I understand how dimples on a golf ball reduce pressure drag, but wouldn’t they …

I understand how dimples on a golf ball reduce pressure drag, but wouldn’t they also increase viscous drag? (i.e. a rougher surface experiences more “friction” from the air).

Yes, the dimpled golf ball probably does experience more viscous drag than a smooth golf ball. But viscous drag is only a small fraction of the total drag on the ball. Pressure drag is much more important (and much larger).

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