balls flying farther

[jimhoward]

Since I moving to the Villages, I have noticed my balls flying quite a bit further than they did in my prior home. Is that a thing in Florida due to the hot humid summer weather? Ther internet seems to say our low elevation cancels the high temperature air-pressure wise so the balls fly no farther. But, I don't think it my imagination.

[biker1]

What was the elevation of your prior home? Higher elevation, higher temperature, and higher amounts of evaporated water in the air will all contribute to the ball flying further.

Since I moving to the Villages, I have noticed my balls flying quite a bit further than they did in my prior home. Is that a thing in Florida due to the hot humid summer weather? Ther internet seems to say our low elevation cancels the high temperature air-pressure wise so the balls fly no farther. But, I don't think it my imagination.

[jimhoward]

What was the elevation of your prior home? Higher elevation, higher temperature, and higher amounts of evaporated water in the air will all contribute to the ball flying further.

Prior home was Nashville TN. Its a little higher in elevation, but a usually few degrees cooler.

[Mleeja]

I have always been told the ball does not travel as far in Florida (and sea level) locations due to the “denser” air. Example, kickers can kick longer field goals in Denver versus Miami.

[biker1]

It looks like Nashville is about 600 feet. That is really not much; the difference in pressure will be small, I doubt you would really notice it. Warm, humid air is less dense than cold, dry air so the ball will fly a little further when it is warm and humid; probably hard to tell, wind will have a bigger impact. I have played golf at 5000 feet before and that is definitely noticeable; about 15% lower pressure.

Prior home was Nashville TN. Its a little higher in elevation, but a usually few degrees cooler.

[biker1]

Yes, the typical atmospheric pressure is about 15% lower in Denver than Miami so the ball will go further. More home runs for the Rockies.

I have always been told the ball does not travel as far in Florida (and sea level) locations due to the “denser” air. Example, kickers can kick longer field goals in Denver versus Miami.

[tophcfa]

I have always been told the ball does not travel as far in Florida (and sea level) locations due to the “denser” air. Example, kickers can kick longer field goals in Denver versus Miami.

I hit the ball about one club shorter in the Villages than I do up north using higher lofted clubs. On the other hand, I hit my driver and low lofted hybrids a little longer in the Villages, primarily because the ball rolls much farther (especially during the winter).

[jimhoward]

I think everybody understands the ball flight physics. Lower air density dues to elevation humidity and/or temperature leads to longer ball flight.

But I think the environment also affects the golfer, and that can be the more important effect. When its hot I swing more fluidly. How about you?

[RUCdaze]

I wish my ball traveled further down here. Mine flies noticeably shorter than it did in New Jersey.

[gbs317]

Since I moving to the Villages, I have noticed my balls flying quite a bit further than they did in my prior home. Is that a thing in Florida due to the hot humid summer weather? Ther internet seems to say our low elevation cancels the high temperature air-pressure wise so the balls fly no farther. But, I don't think it my imagination.
Let’s take the non-scientific approach… you are more relaxed now in TV, retired, enjoying the game a little more and having fun. In this state of mind you will definitely hit the ball further. I know that works for me even though I’m still waiting for my PGA card in the mail…lol

[Harleyman]

Check the yardage from your previous course to the villages courses. I suspect that is the difference. There is almost 600 yards difference from our whites in the north to the villages. You really are hitting from the red tees in villages but it makes you feel better.

[Rwirish]

Golf balls actually travel a shorter distance.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

The reason is hotter balls here,
absorbing ambient heat and light will travel farther, ceribus paribus. . than up north.

My drives clank up north all year round as compared to FL

[golfing eagles]

I wish my ball traveled further down here. Mine flies noticeably shorter than it did in New Jersey.

Me too. I used to hit my 4 iron 220 in NY, now it's 195 in Florida. Oh, yeah, I'm 40 years older as well :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[RcCalais]

Since I moving to the Villages, I have noticed my balls flying quite a bit further than they did in my prior home. Is that a thing in Florida due to the hot humid summer weather? Ther internet seems to say our low elevation cancels the high temperature air-pressure wise so the balls fly no farther. But, I don't think it my imagination.

