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why does the golf ball not travel as far in florida

by Prof. Minerva Leffler Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Steve: One of the things that the traveling golfer needs to adjust to in Florida is the fact we are at sea level, so the ball doesn't fly as far as it might in, say, Colorado. We have a unique type of dominant grass that grows in Florida, called Bermuda.

Full Answer

Why won’t my golf ball travel far?

The main issue at hand is air density. When the air is denser, it creates more resistance and the ball will fly a bit higher and not travel as far. 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 do golf balls fly longer in the air?

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 and ideal lift. Humidity has a significant effect on golf ball distance, too. The higher the humidity, the longer the ball flies.

Does humidity affect the distance of a golf ball?

It is a common misconception that because the air feels heavier when the climate is humid, the ball will not travel as far as it would in normal conditions. You can feel the humid air more than normal air but in terms of hitting the golf ball, you are actually hitting the ball into thinner air.

Does your golf ball affect how far you can hit it?

Believe it or not, the ball you’re using can also have a significant impact on how far you can hit the golf ball. If you’re using a ball that’s too soft for your swing speed, it will spin too much and you’ll sacrifice valuable distance.

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Do golf balls go farther in Florida?

While humid air does feel heavier, it is actually less dense than dry air, as the molecular weight of the water in humid air is less than that of the nitrogen and oxygen dominating air that is dry. As a result, the ball will actually fly farther when air is humid, but only a small amount.

Do golf balls go farther in hot humid weather?

With more humidity, this is what the ball flies through. A golf ball goes a bit farther when it's humid. “Air that is hot or humid is actually lighter than air that is cold or dry or both,” according to Steve Aoyama, a scientist at Titleist, in a story published by the PGA's website.

Does the golf ball go shorter at sea level?

Every 1,000 feet above sea level a golf course sits, a golfer can expect their ball to travel approximately 2 percent farther. For example, if a golf course were a mile above sea level -- hi, Denver -- then you could expect the golf ball to go approximately 10 percent farther than at sea level.

Why doesn't my golf ball go far?

One reason you might not be hitting the ball very far is that you have too high of a spin rate with your driver and irons. An easy way to spot this is watching how high your shots go in the air. Golf shots that get hit with high back spin rates tend to climb higher into the air.

Does the golf ball fly shorter in Florida?

The ball doesn't fly as well as anywhere above sea level, so you have to hit to the spot you want to end up and try to carry the ball all the way to the hole because it tends to stop quicker on Florida greens. That's especially true during the summer months.

Do golf balls lose distance with age?

A wound ball which is approximately 10 years old, stored at room temperatures and low humidity, will have lost about 0.5 to 1.0 % of its IV (Initial Velocity) which will affect its distance by a couple of yards.

Does weather 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.

Does elevation affect golf ball distance?

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.

How cold is too cold to hit golf balls?

There's almost no lower limit. I'd say about 30 degrees.

How do I make my golf ball go further?

2:2710:26How to Hit the Ball Further in Golf with an EASY GOLF SWING - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSystem simple way to do. This. Start with a slight narrow stance. Make a step. And then a whip. JustMoreSystem simple way to do. This. Start with a slight narrow stance. Make a step. And then a whip. Just look what i'm doing. Here.

How do I make my golf ball fly farther?

0:132:08Golf Tips : How to Hit a Golf Ball Far - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn your left hand the golf club is under the heel pad. Creating an angle here for 45 degree angle.MoreIn your left hand the golf club is under the heel pad. Creating an angle here for 45 degree angle. So that when the wrist flex and hinge creates a 90 degree angle which gives you your power and speed.

How do I drive my ball further?

1:302:32Titleist Tips: To Drive the Golf Ball Farther, Tilt Your Hips - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou might make sure that that hip is pounding. In nice athletic setup. We'll take it so remember getMoreYou might make sure that that hip is pounding. In nice athletic setup. We'll take it so remember get your pelvis organized at setup to help the spine angle tilt away from the target.

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 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 does my golf ball not travel?

It is a common misconception that because the air feels heavier when the climate is humid, the ball will not travel as far as it would in normal conditions. You can feel the humid air more than normal air but in terms of hitting the golf ball, you are actually hitting the ball into thinner air.

What happens to a golf ball when it is cold?

When the temperature is cold, the golf ball will not distort and compress as much as it would in warm temperatures. This means the ball will not travel as far in cold weather as it does in warm weather.

Why is golf more distance?

