Altitude, otherwise known as elevation, can have a drastic and observable effect on the distance a golf ball will travel through the air. For every 1000 feet (about 300 metres) you travel above sea level, you can expect roughly two yards more carry distance.
How does altitude affect golf ball distance?
Feb 21, 2020 · 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, …
How do you calculate elevation change in golf shots?
The first thing to understand is how slopes affect club selection. As a general rule, one yard of elevation change (up or down) equals a yard of distance. For example, if you have a shot that measures 100 yards up a hill that rises 10 yards from ball level to hole, those 10 yards must be added to the total – so it's a 110-yard shot.
How to deal with elevation changes in golf swing?
If hitting uphill to a green elevated by 20 yards, the ball lands on the green at a horizontal distance of about 141 yards. Thus, the effective distance of the 6-iron is 21 yards shorter. If hitting downhill to a green, 20 yards below, the ball lands ont he green at a horizontal distance of about 180 yards.
How do slopes affect Golf Club selection?
Apr 30, 2021 · How does altitude affect golf ball flight? Altitude, otherwise known as elevation, can have a drastic and observable effect on the distance a golf ball will travel through the air. For every 1000 feet (about 300 metres) you travel above sea level, you can expect roughly two yards more carry distance.
How does uphill affect golf ball distance?
As a general rule, one yard of elevation change (up or down) equals a yard of distance. For example, if you have a shot that measures 100 yards up a hill that rises 10 yards from ball level to hole, those 10 yards must be added to the total – so it's a 110-yard shot.
How much does elevation change affect golf distance?
Subtract 10 percent to account for high altitude, says "Golf Digest." Your 160-yard shot to the middle of the green will travel roughly 16 yards farther because of the thin air. Choose the club you would normally hit from 144 yards away.
How do you account for elevation in golf?
The first thing is to use the 15-feet formula. This formula should be approached as follows: If there is an uphill or a downhill shot of 15 feet of elevation, add or subtract one club. If there is more than 15 feet, add or subtract one club for every 15 feet.Aug 8, 2018
How does elevation affect yardage in golf?
Altitude, as you can see above, is the other big factor. With a driver, you get an extra 2.5 yards per 1,000 feet of altitude. But that's not all. The “optimal spin rate” with a driver, Rice explains, increases from 2,250 RPMs at sea level to about 3,000 RPMs at 10,000 feet.Dec 14, 2018
How much less does a golf ball travel at sea level?
First, figure that for about every 1,700 or 1,800 feet of elevation a ball will travel about 5 percent farther. That means that the ball will typically travel about 10 percent farther at this elevation than at sea level, give or take a few yards.Jul 23, 2019
Do elevated greens play longer?
All other things being equal, a shot hit to an elevated green is going to need longer to stop than a shot played to a green which is level with the fairway. Your ball will hit the ground while travelling on a flatter path, meaning the first bounce will be bigger and your spin will not have as much effect.
Does temperature affect golf ball distance?
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
Does golf ball go further Arizona?
Because you are at a higher elevation above sea level, combined with the hard fairways and the dry air, the ball travels farther.Jan 13, 2013
How much does wind speed affect golf ball distance?
In my research, I have found that a 10 MPH breeze will move your ball 1 club worth of distance in the direction it is blowing. That means that a 10 MPH breeze will move your ball 12 yards if that is the yardage you hit between clubs, 8 yards if that is the gap between clubs, etc.Dec 2, 2014
How does temperature affect a golf ball?
"When the golf ball gets colder, it can lose a few miles per hour in ball speed, which can mean distance loss due to speed," said Snell. "[The] optimum temperature range is 70 to 90 degrees. At 40-degree temps the ball can slow down and be shorter by 5 to 10 yards.Feb 26, 2013
Do matte golf balls go further?
Some golfers believe that matte finish golf balls spin fast in dry conditions but decrease their spinning capacity in wet conditions. However, the correct answer to whether matte golf balls spin more is that they do not.May 22, 2021
When should you club up?
Club up in golf is used by golfers who are going to use the next club in the bag for a greater distance as opposed to their regular choice. “Clubbing up” is typically used when a golfer is taking a shot into the wind or aiming to land the ball on an elevated area on the course.
How tall is a golf cart?
For example, a golf cart is around six feet tall, so you could use a cart that is up by the green as some kind of indication of how much height you are gaining or losing.
Is golf an easy game?
Golf has never been an easy game, and the challenge of even the most basic shots is a testament to the overall challenge of this sport. Of course, the game gets even harder when elevation change is added in to the equation.
Can a variabcluble play tricks on your eyes?
If you're accustomed to flat golf courses and find yourself on a hilly track, the new variabCluble can play tricks on the eyes. Uphill shots may appear much shorter than they play, while downhill shots create the opposite illusion.
Uphill & Downhill Yardage Adjustments
I often receive questions from golfers wanting to settle bets about something they have experienced on the golf course. I received one from a Lawyer who had an Engineering friend debating him over distance gained or lost hitting a 240 yd downhill Drive.
Learn how to club for uphill and downhill shots
I've used my golf ball trajectory computer model to calculate the actual distances uphill and downhill shots play for all the various clubs. You can instantly download my report.
Apply This Science to Score Improvement
Using accurate golf ball trajectory software, one can calculate how to adjust your club selection for changes in temperature, wind, altitude and elevation (uphill/downhill shots). See below.
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What weather factors impact ball flight?
The overarching weather factor that affects ball flight is air density.
How does altitude affect golf ball flight?
Altitude, otherwise known as elevation, can have a drastic and observable effect on the distance a golf ball will travel through the air. For every 1000 feet (about 300 metres) you travel above sea level, you can expect roughly two yards more carry distance.
Why does altitude affect golf ball flight?
The reason altitude affects ball flight so greatly is due to a reduction in air density. The thinner air at higher elevation reduces drag force, allowing the ball to fly farther without the resistive influence.
Do higher altitudes impact golf ball spin and launch angle?
Higher altitudes do not have an impact on spin, but they do influence lift, so your ball will have greater difficulty reaching the heights it may at sea level. Expect shots to have a flatter trajectory, less grip and more roll out on greens and fairways. The lower density also means less force will be imparted on the ball, reducing slice and hook.
How much yardage should you subtract for a downhill shot?
Downhill shots, whether off the tee or on approach to the green, will fly farther than normal, therefore requiring less club. As a rough guide, for every 15 feet (5 metres) your target is situated below you, it’s best to take one less club.
How much yardage should you add for an uphill shot?
When playing an uphill shot, you need to take more club as the ball will find the earth quicker than if you were playing to a target level with you. As a rough guide, for every 15 feet (5 metres) your target is situated above you, it’s best to take one extra club.
Final message
There are many factors that affect the trajectory of the golf ball, some more drastically than others.