how does temperature affect golf ball distance

by Eden Ruecker II Published 4 years ago Updated 3 years ago

The temperature of the air affects the golf ball’s flight
Cold weather causes a golfer to lose distance as it decreases their swing speed and clubhead speed
The ball doesn’t compress as well in cold weather

For about every ten degrees, the average golfer (90 mph swing speed) will see a difference of 2 yards in distance. So, if you hit your 9 iron 130 yards in 90 degree weather, you're only going to hit it about 122 yards when it's 50 degrees.Sep 3, 2020

Full Answer

Does heat affect how far a golf ball go?

Although it’s not the easiest thing to measure, colder weather does result in a decrease in golf ball travel distance. When the temperature decreases by 20°F you can expect a 1 – 2 yard decrease in distance for every 100 yards in a shot. Other factors like wind, rain and snow will affect the distance a golf ball travels more than temperature.

Does temperature effect how far golf ball travels?

Apr 10, 2022 · At what temperature does a golf ball lose distance? For every 10 degrees (Fahrenheit) drop in temperature, the ball will lose 2 yards of carrying. Below 40 degrees, the ball speed will decrease, and so will carry distance. You can get anywhere between five to ten...

How much does temperature affect golf balls?

The carry distance of the ball depends on temperature for two reasons. 1. The temperature of the club and ball affects the efficiency of energy transfer during the collision. The warmer the air temperature, the greater the efficiency and thus resulting ball speed. 2. The temperature of the air affects its density.

Does the temperature effect how far a ball travels?

Ball Temperature. 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...

How much does air temperature affect golf ball distance?

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.Nov 13, 2018

How much distance do you lose in cold weather golf?

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.Dec 1, 2021

Do golf balls go further in cold?

Cold air is denser than warm air and creates additional drag on the ball. More lift and drag makes the ball go higher and shorter. Tests show a loss of two yards of carry for every ten degrees below 75°.Oct 12, 2018

Does temperature affect golf ball flight?

He determined that for golfers who hit their drives about 250 yards (with a ball speed of about 150 mph), they will lose about two yards on their drives for every 10 degree drop in temperature. On the flip side, golfers will gain about two yards on their drives for every 10 degree rise in temperature.Jan 14, 2020

What affects golf ball distance?

Altitude, or elevation, and wind have the greatest and most apparent effect on golf ball distance. Every 1,000 feet above sea level a golf course sits, a golfer can expect their ball to travel approximately 2 percent farther.Feb 21, 2020

Do golf balls lose distance with use?

If even longer, permanent damage can occur to the golf ball. The primary effect will be losing driving distance. If a 2-piece ball spends about a week submerged under water it can lose nearly six yards of carry and roll. If it is underwater for three months it will lose about three more yards.Jun 19, 2020

Is 45 degrees too cold for golf?

There's almost no lower limit. I'd say about 30 degrees. But that's on a mild day. If there's wind or rain that number creeps higher very fast.Dec 16, 2021

Do harder golf balls go further?

These 'hard' balls are covered in either Surlyn, a specialty plastic or a similar kind of material. The firmer feel of the golf ball does produce more distance to a player' game but will also not be as easily controlled as a softer ball.

How does temperature affect a ball?

When the ball is heated, it becomes more elastic, as the bonds are able to move more freely and thus are able to stretch more than those in a cooler ball, and thus less energy is lost (Portz, 2011). This then means that the ball bounces higher.

Does warming golf balls Help?

As the chart above shows, ball speed was only slightly slower. The warmer balls spun a tick more on average and flew just a bit lower. The average carry difference was only one yard. In the extreme, it's likely that leaving your bag in the trunk of your car all day would have a greater impact.Nov 30, 2021

Does humidity make a golf ball go farther?

Heat reduces the air's density by causing it to expand. Humidity also reduces density because water vapor is lighter than dry air, so the more water vapor in the mixture, the less dense the air. So forget how the air feels on a hot, humid day. It is actually lighter, and will allow the ball to fly farther."Oct 30, 2019

Why does a golf ball not go as far in cold weather?

There are a few reasons why a golf ball does not go as far in cold weather. Below are the main reasons how cold weather affects a golf ball’s distance.

At what temperature does a golf ball lose distance?

There is no absolute temperature, but there is a rule of thumb golfers use. You can use the below as a guideline to estimate how much distance you will lose with cold weather.

Do low compression golf balls go further in cold weather?

Low compression golf balls are best used in the cold because they are softer and have a better feel at impact.

Which golf ball is best in cold weather?

When you’re playing in cold weather conditions, a hard golf ball does not travel as far as a softer compression ball.

Does Cold Weather Affect Golf Ball Distance – Final Thoughts

Golf balls lose distance in cold weather due to a decrease in ball speed.

Why does the distance of a golf ball depend on temperature?

How does temperature affect the density of a ball?

2. The temperature of the air affects its density. The warmer the air, the less dense the air and thus the less frictional drag on the ball. Thus, warmer air yields greater carry distances.

What is a swing speed radar?

Swing Speed Radar® is a small, affordable microwave Doppler radar velocity sensor that measures the swing speed of golfers. Practice on your own in the backyard, garage, basement, etc, as well as on the driving range or during practice rounds.

Do optimum trajectory angles correspond to loft angles?

Unfortunately, optimum trajectory angles do not correspond directly to optimum loft angles.

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.

How many yards does an 8 iron hit?

For every 10 degrees chillier, calculate about 2 yards of lost distance. 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 ...

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.

How many yards do you lose on a golf drive?

Is golf open in the offseason?

The general rule of thumb in golf courses during the offseason is that if there’ s not snow or frost on the ground, the course is open . The trade off? You’ll probably have to play in some rather frigid temperatures. And that cold weather can have a small but significant effect on your game.

Why does a golf ball travel less distance in colder temperatures?

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.

Why does a warmer golf ball come off the clubface?

So, a warmer ball will come off the clubface with more velocity and spin than a colder ball. Plus, it will carry a bit farther because warm air is less dense. Golf ball selection also plays a part.

How much distance does a golfer see in a 90 mph swing?

For about every ten degrees, the average golfer (90 mph swing speed) will see a difference of 2 yards in distance.

When to use a woman's golf ball?

Pro tip, men, don't be afraid to use a woman's (lower compression) golf ball if you are playing when the air temperature is below 50 degrees. Finally, while club selection is an integral part of golf, it is easily overlooked when playing in colder weather. Basically, you need to use more club when playing in the cold weather versus warmer weather.

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.

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.

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.

How far can a golf ball travel above sea level?

Why does my golf ball fly farther?

You can feel humid air more, but water weighs less than the nitrogen and oxygen molecules that make up dry air. So, you're hitting into thinner air, which means the ball goes farther as though a golfer were playing at a higher altitude.

How far does a golf ball fly?

According to the folks at TrackMan, for every 10 degrees of increase in temperature, the golf ball flies approximately 1.33 to 1.66 yards farther, depending on the club being used. This is because the temperature changes air density, which is ultimately the factor determining how well the golf ball can fly through the air with minimal drag ...

Does the golf ball fly farther in the summer?

However, the effect heat has on the distance the golf ball travels isn't as much as most golfers, including many professionals, think. If playback doesn 't begin shortly, try ...