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how does temperature affect golf ball compression

by Collin Mayer Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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When you golf in extreme heat (90+ degrees) the higher compression balls will have a lower compression rating vs the lower compression balls will have a higher compression rating Vs

The harder you swing, the higher compression ball you need. Likewise, if you swing with a slow speed, you will want a low compression golf ball. It is a common practice to switch to a lower compression ball in colder weather because the compression supposedly decreases in cold temperatures.Feb 4, 2019

Full Answer

Do high-compression golf balls work in cold weather?

During cold weather, high-compression golf balls are not as effect or efficient because they are more difficult to compress. If you are playing golf in temperatures below 60 degrees F or 15 degrees C, I recommend a lower compression ball or a high-compression ball designed for colder temperatures. Ball flight is a challenge in cold temperatures.

Should you switch to a low or high compression golf ball?

Likewise, if you swing with a slow speed, you will want a low compression golf ball. It is a common practice to switch to a lower compression ball in colder weather because the compression supposedly decreases in cold temperatures. Our procedure is designed to see how much temperature affects the compression of golf balls.

How does cold weather affect your golf ball?

As the temperature continues to come down, the air becomes denser meaning shots are more affected by friction and drag. As a result, you can expect less travel from your usually reliable premium ball. And to make matters worse, the cold means less compression and therefore even further loss of distance.

How does temperature affect compression?

Exposure to both hot and cold temperatures can alter compression but it’s perhaps surprising that heat has a more significant impact on compression than extreme cold. We wanted to find out what impact leaving a ball to bake in the sun has on performance.

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Is lower compression golf ball better in cold weather?

Low compression: When it's cold, a softer ball with low compression will provide a better feel at impact. They are good golf balls for cold weather. Softer compression balls compress more in the cold and have a good chance of flying slightly longer than harder golf balls.

How does temperature affect golf balls?

Cold air is denser than warm air and creates additional drag on a ball. According to Trackman, the difference is approximately one yard of carry for every 10-degree change in temperature. So theoretically, you're looking at a loss of four yards if you're playing in 40 degrees as opposed to 80 degrees.

Do hot or cold golf balls go further?

A golf ball will travel less distance in colder temperatures for two reasons. First, when the golf ball and golf club are colder, the transfer of energy is not as efficient, so the ball speed will be less. Second, colder air is more dense than warm air, so there is more friction and drag.

How much does the cold affect a golf ball?

According to Titleist research, a golfer will experience an approximately 1.5 percent drop in distance for every 20 degree drop in temperature. If you carry your driver 250 yards, that 1.5 percent drop equates to 3.75 yards.

Is 45 degrees too cold for golf?

Some golfers make a distinction between when it's too cold to play golf and when it's too cold to play well. Resolute players can be found on the green even if it's below 45 degrees and raining, but the weather conditions can take a toll on your performance.

Does warming golf balls Help?

Generally, a warmer golf ball travels farther. The rubber materials used to make golf balls respond better if they are more resilient. Warmth enhances resiliency. A warmer ball will come off the clubface with more velocity and spin than a colder ball, encouraging loft.

Are 20 year old golf balls still good?

So keep your balls in a cool, dry place and they will last for awhile. The golf ball researchers at Titleist state, "Today's Titleist golf balls can be safely stored for five years or even more, as long as they are kept away from excessive heat. ... Normal indoor conditions should be fine for storage."

Why can I only drive 200 yards?

The main reasons why the average golfer isn't able to hit 200 yards is due to poor technique, rapid swing, insufficient knowledge and lack of practice.

What temperature should golf balls be stored at?

between 70 and 80 degrees FahrenheitConversely, storing golf balls in temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit will cause the golf balls to soften. The ideal indoor storage temperature is between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

What golf ball should I use in cold weather?

Titleist Tour Speed 2022 Golf Ball.

What golf ball has the lowest compression?

Which golf ball has the lowest compression? The golf ball with the lowest compression is the Wilson Staff Duo Professional. Its low compression generally results in a lower ball speed and less distance, even for slower swing speed players.

Do golf balls lose distance with use?

Its results confirmed that in the absence of visible damage, repeated use had no effect on a ball's performance. However, it also found that even small scuffs led to a measurable loss in distance, reducing driver distance as much as 6 yards.

How does temperature affect golf ball flight?

Generally, temperature affects a ball's resiliency, the spin and the density of the air through which the ball travels.

How does temperature affect a ball's resiliency?

Generally, temperature affects a ball's resiliency, the spin and the density of the air through which the ball travels. Each contributes to how a ball performs. Knowing this can help your scores.

