PHOENIX — Two things Arizona is known for are heat and golf. As the temperatures rise during the summer, die-hard golfers take advantage of the lower rates and bear the extreme heat for a few holes on the course.
But with summer underway, does our heat help or hurt your golf game? We took to the 12News team to help with some insight.
Here's a little Q&A with meteorologist Ginger Jeffries.
Does heat impact ball flight?
Ultimately, we're talking about the density of air. That's what will give the ball resistance or speed. What makes up density is humidity, air pressure and temperature.
Given a ball speed of 155 mph and optimal launch, a driver will carry the ball 2.5 yards further per every 10-degree swing on the thermometer. Starting at 40 degrees and climbing to 100 degrees.
What about humidity?
This is the biggest misconception. I've heard so many people say the ball won't fly as far because the air is heavier. But that's backward.
The molecular weight of moist air vs dry air is lighter. When it's humid water vapor molecules which contain hydrogen replace the heavier nitrogen and oxygen molecules.
So humid air will actually give you a boost. It's minimal though, from 10% humidity to 90% humidity, you only gain less than a yard.
So from a weather standpoint, what's your golf advice?
In high temperatures launch the ball high and spin it low for maximum distance. With a headwind, go with a lower launch and normal spin. Into a tailwind, effort a higher launch without adding spin.
Some great insight for those summertime golfers. Be sure to remember the advice the next tee time.
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