Golf ball dimples do not make the ball travel farther. Instead, they help the ball fly straighter and produce less drag, which can result in a longer overall distance. Here's how dimples affect the flight of a golf ball:

1. Boundary Layer Control: Dimples create a turbulent boundary layer around the golf ball, which reduces drag and allows the ball to maintain its velocity better. This turbulent boundary layer helps the ball stay in the air longer and travel farther.

2. Magnus Effect: The dimples also influence the Magnus effect on the ball. As the ball spins through the air, the dimples create a difference in air pressure between the two sides of the ball. This pressure difference generates a sideways force known as the Magnus force, which causes the ball to curve in the opposite direction of its spin. This spin-induced curvature keeps the ball on a straighter path and reduces unwanted deviations from its intended flight path.

While dimples play a crucial role in stabilizing and controlling the flight of a golf ball, they don't directly increase the distance it travels. Other factors such as clubhead speed, launch angle, and spin rate have a more significant impact on the distance a golf ball travels.