What do the numbers mean on golf balls?

Question

like on titliests and top flite their numbered hat do these numbers mean?

Answer 1

They don't mean anything except that they give you a way to identify which ball is yours. If every titlist looked the same, then you wouldn't be able to tell the difference between your ball, your friend's ball, or the ball the guy on the next hole shanked onto your fairway.  

Answer 2

Nothing more than a way to identify which ball you are using.  When you play in a group you tell them that you are playing a Nike 2 so they know which ball is yours.

Answer 3

They are used to identify the golf ball.

For example if four players in the same group are all using Titleist Pro V1's they would use different numbers so they know which golf ball is theirs.

An easier way to identify the golf balls if by using an permanent marker pen and use whatever mark you wish.

I use a green dot underneath the bottom left corner of the number.

Answer 4

The numbers dont mean anything, they are just to help you ID your ball. For example if two players are using Titleists, they should use different numbered balls so they know which one is which.

Answer 5

They don't mean anything in terms of the performance of the ball.  They are there simply to identify the ball so if you and your opponents both hit close to each other you know that you were playing with a #1 and he was playing with a #3, it is a penalty to hit a wrong ball.  You should also always put some type of unique mark on your ball with a marker so if you and someone else in your group are playing the same brand and number you can still identify which is yours.

Answer 6

Nigel, the numbers on golf balls have two main functions.

1. To help identify the balls of players using the same make. Technically, according to the rules of golf, every player should mark their ball in order to eliminate mix ups.

2. Many tour players are superstitious, They will only play with balls with a certain number on. This is born from the luxury of not having to pay for them.  

Answer 7

As previously answered above, numbers are used to assist golfers in identifying their ball.

Other numbers that may appear on some balls indicate the number of dimples in the cover of the ball. Specific examples are Titleist Pro V1 and V1x, and I believe some Nike One versions. These usually appear in the putting alignment line.