The Sweet Spot - Golf Podcast How Do Temperature, Wind, Altitude, and Humidity Alter Ball Flight?
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Aug 4, 2025 This podcast features Marty Jertson, VP of fitting and performance at PING, and Chris Broadie, Head of fitting science at PING, who dive into how the elements impact golf ball flight. They explore the effects of wind, temperature, humidity, and altitude, sharing insights that could change how golfers approach their game. Learn why warming up golf balls matters, how the conditions influence swing speed, and the surprising role of moisture on ball spin. Their expert advice helps players adapt strategies for better performance.
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Wind Hurts More Into It
- Hitting into the wind reduces distance more than a tailwind increases it.
- The ratio of wind impact varies by swing speed but is roughly two to one for average players.
Lower Launch Into Wind
- When hitting into the wind, launch the ball lower to reduce wind impact by about one third.
- Most recreational players should just take more club instead of trying complex shot variations.
Wind Affects Ball Dispersion
- Into the wind increases side spin and thus widens left-right dispersion.
- Downwind tightens left-right dispersion but slightly increases front-back dispersion.