Well, now that we've finally shaken off the last of this past winter's chill, golf season can finally get into full "swing". So, when you watch golf on TV, you often hear the announcers talk about the "carry of the golf ball", but what exactly does that mean? Well, it's just how far the the ball travels in the air after it leaves the clubface. The question is: Does weather affect the distance a golf ball travels? The short answer is yes, and it's really a combination of physics and meteorology.
A golf ball actually travels less distance in colder temperatures than warmer temperatures for two reasons. First, when the golf ball and golf club are colder, the transfer of energy between the ball and the club is not as efficient. This leads to the exit speed of the ball being reduced. Second, colder air is denser than warmer air, so there ends up being more friction and drag on the golf ball. This ultimately slows the ball down after impact and it doesn't allow it to be carried as far down the green. The same can be said about the human body if you think about it. Our muscles are more flexible and responsive when the temperature is warmer 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 golf balls respond better. A warmer ball will come off the clubface with much more velocity and spin than a colder ball. Plus, it carries farther as we mentioned above because of density. Golf ball selection plays a role of course in the distance a ball is carried. If you are playing a round of golf and the air temperature is below 50 degrees, a higher compression golf ball won't travel as far as a low compression ball. Pro tip: 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, it actually may help your swing game!
While club selection is an integral part of golf, it is easily overlooked when playing in colder weather. You actually need to use more club when playing in the cold weather versus warmer weather. For about every ten degrees, the average golfer (with a 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 be able to hit it about 122 yards when it's 50 degrees. That is about one club shorter, so your club choice would be an 8 iron in that situation. While there isn't a "huge" yardage distance when playing in the cold versus warm weather, golf is a game of precision: every few yards matter, especially when using your irons. Case in point, if you hit your driver when its 50 degrees it travels about 227 yards, and 235 yards at 90 degree temperatures. Usually you aren't looking for distance precision with the driver. But let's say your next shot to the green is 130 yards and there is water just in front. Well, if you hit your 9 iron at 50 degrees, your ball ends up wet, so that "extra" club would have been needed to clear the water and land safely on the green.
There are a few other factors to take into consideration when you golf, and we can't forget that it all comes down to skill. But these are the main weather "drivers" when it comes to how weather can and does affect the golf ball's distance. Fore !!
Did you know? AEM provides year round weather solutions for all Sports teams and Clubs. And for golf operations, we understand how important it is to having up to date weather conditions. Whether it's figuring out if field conditions will be ideal for the match and understanding the risk factor for fans and player on the course when severe weather and lightning is in the forecast; being weather aware for game day is crucial to keeping your players, staff and fans safe and happy.
Visit https://aem.eco/industry/club-sport/ to learn more about how our weather products and services can help you year round!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Are you obsessed with weather? Now you can listen to more weather discussions and topics in The Weather Lounge, a podcast with hosts Brad Miller, Jen D'Iorio, and Mike Priante, all meteorologists here at Weatherworks. Listen here:
