We sure have had some wacky weather this winter and spring here in Whitby and the Toronto area. It started with people being able to enjoy rounds of golf into November last year, went to a minus 20 degree Celsius deep freeze at the start of the year and now spring time seems to have stalled.

It all got us thinking about how the weather can affect your round of golf. In addition to the overall effect weather trends can have on delaying or extending the golf season, and the ever-present influence of the wind, or the lack of it, weather conditions on any given day can be a factor in the distance you get from the tee and on the fairway.

Temperature

Warm air rises because it is not as dense as cold air. That produces three major effects on your golf game.
First, the thinner air reduces drag on the golf ball, which increases driving distance. Second, there is less lift from less dense air, so the ball won’t get the same loft. Finally, the lower trajectory reduces slices and hooks.

Barometric Pressure

If you never pay attention to the barometer readings on weather reports, you should if you’re heading to the golf course. Lower barometer readings mean lighter air which produces the same effects on your shots as warmer air.

Humidity

When the weather person talks about ‘relative humidity’, start listening. The humidity reading is a reflection of the moisture content of the air. Drier air is denser, which creates more drag on the ball and reduces the distance it travels.

Don’t expect these weather conditions to change your golf game drastically. For example, testing using a swing machine showed an increase of 1.3 yards for every 12 degrees C increase in temperatures. But when you include other variables like the wind, the effects can be amplified.