How Much Does Cold Weather Affect Golf Ball Distance 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.
Full Answer
Does cold weather affect golf ball travel distance?
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.
How far does a golf ball travel in Celsius?
Temperature vs Golf Ball Distance Temperature °F Temperature °C Distance Golf Ball Will Travel 100 °F 38 °C 100 yards 90 °F 32 °C 99 yards 80 °F 26 °C 98 yards 70 °F 21 °C 97 yards 6 more rows ...
Why are golf balls so much better in the winter?
Muscles are more flexible and responsive when the temperature is warm than when it's cold, so we are able to move more efficiently. Now as for the golf ball itself, when its warmer, the rubber materials used to make the balls respond better.
Do PGA Tour players change balls during cold weather?
Granted, Middlecoff and Toski played in the balata-ball era, but even modern players switch balls during cold weather, with some, such as Phil Mickelson, occasionally changing to a different model. "I've changed to softer, lower compression balls when it is cold," said Mickelson at the Waste Management event in 2011.
How much does cold weather affect distance in 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.
Do golf balls go less distance in cold weather?
"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.
What does cold weather do to a golf ball?
Ball speeds dropped very significantly (more than six miles per hour on average). The flight was noticeably lower and, anecdotally, a bit erratic. Distance (both carry and total) dropped by more than 21 yards. If you were thinking of freezing your balls to try and boost compression, speed, and distance, don't.
Do golf balls go farther in warm weather?
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.
How much yardage do you lose in cold weather?
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.
Should I change my golf ball in winter?
Studies have shown that any drop in temperature shortens the distance that a ball travels through the air, impacted by the cold weather. Low compression golf balls have been noted to perform better in this climate, something that manufacturers have considered within their products in recent times.
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 a wet golf ball go farther?
Typically when the club is wet it produces slightly less spin and slightly higher shot then when the golf ball and golf club are both dry. We see very minimal differences between the club being wet or dry.
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.
Does cold affect golf clubs?
If your garage is not temperature-controlled, then don't store golf clubs there over a winter. Constant exposure to cold won't damage the clubhead or shaft, but could dry out the grips and cause them to harden or crack.
Does freezing affect golf balls?
It is certainly not a good idea to hit a ball when it is at freezing temperatures, because this will not only cause damage to the ball but probably the club as well, never mind the potential damage to your body if you are not warmed up properly.
Does temperature affect the bounce of a golf ball?
The greater elasticity that an object may obtain when it gets hot causes the ball to compress more, causing it to bounce higher and rebound more. We discovered that the warmer a golf ball is, the further it will travel when struck.
Does freezing affect golf balls?
It is certainly not a good idea to hit a ball when it is at freezing temperatures, because this will not only cause damage to the ball but probably the club as well, never mind the potential damage to your body if you are not warmed up properly.
Does cold weather affect golf clubs?
Can you store golf clubs in the cold? Even if you live in a region with cold weather, though lower temperatures aren't as damaging as heat, it can still cause grips to dry out and crack.
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.
Why do golf balls go further in summer?
When the air temperature increases in the summer, air density decreases. 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.
How does cold weather affect golf ball travel?
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.
Why do golf balls travel shorter distances?
Both cold and warm golf balls will travel shorter distances than normal. This is because materials in the golf ball change properties. This temperature change results in reduced shot velocity, especially during the initial lift off of a golf shot. Keep in mind there is a caveat here.
What factors affect the distance a golf ball travels?
Other factors like wind, rain and snow will affect the distance a golf ball travels more than temperature. However, advanced players will take into account the amount of humidity in the air, and how cold conditions are.
Why does a cold golf ball drag?
This is because the temperature of cold air is denser than warm air. When a cold club comes into contact with a cold golf ball, drag will be experienced. The cooler energy affects the distance and speed when a golf ball is hit.
Why does my golf ball curve?
Mud causes friction and added weight which results in the ball travelling less yards. Not known by your everyday golfer, mud stuck on golf balls will cause the ball to curve. A small amount of mud will cause the ball to curve in the opposite direction. Things are different when a ball has a larger piece of mud.
What to do if you see mud on your golf ball?
For example if you see mud on your ball, or water trapped on your club face, adjust your shots. This will no doubt result in a better shot and is far more practical.
Why does a ball curve in the opposite direction?
A small amount of mud will cause the ball to curve in the opposite direction. Things are different when a ball has a larger piece of mud. In the latter case, the ball will curve in the same direction the mud is placed.
How many yards do you lose on a golf drive?
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. The distance increase/decrease will decrease ...
How many yards does a pitching wedge gain?
