For those of us playing in the upper states of the Mountain West, the cool crisp air of autumn has settled in. These changes affect the flights of our golf balls, more than one might guess. This edition of the newsletter deals with these effects which are applicable around the world where autumn brings significant changes in conditions.
1. Cool air brings less distance. Every degree Celsius-drop results in our ball flying 0.4 yards less far (that’s about 0.2 yards less far for each degree Fahrenheit). If you’ve been used to playing in 25 degree Celsius weather (that’s 77 degrees Fahrenheit), and are now playing in 15 degree Celsius weather, then your ball flies about 4 yards shorter. For most of us, that’s almost half a club with our irons.
Since the ball is cooler, it will be harder and won’t spring off the clubface as well, resulting in even less distance. Most of us will need to hit a half to full club more under such conditions.
What would help is using a lower compression ball; many men would find hitting a lady’s compression ball or senior’s compression ball go further under cooler conditions.
2. With the cool temperatures comes moist air or greater humidity. The ball flies slightly farther when more humid but it’s not nearly as significant as the loss due to lower temperatures.
What’s very significant is the effect water between the clubface and ball has on spin. You’ll find that there is less backspin on your shots. It’s important that the clubface and ball be dry if at all possible. You have control over drying the clubface but not on the ball, except from the tee. Carry with you a dry towel so that you can dry both whenever possible.
3. The greens will be slightly longer and wetter. You’ll find the greens slower and break less, especially on uphill putts. Again, ensure you dry your ball before putting to minimize that amount of moisture it accumulates while rolling.