[mGUuZRyA]

Keep a couple of handwarmers in your trouser pockets and a couple in your jacket pockets...then all your balls can be warm no matter where you put them.

We would keep any "Pink Lady" balls we found during the summer so we could use them in really cold winter conditions. They were very low compression and didn't feel as much like a rock when it was close to freezing. I had a buddy who would always leave his on the floor heat vent at night so they would be nice and warm when we teed off. And I am talking his GOLF balls here.

[Karpattaisp]

For those of you who have played at different altitudes/elevations, how much does a change in elevation affect the distance of your shots? I realize there are other factors such as temp, but generally speaking, I mean.

My experience has been mainly in the 4500-6000 ft elevation range, although I did play at around 3000 ft earlier this year and didn't really notice a drop in distance. But what happens if I happen to go play in Florida? Is my driver distance going to drop off significantly?

Anyway, what's your experience? Thanks!

[Unhappu]

I know that when the Euro Tour goes to South Africa and they play up at around 5,000 feet, they talk about thinking of the distances in metres as if they were yards, so they reckoned on hitting it about 10% further. That means that a drive that carries 280 yards at 5,000 feet would only carry around 250-255 yards at sea level.

[Nutpoode]

I play mostly in Colorado and Los Angeles. A 10% difference is about right.

[Lhtfajba]

So is a 10 foot putt in Colorado like a 9 foot putt in LA? hehe
Are gimmes 10% outside (Or, I guess more accurately, inside) the leather?

[evennyNiz]

I play mostly in Colorado and Los Angeles. A 10% difference is about right.

That sounds about right. I played at Breckenridge GC a couple of years ago and all my shots were a bit longer. I bought a golf cap the course with "Golfing with Altitude 9324 ft" printed on its side.

[mGUuZRyA]

I played in Arkansas, altitude 700 ft above sea level and around Tucson, altitude 3000 ft above sea level. Also, significant difference in humidity and temperature. I have noticed about a 5-8% gain in overall distance with my clubs. When I moved here, I also moved up one number on clubs from a given distance. Very nice for an old man. I felt like I had made great strides with my ballstriking until I realized what it was...

[deermealec]

It's about +/- 10% as already posted. Now do I notice the difference in distance when playing in different altitudes? Not so much in distance, but playing in higher altitudes does effect my breathing. I find I need to slow down and take it easy more often when walking between shots.

Humidity has an effect on distance also.


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[Loonerisav]

So all these 300 yd internet golfers must play at some mysterious course 15,000 feet up then?

[Unhappu]

So all these 300 yd internet golfers must play at some mysterious course 15,000 feet up then?

Or some mysterious course on PGA Tour 2005...

[Nutpoode]

So is a 10 foot putt in Colorado like a 9 foot putt in LA? hehe
Are gimmes 10% outside (Or, I guess more accurately, inside) the leather?

I close my eyes when I putt (it gives me a better chance) so I wouldn't know.

[Lhtfajba]

Perhaps I should try that Wiley! It sure can't hurt!

[chipkluchi]

Humidity has an effect on distance also.

Cold does too - we see a difference when we play in the Winter.

[wonceinee]

When we play in Tahoe its usually seems to screw with my head. Sure the drives go farther, but it does a number on your iron game. At about 6000 feet it seemed to be a club length difference.

[AM1VV9r6]

I live out here on the eastern plains of Colorado and when I have gone to Breckenridge to play I have seen about a club length and a half difference longer in the mountains. There is about 4,500 feet difference in altitude.

[Loonerisav]

Cold does too - we see a difference when we play in the Winter.

Big time! When the temps are less than 50º & especially below 40º there is a huge drop in how far the ball will carry. I played last year at a local course & the temp was mid 30º's. I was wondering what the heck was wrong with my driving because the ball was about 15 yds shorter than normal, & i'm not all that long off the tee to begin with.

Irons shots were shorter too, had to club up a minimum of 1 club everytime.

[chipkluchi]

Dyna - Do you see a difference if you warm your balls in the Winter? I know it's not legal, but handicap season is closed so it doesn't matter.

[Unhappu]

Dyna - Do you see a difference if you warm your balls in the Winter? I know it's not legal, but handicap season is closed so it doesn't matter.

It's always a good idea to keep your balls warm in winter. As a rule, I keep mine in my trousers between holes and that seems to do the trick.

[Loonerisav]

Dyna - Do you see a difference if you warm your balls in the Winter? I know it's not legal, but handicap season is closed so it doesn't matter.

Well, I wear warm pants and haven't noticed a difference. I suppose next time I could wear shorts for a hole or 2

[chipkluchi]

It's always a good idea to keep your balls warm in winter.

Ty - I didn't know you played in the Winter. Do you use hand warmers or something else?