That probably has little meaning unless you are a golf pro or a low handicap amateur, but the design represents a major departure from Wilson's traditional ball-design approach. Seeking to optimize both distance and accuracy, Wilson Golf assigned a design engineer formerly associated with NASA programs to conduct extensive research and testing on dimple patterns. Every Ultra 500 ball has dimples of three different sizes, shapes and depths, each dimple mathematically positioned for best effect. The selection of dimples and their placement optimizes the interaction between opposing aerodynamic forces of lift and drag.
Large dimples reduce air drag, enhance lift and maintain spin for distance.
Small dimples prevent excessive lift that would destabilize ball flight to a degree. Medium sized dimples blend the characteristics of small and large dimples. The overall result, says Wilson, is a more uniform airflow over the spinning golf ball surface. Thurman's initial aerodynamic experience was acquired when he served in the Loads and Dynamics Group of Martin Marietta Manned Space Systems, New Orleans, Louisiana, manufacturer of the Space Shuttle's External Tank. In a way, my job is very similar to that at Martin Marietta.