only use a golf ball number of 99, as he believes it could “double his luck“.
And with an Olympic Gold medal and a Major under his belt, it’s certainly not done him any harm, has it.
At the end of the day, the numbers on a golf ball are primarily about helping you identify your ball.
The important thing is to ensure you can clearly and accurately identify your golf ball on the course….BUT don’t overthink it.
Pick a number you like, add your own marking, and focus on your game, not the number on your golf ball!
