Muley Hunter, not completely correct. The underspin created from the angle of the drivers, woods, irons, or wedges will give a golf ball a bit of lift but that isn't the reason they go longer, well most of the reason anyway. It is mostly because of the buffering effect that reduces drag that gives a golf ball more distance. I just wonder what kind of effect rifling would have on a ball. You think it would make it hook or slice? Shoot at a deer, yell FOUR, just in case I guess.