Watch: How Does Altitude Affect Golf Ball Flight

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By Mike D., Titleist Staff

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  • 10 Replies
  1. Mike D., Titleist Staff

    Mike D., Titleist Staff
    Ashland, MA

    Team Titleist Staff

    With the FedEx Cup Playoffs in the Mile-High City this week, we thought it would be the perfect time to share this video with our R&D expert Courtney Engle weighing in on how altitude affects golf ball performance.

    As Courtney explains, one of the primary factors contributing to the added distance is the change in air density, which decreases as elevation increases. Thinner air exerts less drag force on the ball, so it moves more easily through the air and doesn't slow down as quickly as it flies. As for how to calculate the potential distance gain, you'll have to watch the video to find out.

    And after you watch this one, make sure you head over to the Titleist Learning Lab to explore more topics and get the answers to even more of your golf-related questions: https://www.titleist.com/learning-lab

    Subscribe to the Titleist YouTube channel here.

  2. JWaddle

    JWaddle
    Rockwall tx

    I play in Texas all but recently played in Utah. The ball flight is so much different. I hit my irons 30 yards longer! If you’re not used to it, it will affect your game tremendously
  3. Don O

    Don O
    Madison, WI

    There is a SLC muni at 8000 feet on I-80 east of SLC. I was giddy all day with my distances off the tee. Adding in rock hard fairways with the softer landing, my distance gains total were closer to 10% than 8% gain over sea level.
  4. pulplvr

    pulplvr
    Spring, TX

    Military

    Don O said:

    There is a SLC muni at 8000 feet on I-80 east of SLC. I was giddy all day with my distances off the tee. Adding in rock hard fairways with the softer landing, my distance gains total were closer to 10% than 8% gain over sea level.

    Don, that sounds like Mountain Dell. I used to play that course fairly regularly back in the '70's. Always loved being up there as it reminded me of playing in Casper, WY, which also about a mile above sea level. Once I left for college and the Army, I had to re-learn all my distances.
  5. JYoung

    JYoung
    Ohio

    I actually notice almost a club difference between playing at HHI and playing at home here in Ohio. Most the places I play are only 550 to 900 feet above sea level here. Couldn't imagine playing in the mountains.
  6. Dale V

    Dale V
    Surprise AZ

    Great explanation about elevation impact. Don’t forget to also factor in the temperature. While a lesser impact than elevation, it will still require a slight adjustment. I need a Mount Everest golf course to get my distance back.
  7. Abdon M

    Abdon M
    Northern California (because it's a big state)

    Well, it's not Mt Everest but here's one that holds the title of the World's Highest Course:

    www.golfdigest.com/.../daring-journey-to-nepal-worlds-highest-course-golf-high
  8. Eric H

    Eric H
    Ridgway, PA

    Nice video, this is great!
  9. Chris92009

    Chris92009
    Ohio

    Great discussion! Thanks for sharing
  10. Steve R

    Steve R
    Madison AL

    Military
    I knew the distance at altitude, but I did not realize the flight height and shape effects. Thanks for the conversation. Adds new meaning let it fly high.
  11. Rob R

    Rob R
    Chicago, IL

    Great content.

    Learning new things every time.

    Thank you for posting the video.

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