length & humidity?

[adamloz]

Anyone else played golf in England and Thailand? Live in Thailand at the mo' and usually drive about 220 yds, max 250 if i middle it. Benross driver. Was home a few weeks ago and was playing with a mates driver, Ping G10, hit a couple to 280. Is this the driver (if so Im getting one!) or the difference in air condtions ?!? anoyone got any theories?

 

[USER1999]

Rock hard fairways, type of grass, humidity certainly, temperature, a shaft / loft combination that is a better fit for your swing, 3 shredded wheat, who knows?

 

[medwayjon]

Less Humidity = More Distance

It is amazing what affect the weather and air can have on the flight of a golf ball.

I hit monster drives in warm and clear conditions but have no chance when it is humid or cool.

 

[TonyN]

balls, wind, gradient, could be any number of things. Do they have any custom fitting bays near you? Could you try out some different drivers under the same conditions?

 

[mrobbie]

here in Dubai its getting pretty humid (not Thailand humid though!). We also have a thicker grass here than they have back in the UK (presumeably to cope with the heat and less water) which reduces any roll on the ball... Basically, where you carry to is where the ball stops.

I reckon in the UK I can add 10-15 yards onto a drive as you get more roll there.

 

[TonyN]

I was playing a course with very hard, short fairways yesterday. Par 4 295 yards to the pin, stream running through fairway in a diagnal direction. 2 choices, lay up to left with a 4 iron, or go over to right with a driver. I went over and carried about 240, the ball proceeded on another 70 yards and went over the back of the green, it was un believable! I was about 2 yards of the back. Always nice to hit a par 4 in one.


all yardages in this comment are approximate

 

[adamloz]

Nice! did you make your birdie from there?
Played a par 5 while I was back in England, 560 yards (downhill) - after my drive and 5 iron I was just a little sandwedge off the green - must have had a huge roll on the drive - in Thailand the courses are generally flat and the ground soft so would be lucky to get close in 3 at 560 yards!

 

[TonyN]

no, i left a 7 iron bump and run way short and had a nasty 15footer right to left which lipped out and tapped in for par!

 

[RGuk]

I'm no expert on world golf courses....but don't the Thais use gallons of water on the courses? If so, maybe the type of grass, softness of the fairways and other factors are relevant.
I know folks who get better distance in Spain and reckon it's down to the warmer air etc.

 

[mrobbie]

warmer air = longer drive
humid air = shorter (due to moisture in the air)

As I said, I think it also comes down to the sype of grass used, and how much water the course receives.

 

[viscount17]

Always nice to hit a par 4 in one.

Oh yes!
Playing a new course yesterday, Par 4 260 yds uphill.
Finished on the green about 15ft short of the pin - got the birdie.

Heavy, humid air or low cloud = less lift

(I had planned on an early evening round but as of now there is a uniform blanket of 'orrible grey clag rolling in. Bl**dy Wimbledon!)