Cold Weather Takes Yardage Toll on Golf Balls, According to New Research

Last Updated: September, 20 2024

Cold Weather Takes Yardage Toll on Golf Balls, According to New Research

Hello everyone, David Lee here from Golfaq.com! I recently came across an interesting podcast episode and study on Fully Equipped with Jonathan Wall discussing how temperature affects golf ball distance.

With fall golf season well underway, many parts of the country are enjoying cooler weather - myself included here in the Southwest after a long summer scorcher. However, this time of year also brings bold temperature fluctuations that can wreak havoc on ball distance according to my latest findings.

On a recent episode of Fully Equipped, PGA pro Gene Parente reminded listeners that golf ball cores can lose compression below 55 degrees. But more impressively, the crew dove into a study conducted by top coach Andrew Rice on exactly how much yards are gained or lost at varying temperatures.

Rice found golfers typically sacrifice about two yards per club for every 10-degree drop under 75 degrees. His Trackman tested results from 30 to 110 degrees were quite revealing. Distances decreased from 5-10 yards across the bag in 30-degree weather versus normal 75 degrees.

Most insightful was the concrete data chart showing yardage changes from driver to wedge. With winter approaching, it's clear how important accounting for temperature will become. The pitching wedge was the only club less affected at 1.3 yards instead of 2 yards per 10 degrees out.

If you play through these transitional months, remember to factor in temperature - both for club selection and knowing your maximum distances. I'd also advise moving balls inside when extremes hit, as Gene noted cold cores lose compression slowly. Taking simple steps like that can save you big yards and frustration as the seasons change.

Summary of Distance by Temperature

30°F:

Driver: 242.4 yards
4-iron: 182.8 yards
7-iron: 152.8 yards
PW: 122.8 yards

40°F:

Driver: 244.3 yards
4-iron: 184.6 yards
7-iron: 154.6 yards
PW: 124.6 yards

50°F:

Driver: 246.2 yards
4-iron: 186.4 yards
7-iron: 156.4 yards
PW: 126.4 yards

60°F:

Driver: 248.1 yards
4-iron: 188.2 yards
7-iron: 158.2 yards
PW: 128.2 yards

70°F:

Driver: 250 yards
4-iron: 190 yards
7-iron: 160 yards
PW: 130 yards

80°F:

Driver: 251.9 yards
4-iron: 191.8 yards
7-iron: 161.7 yards
PW: 131.3 yards

90°F:

Driver: 253.8 yards
4-iron: 193.6 yards
7-iron: 163.4 yards
PW: 132.6 yards

100°F:

Driver: 255.7 yards
4-iron: 195.4 yards
7-iron: 165.1 yards
PW: 133.9 yards

110°F:

Driver: 257.6 yards
4-iron: 197.2 yards
7-iron: 166.8 yards
PW: 135.2 yards

David Lee

David has deep connections in the golf equipment industry, having previously worked in sales and marketing roles for major golf brands. He leverages these relationships to provide readers with the inside scoop on the latest gear releases, as well as exclusive deals, discounts and coupon codes that help golfers save money on clubs, balls, apparel and accessories. Readers rely on his expertise to make informed purchasing decisions.

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