Why are rubber golf balls better?

The rubber materials used to make golf balls respond better if they are more resilient. Warmth enhances resiliency. A warmer ball will come off the clubface with more velocity and spin than a colder ball, encouraging loft. The ball's temperature also has an effect on bounce.

How far can you hit an 8 iron in 50 degrees?

So, if you hit a ball with an 8-iron about 130-yards when it's 90 degrees, you're going to hit it about 122 yards when it's 50 degrees. That's about a club shorter. In colder weather, you may need a 7-iron to hit the ball as far as you might with an 8-iron in warmer conditions.

What does it mean when the air is cold?

Colder days mean the air density is greater. If the air is "thick," the ball requires more velocity to produce a longer shot. Conversely, if the air temperature is warm, there is less density, and the ball has the chance to perform better and travel farther. It's not unlike the human body.

Can you put golf balls in the microwave?

Some are plug-in units that electronically produce heat that transfers to the ball. Others are compartmentalized units that allow you to put golf balls in the microwave oven.

What is a low compression golf ball?

Firstly, a low compression rating is 80 or below. Secondly, low-compression golf balls travel farther simply because they’re easier to compress, thus also soft. So they rebound or spring off the clubface. Thus, golfers struggling with distance choose low compression, such as these longest golf balls.

Why do golf balls go the farthest?

Because lower compression golf balls go the farthest, which is just what golfers with a slower swing speed need. So if anyone tells you that compression ratings don’t matter, distance for them is not such a worry as it is for beginner, high handicap, senior, or most women golfers. The sole function of lower compression is to make ...

What compression rating is best for a senior golfer?

As a senior golfer, it’s most likely that your swing speed has declined. In that case, a lower compression rating works the best in your favor. For instance, if your swing speed is 70 mph, then a 70 compression is the most suitable. With an 80 mph swing speed, the compression should be 80.

Why is my swing speed faster?

That depends on the core of the golf ball and your swing speed. In terms of the latter, a faster swing speed means more compression because of the presence of greater force i.e. energy transfer during impact. As for the core of the golf ball, a harder core compresses less in comparison to a softer core. With more compression, the level of energy ...

Which compression is better for swinging distance or distance?

If the distance is not a concern for you at all, rather you care more about control, then high compression is the way to go with your faster swing speed. But if control and distance both are on equal ground, choose medium compression. As for distance and distance alone, low compression works best.

Do golf balls have compression?

But, mind you, the hardness or softness of the golf ball cover has nothing to do with its compression. It’s the core of the ball that does, not the cover. And you can’t and shouldn’t use or even refer to both interchangeably.

Does a harder core help with distance?

As for the core of the golf ball, a harder core compresses less in comparison to a softer core. With more compression, the level of energy transfer through the ball is greater. And that, in turn, makes the ball ‘spring’ off that clubface, thus boosting distance. On the other hand, less compression on contact transfers less energy.

What causes a golf ball to fly higher?

The key factors for air density are humidity, air pressure, and temperature. Let’s take a look at how each of them will affect how far your golf ball is flying.

Why won't my golf ball fly far?

The conventional wisdom is that if it’s extremely humid the ball will not fly as far because the air feels heavier. Just last week I heard a broadcaster on TV talking about this during a tournament when a player’s ball landed short of the green.

What is the biggest impact on golf ball flight?

Wind and altitude have a much larger impact on your ball flight, and for most golfers wind is really the culprit. The other culprit is honesty. Most golfers aren’t realistic with their distances. Let’s face it, most of us are overstating how far we hit the ball.

What does a higher compression golf ball do?

Changing to a higher compression golf ball can help you in the hottest weather conditions. A high compression golf ball will decrease your distance so you’ re not hitting them out of the park.

How does the weather affect golf balls?

How the Summer Temperature Affects Golf Ball Distance. Performance on the golf course varies depending on the outside air temperature and the storage condition of your golf balls. As the summer weather heats up, your golf balls and the distance they travel will be affected by the rising temperatures. There are a couple of things you should take ...

What to wear for golf swing?

Hot weather will make you sweaty and uncomfortable and this can affect your swing. You need to wear a moisture-wicking polo shirt and a breathable pair of shorts to stay cool. 100% polyester fabric should do the trick.

What happens to the ball when the temperature increases?

Golf Ball Temperature. As the outside air temperature increases, the density of the golf ball will decrease. A less dense golf ball will expand in high heat and fly further down range. You might think that a hotter golf ball will produce better results.