The distance increase/decrease will decrease the shorter the club, though. For a pitching wedge, you’ll only gain or lose about 1.3 yards per 10 degrees, according to the findings.
Is golf open in the off season?
It’s technically the offseason, but if you’re hard core enough, you’ll still be able to play some golf. 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.
How to keep golf balls from cooling down?
One method is to use a different ball each hole and keep the other in your pocket. This will stop them cooling down as quickly and ensure you get the most out of your golf this winter.
What happens when the temperature goes down?
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.
Can I play Titleist ProV1 in the summer?
Personally, I play with a Titleist ProV1 in the summer but I’ll swap to the TruFeel for the winter months as it has lower compression so will travel further as the temperatures continue to plummet.
Why does a golf ball travel less in cold weather?
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. This will slow the ball down after impact and it won't carry as far. The same can be said about the human body. Muscles are more flexible and responsive when the temperature is warm than when it's cold, so we are able to move more efficiently.
Does weather affect golf ball travel?
Basically it just means how long the ball remains in the air after it leaves the clubface. The question is, does weather affect the distance a golf ball travels. The answer is yes, and it's really a combination of physics and meteorology.
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 you see in a golf game?
You’re not likely to see anything more than 2-3 yards at most.
How much does a 40 degree temperature affect a 6-iron?
Going from 40 to 100 degrees will increase a 6-iron carry by 8 yards and a driver by 9 yards.
Do you need to keep your head down to hit a golf shot?
There’s a lot of misinformation out there amongst golfers. For example, you don’t need to keep your head down in order to hit a great golf shot, despite what your friend keeps telling you at the range.
Do golfers have excuses?
All of us golfers are full of excuses.
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.
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 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;
What temperature do golfers like?
It is not surprising that just about half the respondents like to play in 80 degree weather. I am sure it has as much to do with the playing temperature as well as the performance of their golf 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.
How does cold weather affect golf balls?
Cold weather affects golf balls due to the coefficient of thermal expansion. Although it may take a Ph.D. to fully understand this, the short version is that materials expand or contract depending on the temperature, thus affecting their properties. A chill in the air also affects the ball after it is struck.
How does cold air affect the ball?
A chill in the air also affects the ball after it is struck. Cold air is denser than warm air and creates additional drag on the ball. Former USGA technical director Frank Thomas has said the difference is about two yards of carry for every 10 degrees change in temperature.
How many yards can a ball be at 40 degrees?
At 40-degree temps the ball can slow down and be shorter by 5 to 10 yards. But the balls are not 40 degrees when played. It takes a while for them to completely get to 40.". Snell added that cold temperatures also have an effect on other elements of the game.
Why do golfers wear bulkier clothes?
Players usually wear bulkier clothing and their bodies are not as flexible, further reducing swing speed that can result in fewer yards. How good a job golfers do at keeping their ball out of the frigid air also plays a role. For tour pros, that is often not an issue.
Who said it's a freezing cold golf ball?
Golf Channel's Frank Nobilo quickly offered an explanation. "That's a freezing cold golf ball," he said. "You have to take that into consideration." Indeed, you do.
How far did Jason Day hit the iron?
Cold facts about golf balls. On the first hole of his semifinal match against Matt Kuchar at the WGC-Accenture Match Play, Jason Day had an iron shot from 166 yards into the green. Although Day pulled his approach, it normally would have carried onto the green. On this day, however, it was short, landing in the greenside bunker.
How does cold affect golf?
To begin with, cold air can affect the performance of a golf ball. 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. Other factors—such as how the body reacts to the cold, and how wearing extra layers likely limits your backswing—can further impact distance. The takeaway: When playing fall golf plan for at least an extra half club, and if your swing is restricted by being fully bundled up, it might even be a full club.
Why is golf a bumper sticker?
Though it would take a college semester to fully understand this, the bumper-sticker version is that materials expand or contract depending on the temperature, thus affecting their properties.
Can you play golf in the fall with a half club?
The takeaway: When playing fall golf plan for at least an extra half club, and if your swing is restricted by being fully bundled up, it might even be a full club.
Can you warm up a golf ball?
Warming up golf balls is not prohibited, but there is a reason for that—it doesn’t work. Several years ago, Golf Laboratories performed a test that showed you could not get a ball warm enough to have any impact because the ball almost instantly adopts to the outside temperatures.
Is dressing properly important in golf?
And while dressing properly is important, even more crucial is understanding how the cold affects your game — specifically your yardages.
Is winter golf a different brand?
Winter golf is a different brand of golf. Getty Images. Winter golf might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but for those that do choose to bundle up and brave the elements, it’s important to know how to play in the cold.