I always thought elevation was the main difference but I would think Tenn. is a bit higher. Concerning elevation, when working in a mountainous area where the elevation was 7,300 ft., the longest place to hit practice balls was just a little over 200 yards. At that elevation the longest club I could hit was a 6 iron. That isn't a big deal for the guys on tour but for this weekend golfer that was about 40 yards more than normal.

[Worldseries27]

For 3 trillion stacey will demonstrate how climate change affects the flight of golf balls

[golfing eagles]

For 3 trillion stacey will demonstrate how climate change affects the flight of golf balls

Closer to $60 TRILLION, but point well taken

[Bruceg0028]

Maybe you’re just happier and more relaxed and your playing better since you got to TV!

[biker1]

Yes, elevation (pressure) will generally have the largest impact, followed by temperature and then moisture. There could be some other temperature related impacts such as the golf ball compressing less in colder temperatures. I am only addressing the atmospheric component. In Denver, all other things being equal, you would probably see about a 10% increase in distance when compared to sea level.

I always thought elevation was the main difference but I would think Tenn. is a bit higher. Concerning elevation, when working in a mountainous area where the elevation was 7,300 ft., the longest place to hit practice balls was just a little over 200 yards. At that elevation the longest club I could hit was a 6 iron. That isn't a big deal for the guys on tour but for this weekend golfer that was about 40 yards more than normal.

[johnblackwell]

For a really small effect, you are slightly further from the center of the earth (an oblate spheroid) here, so gravity is slightly less, and is also opposed by a slightly greater centrifugal force as you go round a larger circle each day. Good luck trying to measure this effect!

[Aces4]

I think everybody understands the ball flight physics. Lower air density dues to elevation humidity and/or temperature leads to longer ball flight.

But I think the environment also affects the golfer, and that can be the more important effect. When its hot I swing more fluidly. How about you?

You're just getting more roll on the ball due to the grass conditions. Lush fairways are practically unheard of here, IMHO.

[Rodneysblue]

Since I moving to the Villages, I have noticed my balls flying quite a bit further than they did in my prior home. Is that a thing in Florida due to the hot humid summer weather? Ther internet seems to say our low elevation cancels the high temperature air-pressure wise so the balls fly no farther. But, I don't think it my imagination.
Not touching this one. 😆

[LivinDream665]

Might have something to do with the underwear you are wearing in Florida.

[admiral72]

1. Altitude (Elevation)
Higher altitudes = longer shots.

Air is less dense at higher elevations (e.g., Denver, Colorado), which means there's less air resistance (drag), so the ball flies further.

Rule of thumb: you gain about 2% more distance for every 1,000 feet of elevation.

2. Temperature
Warmer air is less dense than cold air, so the ball travels farther in hot weather.

Example: A ball might fly 5–10 yards farther on a hot summer day than on a cold morning.

3. Humidity
Surprisingly, humid air is less dense than dry air (because water vapor is lighter than oxygen and nitrogen).

So, humid conditions can add a small boost to ball flight distance — though this effect is usually minor.

And then there is rollout.

[fdpaq0580]

Tried soaking my balls in Red Bull to give them wings.

Didn't help.

[TomSpasm]

I've never heard anyone else say that their balls go further here than "up north". It's usually the opposite.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

I've never heard anyone else say that their balls go further here than "up north". It's usually the opposite.

absolutely my drives go farther here! Fist, unless its above 80 degrees up north, I am not as flexible after herniated discs and muscluler scar tissue. . .

Second, the golf ball is tested at 72 degrees i believe, not sure , and with the higher temps here, the ball gets a bit more responsive. .

Finally, up here there are trees everywhere, and hilly, so a few high elevation tee boxes can get my drive a bit farther, but the elevation is less than 100 ft, difference, so no, its not elevation. .

maybe the much narrower fairways up north contribute not getting as far, but lets not go there please

[Bwanajim]

That's disconcerting. I would definitely wear tighter underwear!😂😂

[ilwitxvafl]

For me the ball is going straighter and further since moving down here simply because I am much more relaxed now.

