How does temp affect golf ball distance?
Daniel Moore
Published Jan 17, 2026
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.
Do golf balls go farther in warm weather?
Now as for the golf ball itself, when its warmer, the rubber materials used to make the balls respond better. So, a warmer ball will come off the clubface with more velocity and spin than a colder ball. Plus, it will carry a bit farther because warm air is less dense. Golf ball selection also plays a part.
Do golf balls not go as far in cold weather?
"When the golf ball gets colder, it can lose a few miles per hour in ball speed, which can mean distance loss due to speed," said Snell. "[The] optimum temperature range is 70 to 90 degrees. At 40-degree temps the ball can slow down and be shorter by 5 to 10 yards.
How much does cold weather affect a golf ball?
According to Titleist research, a golfer will experience an approximately 1.5 percent drop in distance for every 20 degree drop in temperature. If you carry your driver 250 yards, that 1.5 percent drop equates to 3.75 yards.
How do I keep my golf balls warm in cold weather?
The tips section of Golfsmith's website offers advice on how to keep golf balls warm, including putting a towel in the bottom of a pot of two quarts of water, bringing the water to 50ºC (about the temperature of really hot tap water), leave them in there for 30 minutes and then dry them and place them in an insulated ...
32 related questions foundDoes heat damage golf balls?
High temperatures will affect the covers of golf balls which in many cases are made of an ionomer which is a thermoplastic which starts melting and deforming at temperatures above about 170 Degrees F.
How does air temperature affect a golf ball?
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.
Is 45 degrees too cold for golf?
Some golfers make a distinction between when it's too cold to play golf and when it's too cold to play well. Resolute players can be found on the green even if it's below 45 degrees and raining, but the weather conditions can take a toll on your performance.
How cold is too cold to go golfing?
There's almost no lower limit. I'd say about 30 degrees. But that's on a mild day. If there's wind or rain that number creeps higher very fast.
Can I microwave a golf ball?
Yes, you too can get greater distance on your shots in just seconds - The Microwave Way. Merely pop a golf ball into your microwave oven - and voila! This juiced-up dimpled dumpling surprisingly flies farther than the ball pros use.
Can you golf in 50 degree weather?
If it is not at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit outside, they simply refuse to tee it up.
How much distance do you lose with range balls?
Statistics have shown you may lose up to 10 yards of carry and total distance hitting range balls when using wedges or short irons, however results vary. Most testing has shown a negligible loss in distance when hitting range balls with driver, compared to regular balls.
How does altitude affect golf ball distance?
The golf ball flies further in high altitudes mainly due to the change in air density, which decreases as elevation increases. Thinner air exerts less drag force on the ball. The ball moves more easily through the air and doesn't slow down as quickly as it flies, resulting in greater distance.
What temperature should you store golf balls?
No problem though, because unless your balls are kept in extreme temperatures on a consistent basis (70 -80 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended), they can last years and play just fine.
What happens if golf balls get too hot?
Factor #2: Storage Temperatures
This damages the balls, which is noticeable when you use them. Your drive distance will be noticeably reduced. Conversely, storing golf balls in temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit will cause the golf balls to soften.
What temperature should golf balls be stored at?
Some experts suggest normal storage conditions of a golf ball are when the golf balls are stored in 70 degrees to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Doing so can make the ball last forever.
Does golf ball fly farther cold?
The Science behind Temperature Differences
Cold weather will make the ball fly shorter for a couple reasons. Cold air is denser than warm air and creates additional drag on the ball. More lift and drag makes the ball go higher and shorter. Tests show a loss of two yards of carry for every ten degrees below 75°.
Does humidity make a golf ball go farther?
Heat reduces the air's density by causing it to expand. Humidity also reduces density because water vapor is lighter than dry air, so the more water vapor in the mixture, the less dense the air. So forget how the air feels on a hot, humid day. It is actually lighter, and will allow the ball to fly farther."
Do matte golf balls go further?
Some golfers believe that matte finish golf balls spin fast in dry conditions but decrease their spinning capacity in wet conditions. However, the correct answer to whether matte golf balls spin more is that they do not.
Why do driving range balls not go as far?
Too much spin can send the ball ballooning and lose distance, while spin too low can hurt carry distance and accuracy, sending the ball diving out of the air. As we saw with the driver, the range balls produced less speed and distance on iron shots, too.
What is the best golf ball for distance?
Best Distance Golf Balls
- Srixon Distance Golf Ball. Our pick. ...
- Callaway Warbird Golf Ball. Best for speed off the face. ...
- Titleist Velocity 2022 Golf Ball. High launch. ...
- Bridgestone e12 Contact Golf Ball. ...
- TaylorMade Distance + Golf Ball. ...
- Honma D1 Golf Ball. ...
- Wilson Tour Velocity Tour Distance Golf Ball. ...
- Pinnacle Rush Golf Ball.
Can you golf in 40 degree weather?
It's all about the wind. It can be 40 degrees, but if it's a calm, sunny day, you can still have a great time. I've literally played some of my best golf during a round in Connecticut the day after Christmas.
Will golf clubs break in cold weather?
Humid conditions cause rust, which lead to epoxy breakdown. Can you store golf clubs in the cold? Even if you live in a region with cold weather, though lower temperatures aren't as damaging as heat, it can still cause grips to dry out and crack.
Can you damage your driver in cold weather?
For starters, your hands will be cold enough without gripping a grip that feels like an ice cube. Leaving clubs in your car can also lead to damage. The grips can get cold and get slick or cracked if the temperatures get too extreme and steel shafts do not react well at all to the cold.