What happens to golf balls in summer?

As the summer weather heats up, your golf balls and the distance they travel will be affected by the rising temperatures. There are a couple of things you should take into account before teeing up.

Why are my hands slippery?

If it’s hot outside then your palms will get sweaty and this excess moisture can make your hands slippery. We recommend investing in a good pair of absorbent golf gloves. Golf gloves will also give you a better grip on the club, which results in better shots. distance golf ball summer temperature weather.

Does humidity slow down golf ball speed?

Less dense atmospheric conditions mean a golf ball will travel further in space. And if you think humidity will slow down ball speed then think again. Hot, humid Southern air decreases air density even more so you’ll produce even longer shots.

What happens if a golf ball compresses less at impact?

If a golf ball compresses less at impact then you will have much less energy transfer from the club head will be lost in that additional compression. A big misconception exists around golf ball compression and golf ball cover hardness.

What is compression in golf?

Compression measures how much force is required to squeeze (compress) a golf ball. Golf ball compression happens at clubface/ball impact. Swing speed and core are the 2 biggest factors that affect golf ball compression results. Matching up your swing speed to the correct ball can maximize distance.

What is the difference between compression and cover hardness?

Often times they are referred to interchangeably BUT the truth is they are very different. Compression refers to the inner core whereas cover hardness refers to how hard the golf ball cover actually is. Hard Cover – creates less spin, less feel, and stop ability around the green.

Why did golf balls stop being advertised?

Today, golf ball manufacturers stopped advertising compression levels of their balls because there was a negative stigma associated with a lower compression golf ball. To me that is a bunch of garbage, if a lower compression golf ball helps your ball go farther then how awesome is that!

What is compression in computer terms?

Compression is “the action of compressing or being compressed.”. Alright good, that’s pretty straightforward. Think of it as compression is the act of squeezing something. Squeezing an orange, a baby squeezing a toy, a dog chewing on a tennis ball, squeezing a stress ball, compressing data on your computer to free up space ...

What is the best swing speed for a golf ball?

Medium swing speed (85 - 104 mph) - Most golfers will fall into this categoy. Pick mid compression ball, however, if you are toward the higher end of the spectrum you may want look at a higher compression ball and vice versa. High swing speed (>105 mph) - Pick a high compression ball.

Does weather affect compression?

Weather will affect the compression rating . There you have it - everything you need to know about golf ball compression. Hopefully, this will help you in that never-ending quest to pick the correct golf ball for YOUR game. Remember that each and every one of you has a unique swing, style, and approach to this amazing game.

What temperature should a golf ball be in cold weather?

The optimum temperature for a golf ball is 80 degrees. As a ball’s temperature drops, it won’t compress as much off the clubface.

Why are golf balls not as effective in cold weather?

During cold weather, high-compression golf balls are not as effect or efficient because they are more difficult to compress. If you are playing golf in temperatures below 60 degrees F or 15 degrees C, I recommend a lower compression ball or a high-compression ball designed for colder temperatures. Ball flight is a challenge in cold temperatures.

Why is it important to store golf balls at room temperature?

As a ball’s temperature drops, it won’t compress as much off the clubface. For maximum playability, store the balls at room temperature. Compression of the golf ball is a key fundamental to hitting the long ball. “The golf ball is compressed and flattened by the force of the impact. The lower compression of the ball results in the ball;

Why is the air thicker in golf?

As golfers, we say the air is thicker. This thicker are makes it harder for the ball to travel in the air because it has to push its way through more resistance.

Is ball flight cold or hot?

Ball flight is a challenge in cold temperatures. As an ex-aircraft technician, I understand the theory of flight. Although cold temperature helps an aircraft take-off sooner; the same cold temperature shortens the your ball flight.

So how does cold weather affect golf balls?

As the temperature continues to come down, the air becomes denser meaning shots are more affected by friction and drag. As a result, you can expect less travel from your usually reliable premium ball. And to make matters worse, the cold means less compression and therefore even further loss of distance.

What can you do to prevent this?

A key thing is to make sure you are keeping your golf balls warm between rounds. Storing them in a car boot or unheated garage will mean they will be cold before you even start your round. And that means more distance lost.

Warm Balls

We wanted to find out what impact leaving a ball to bake in the sun has on performance. Think of it as what might happen to your golf ball while it’s resting in the fairway while the group in front of you is putting on a slow-play exhibition.

The Takeaway

The initial results of our temperature experiments are interesting and there are definitely a number of rabbit holes we could dive into in pursuit of more insights.

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