[ByebyeMichigan]

you talking golf or ……..??????

[Topspinmo]

My balls don’t fly as far cause I don’t alway hit sweet spot and my old age has deviated my swing speed. I use to like playing on hard pan clay okie course, drive ball 220 and get 60 plus yard roll out.:a040:

[mtlee024]

Since I moving to the Villages, I have noticed my balls flying quite a bit further than they did in my prior home. Is that a thing in Florida due to the hot humid summer weather? Ther internet seems to say our low elevation cancels the high temperature air-pressure wise so the balls fly no farther. But, I don't think it my imagination.

I have played golf in FL for 60 years. I have also played courses all over the US. My experience is that it takes considerable altitude to affect the ball flight 5000 feet and more. I played in Breakenridge CO and could hit a P/wedge 150 yds. At that time in FL i hit a P/wedge 135 yds. Much shorter now. My experience is that when the temperature gets 90 degrees and higher the ball will go farther on avg 5 yds, struck ultra-pure as much as 10. So, see what your distance is once the temperature gets below the 90, say 85 or less.

[jimjamuser]

Heat causes the air near the ground to flow upward, which makes the drives longer.

[jimjamuser]

I have always been told the ball does not travel as far in Florida (and sea level) locations due to the “denser” air. Example, kickers can kick longer field goals in Denver versus Miami.
A kicked football goes end over end causing more air friction than a golf ball so air density would be a bigger factor for a football versus a golf ball.

[Worldseries27]

you talking golf or ……..??????
there is a study from u mass that proves more fruit consumption leads to better ball placement.

[Cheapbas]

You are closer to sea level, so it’s unlikely they are flying further. I usually figure a 1/2 a club shorter with my irons. Now driver is a different thing, they run out more due to harder fairways.

Current temperatures are probably giving you better ball compression, that may factor in. My two cents is you lose a little.

[fdpaq0580]

you talking golf or ……..??????

I have no idea who you are responding to, but, so far, not even a single feather.

[BrianL99]

You're just getting more roll on the ball due to the grass conditions. Lush fairways are practically unheard of here, IMHO.

I have played golf in FL for 60 years. I have also played courses all over the US. My experience is that it takes considerable altitude to affect the ball flight 5000 feet and more.
.

You are closer to sea level, so it’s unlikely they are flying further. I usually figure a 1/2 a club shorter with my irons. Now driver is a different thing, they run out more due to harder fairways.

Current temperatures are probably giving you better ball compression, that may factor in. My two cents is you lose a little.

In my life, I've never heard anyone say they hit the ball longer in Florida. Altitude definitely isn't an issue, for most people ... unless you live Colorado or somewhere +1500 or more feet.

As for the fairways, that's the first time I've heard the fairways in TV are "hard". A high quality Private Club or Tour quality golf course, the fairways are hard as a rock ... not "lush". TV fairways always seem soft and mushy, same as the greens. I'm about 1/2 club shorter in FL, because I can stop the balls on the mushy Greens, something I can't do up North.

[fdpaq0580]

In my life, I've never heard anyone say they hit the ball longer in Florida. Altitude definitely isn't an issue, for most people ... unless you live Colorado or somewhere +1500 or more feet.

As for the fairways, that's the first time I've heard the fairways in TV are "hard". A high quality Private Club or Tour quality golf course, the fairways are hard as a rock ... not "lush". TV fairways always seem soft and mushy, same as the greens. I'm about 1/2 club shorter in FL, because I can stop the balls on the mushy Greens, something I can't do up North.

Lack of permafrost is to blame.

[justjim]

I have always been told the ball does not travel as far in Florida (and sea level) locations due to the “denser” air. Example, kickers can kick longer field goals in Denver versus Miami.

You are spot on. My distance in Florida vs Illinois is generally almost one club more while in Florida. Everything being about equal my eight iron in Illinois is a seven iron in Florida. Most amateur’s are short not long anyway…

[jimhoward]

By coincidence, there is an article on this very topic in this week's golfweek. I think everybody here already understands the physics, so no new information, but interesting nonetheless.


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