Why Dimples Exist

A smooth golf ball would travel roughly half as far. Dimples cut drag by triggering a thin turbulent layer of air that clings to the surface longer, shrinking the low-pressure wake behind the ball.

Spin does the other half of the work. As the ball spins, the Magnus effect turns that spin into lift, pushing the ball upward and extending its flight. Together, dimple-reduced drag and spin-generated lift give a golf ball its long, high trajectory — something no smooth ball could ever achieve.