Soon the balls were coated with balata, a strong, water-resistant latex from the tropical bully tree. By 1930 British and American golf associations had standardized the diameter and weight of balls for tournament play. Manufacturers have tried all manner of dimple patterns since then. Today most balls sport around 400 dimples. Lately makers have been experimenting with two-tiered dimples in hopes of further reducing drag.
Some golfers complain that better technology gives players too much aid.
It does help duffers, but it hasn't diminished the skill pros require. In 1983 Titleist introduced the 384 Tour ball with 60 extra dimples. Golfers said it went farther. But if this argument were taken to its extreme, thousands of tiny dimples would re-create a smooth ball, which tests show travels only half as far as a dimpled one. A ball with 300 to 500 dimples works best, according to Steve Aoyama, principal scientist at Titleist.