[link]http://wings.avkids.com/Book/Sports/instructor/golf-01.html[/link]

I think Pbs67 posted this link. It seems to support what I said about the golf ball. The travel distance/velocity is increased from reduced drag. Lift is created if a ball has back spin, otherwise lift will not effect foward motion asside from increasing the angle/altitude of the ball so it can stay in the air longer.

The effect of dimples on the submarine is a little different. The submarine is in water and does not experience exactly the same laminar separation and drag effects as the ball does in air. The pointed tail design does help reduce the effects of the low pressure area in the wake, but the benefits of dimples are due to reduction in friction against the bow and lateral surfaces of the hull.