Therefore, the golf ball will move more easily through the air and does not slow down as quickly, resulting in more distance.

Why do golf balls have lower spin rates?

These have lower spin rates thanks to a harder outer shell and this results in a longer shot. However, the balls designed for distance are often more difficult ...

What is a control golf ball?

Control golf balls, or low compression golf balls, have a softer feel when hit and due to their increased spin, they are easier to control. If you have no trouble achieving distance off the tee and you are looking for a ball which offers more control on shorter shots around the green, you should opt for a control designed golf ball.

Why won't my range ball fly?

The range ball will not fly as far when using a driver, mainly due to a reduction in ball speed. Many people believe they hit the ball further with the driver when using a range ball but this is not true.

Does golf ball affect distance?

One question that caused some debate was “does the golf ball affect distance?”. The answer is yes, the golf ball does affect distance and the distance that a ball travels is affected by the way that it is struck and by the elements. So the type of ball, the player and the weather all have an impact. This article takes a look at those variables and ...

aloharb

I am going to Ft. Myers,FL next week from my home in Sun Lakes,AZ. What I would like to know is, will my ball travel farther in Ft. Myers than it does at my home course in Sun Lakes,AZ? Thanks for any help answering this question.

grochol17

According to the internet, your elevation is 1243 ft. In Ft. Myers? 15 ft. So it is a decent elevation change and for most people will ball will travel farther in AZ than in FL, but whether or not you will notice it depends on how far you hit the ball.

domer

The change in elevation should more than compensate for the ball flying further in humid air. So you will lose some (small) amount of carry distance.

golfwb

I'm from East Texas and took a guys trip to Miami to play. My east Texas buddies and myself were stunned that the ball was travelling at least a club further in Florida when compared to home. I do not know why and I even think we are at a higher elevation here in Texas.

hkphooey00

I hit my 8-iron 10-12 yards farther in Scottsdale than in Seattle. But I've never noticed any difference in distance playing in Florida.

BeTheBall

Live in Gilbert but raised in Tampa, add 1 full club and bring your high bounce wedges and don't piss off the gators!!

backtees

Wouldnt it actually be the opposite and travel further in dry air, rather than humid air. I use to live in a high elevation, dry climate and my ball would usually go about 10 yards further. It seems like the humidity would slow the ball down.

What happens when you swing a ball violently?

A violent swing action throws your timing off, making it impossible for the arms, shoulders and legs to work in harmony to deliver maximum power to the ball. Extending the backswing beyond parallel can also disrupt the timing of the downswing.

Why is golf so fun?

Golf can be more fun when you learn and practice the skills necessary to hit the long ball. Playing consistently good golf requires building a swing that delivers both power and accuracy. Not being able to hit the ball very far makes every course longer and puts more pressure on your short game.

How to get more power in golf?

To generate power you need to make a full shoulder turn. By coiling your muscles going back, you build up energy that will be released on the downswing. A full turn requires muscle flexibility. Golfers increase their flexibility through stretching exercises. Take your driver and grip it on either end of the shaft.

Why is leg drive important in golf?

Good golfers have powerful leg drive as the swing approaches the impact point . Leg drive helps generate speed and power. You may notice that you lose distance near the end of the round, and tired legs could be the problem.

What happens if you can't hit par 4s in 2?

If you can’t reach par 4’s in two, your wedge shots have to make up for this lack of distance. Fortunately, golfers who are not reaching their power potential can learn ways to generate additional clubhead speed through improved physical fitness and better swing technique.

Does the Golf Ball Go Too Far?

Recently we have heard everyone discussing whether or not PGA Tour players hit the golf ball too far. Everyone from Tiger Woods to Brad Faxon, Brandel Chamblee, Mike Davis, and Wally Uihlein have weighed in with their thoughts.

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The Wedge Guy: Size does matter (with your grips)

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1. Too Much Tension

One of the worst things you can do if you want to hit longer drives is to tense up.

2. Poor Posture

Why do you think your parents harped on you to keep your shoulders back and chest up when you were young?

4. Too Much Spin On The Ball (Incorrect Attack Angle)

The amount of spin on your tee shots can have a HUGE impact on how far you hit the golf ball.

5. You Lack Flexibility

It takes a lot more than strength to hit the golf ball far. You also need proper flexibility.

6. You Have Low Club Head Speed

Club head speed is one of the most important ingredients for hitting long drives in golf – and it’s perfectly clear why.

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 can a golf ball travel above sea level?

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.

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 ...

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