How does the weather affect club selection ?

[LUFC 1972]

What impact does the weather have on choice of clubs, I have found over last couple of weeks that I am having to use at least 2 clubs lower than I would do in summer that's on a still but cold day is that fairly standard. Using same clubs, same balls etc. I know I need to take into account you have more layers on and they restrict movement a bit.

 

[medwayjon]

If the air is denser there is more resistence on the ball in flight and it wont go as far.

On a really damp day I was probably losing 30yds on a drive carry compared to a perfect summers day. The longer the club, the greater the difference.

At my old club the par-3's that would normally have been a PW were 9I or 8I depending on the conditions.

 

[dotty001]

or just use a pinnacle gold in the winter

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I find that in winter you need to throw the ball up on the green, especially when the flag is a long way on. Depending where you play this can add a club or two before you start.

 

[CMAC]

is that a serious question by the OP?

 

[Imurg]

The answer is,as always, that for every 3°f below 70°f you lose 1 yard of distance purely down to the air temperature.
The rest is down to extra layers, wind and swinging like a Wuss.....!

 

[Stuey01]

is that a serious question by the OP?

Why wouldn't it be?
He's given his experience and asked if it is fairly normal. Perfectly reasonable question.

 

[CMAC]

Why wouldn't it be?
He's given his experience and asked if it is fairly normal. Perfectly reasonable question.

if you've been on planet Earth about 5 minutes, yes it is

 

[ger147]

The answer is,as always, that for every 3°f below 70°f you lose 1 yard of distance purely down to the air temperature.
The rest is down to extra layers, wind and swinging like a Wuss.....!

Or if you live where I do, for every 3 degrees nearer 70F you gain a yard!!

I had sun screen on when I played yesterday. :fore:

 

[JezzE]

Why wouldn't it be?
He's given his experience and asked if it is fairly normal. Perfectly reasonable question.

Agreed... everyone on here is at a different stage of their golfing journey after all...

 

[chrisd]

I was hitting up to 3 clubs more today. The wind, temperature and soft fairways and greens made it necessary

 

[Slime]

The answer is,as always, that for every 3°f below 70°f you lose 1 yard of distance purely down to the air temperature.

I did not know that, thanks Imurg :thup:.
Just out of interest, does the ball go 1 yard further for every 3ºF above 70ºF? Genuine question!

Slime.

 

[richart]

Agreed... everyone on here is at a different stage of their golfing journey after all...

I have been on my journey a long time, but seem no closer to getting to my destination.

 

[Imurg]

I did not know that, thanks Imurg :thup:.
Just out of interest, does the ball go 1 yard further for every 3ºF above 70ºF? Genuine question!

Slime.

No such luck. Balls are optimised to 70° and there is almost no difference as you get even warmer.

 

[Canfordhacker]

The answer is,as always, that for every 3°f below 70°f you lose 1 yard of distance purely down to the air temperature.

I wondered why I was leaving my chips so short...

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

If the air is denser there is more resistence on the ball in flight and it wont go as far.

For clear evidence that this air density science gobbledygook is true - look at flip side of the coin and consider how much further far balls fly when playing at altitude - where the air is less dense.

So for example at 6,500ft (e.g. Broadmoor Resort, Colorado Springs) guidelines are that you can subtract 10% off shot distance (if you hit a low ball) and up to 20% off distance if you hit a high ball. So low hitter with 200yds to go - club for 180yds.

So when air 'heavy' with moisture - high humidity let's say rather than pouring - ball will not go so far.

 

[Slime]

No such luck. Balls are optimised to 70° and there is almost no difference as you get even warmer.

I did not know that, that's very interesting.
So, is there a formula for how far a ball flies at different altitudes, or am I being silly?
The reason I ask is because I'm going to Spain in May and wondered how the ball will fare, assuming the temperature should make no difference as it'll be well over 70ºF?

Slime.

 

[Deleted member 15344]

I did not know that, that's very interesting.
So, is there a formula for how far a ball flies at different altitudes, or am I being silly?
The reason I ask is because I'm going to Spain in May and wondered how the ball will fare, assuming the temperature should make no difference as it'll be well over 70ºF?

Slime.

Altitudes is different - at higher altitudes when the air is thinner there is less resistance against the ball meaning they will travel further.

 

[Region3]

It also depends how fast the ball is travelling and with how much backspin. Slow swing speed golfers who also don't put much spin on the ball will lose distance at altitude.

 

[Deleted member 15344]

It also depends how fast the ball is travelling and with how much backspin. Slow swing speed golfers who also don't put much spin on the ball will lose distance at altitude.

Sorry but that doesn't make sense - in fact defies physics. Balls travel further because of the lack of resistance - slow speed swings will still get more distance at higher altitude than they would at sea level