Winter Golf...5
Adjustments for Temperature
As we enter the winter months, for many golfers, this means playing in colder temperatures. Colder temperatures are going to affect the carry distance of our shots as a result of four factors:
thicker air…when the air gets colder it gets thicker and slows the ball, additionally thicker air causes shots to climb on a steeper trajectory
more clothes…additional clothes can restrict our swing and thereby reduce club speed
stiffer/slower muscles…warm muscles work best, cold muscles respond less and slower
ball compression…as the ball gets colder, it becomes slightly less resilient, and its COR (coefficient of restitution) degrades. Estimate 2 yards less for every 10 degrees below 75 degrees.
On the positive side, when temperatures drop substantially, fairways can become very firm—even frozen. So, while the carry distance may be less, the rollout may be more.
Bottom Line: As the mercury drops, so does our distance. Be aware when you are choosing clubs and selecting targets.
Each Thursday we’ll bring you a helpful insight.
Swing to the Target,
Ed
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