who invented the dimples on a golf ball
Golf ball
In 1848 , the Rev. Dr. Robert Adams Paterson ( sometimes spelled Patterson ) invented the gutta - percha ball ( or guttie , gutty ) . The guttie was made from dried sap of the Malaysian sapodilla tree . The sap had a rubber - like feel and could be made round by heating and shaping it in a round mold . Because gutties were cheaper to produce , could be re-formed if they became out - of - round or damaged , and had improved aerodynamic qualities , they soon became the preferred ball for use . Accidentally , it was discovered that nicks in the guttie from normal use actually provided a ball with a more consistent ball flight than a guttie with a perfectly smooth surface . Thus , makers began intentionally making indentations into the surface of new balls using either a knife or hammer and chisel , giving the guttie a textured surface . Many patterns were tried and used . These new gutties , with protruding nubs left by carving patterned paths across the ball 's surface , became known as `` brambles '' due to their resemblance to bramble fruit . 
In 1848 , the Rev. Dr. Robert Adams Paterson ( sometimes spelled Patterson ) invented the gutta - percha ball ( or guttie , gutty ) . The guttie was made from dried sap of the Malaysian sapodilla tree . The sap had a rubber - like feel and could be made round by heating and shaping it in a round mold . Because gutties were cheaper to produce , could be re-formed if they became out - of - round or damaged , and had improved aerodynamic qualities , they soon became the preferred ball for use . Accidentally , it was discovered that nicks in the guttie from normal use actually provided a ball with a more consistent ball flight than a guttie with a perfectly smooth surface . Thus , makers began intentionally making indentations into the surface of new balls using either a knife or hammer and chisel , giving the guttie a textured surface . Many patterns were tried and used . These new gutties , with protruding nubs left by carving patterned paths across the ball 's surface , became known as `` brambles '' due to their resemblance to bramble fruit .
In 1848, the Rev. Dr. Robert Adams Paterson invented the gutta - percha ball.  Accidentally, it was discovered that nicks in the guttie from normal use actually provided a ball with a more consistent ball flight than a guttie with a perfectly smooth surface. Thus, makers began intentionally making indentations. Many patterns were tried and used.
In 1848 , the Rev. Dr. Robert Adams Paterson ( sometimes spelled Patterson ) invented the gutta - percha ball ( or guttie , gutty ) . Accidentally , it was discovered that nicks in the guttie from normal use actually provided a ball with a more consistent ball flight than a guttie with a perfectly smooth surface . Thus , makers began intentionally making indentations into the surface of new balls using either a knife or hammer and chisel , giving the guttie a textured surface . Many patterns were tried and used .