Wind Effect on Golf Ball Trajectories
The speed of the wind varies with height above the ground. A golfer is able to measure the speed of the wind at ground level. The golf ball moves from the ground at a higher points where the wind speed is greater. The higher the ball moves, the greater the wind speed. The physics of fluid motion models how the speed changes with height. It is well understood. Unfortunately, the wind changes (gusts) and thus adds uncertainty to the golfer's measurement of wind speed and direction.
Above is a graph showing the path of 3 different drives. The shortest represents hitting into a 5 mph wind (about 240 yds). The longest represents hitting with a 5 mph wind (about 260 yds). The middle length drive is with no wind (about 255 yds). A 5 mph wind is very minimal, thus the effect is low, yet significant. Note as well the different trajectories created by the wind.
Below is a graph showing the path of 3 different drives, similar to the one above, except the wind speed is 20 mph.
Note that
into the wind the drive flies 200 yds, with no wind it flies
250 yds
and with the wind, it flies 275 yds. The effect of the wind
is much more significant when hitting into it than when hitting
with it. Hitting into the wind actually causes the ball
to balloon higher into the air.
Of course the effect of the wind depends on
your ball trajectory. Players that hit the ball higher have their
shots more greatly effected. That's why better players tend to
hit knock-down shots when playing in the wind. As well, how far
a player hits his/her various clubs will have an effect of how
many more or less yards the wind will provide. Even the best players in the world have a tough time with the wind. Wind speed is hard to read and wind gusting makes it tough to predict the effect on the golf ball, and to commit to the shot.
Apply This Science to Score Improvement
Using accurate golf ball trajectory software, one can calculate how to adjust your club selection for changes in temperature, wind, altitude and elevation (uphill/downhill shots). See below.
Temperature
Warmer temperatures equate to longer carry distances. The difference between a cool morning and hot afternoon can be a full club.
You can provide me with yardages for each club in your bag. I'll input your values into a program I have written, and send you a template which will outline how different temperatures will change the real yardages for each club.
Wind
You can immediately download a copy "Reading Playing the Wind." I'll explain how you can easily measure the wind's speed (without using any kind of electronic device) and how much each mph of wind will affect your various club ranges.
You can provide me with yardages for each club in your bag. I'll input your values into a program I have written, and send you a template which will outline how different speed winds will change the real yardages for each club.
Altitude
With increased altitude comes less dense air, meaning less friciton drag and longer carry distances.
You can provide me with yardages for each club in your bag. I'll input your values into a program I have written, and send you a template which will outline how altitudes will change the real yardages for each club..
Hitting Uphill or Downhill
You need to adjust your club selection when hitting uphill or downhill. But how much?
I've worked out how to estimate elevation change (uphill or downhill shots), and created a formula for how much shorter or longer a yardage plays. OR, send me the location of any golf hole along with your normal carry distances, and I'll work out how far the hole plays and what club to hit.
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We have been providing golf advice online since 1999 and have been research the best in golf science since 1996. From Probable Golf, you can get advice on how to improve your game using math & science, how to best arrange your golf group foursomes to reduce repeat pairings, how to protect your home or business from errant golf balls, how to best interpret golf statistics.
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Hitting Uphill or Downhill
You need to adjust your club selection when hitting uphill or downhill. But how much?
