The Golf Ball Guide: Golf Balls in Cold Weather

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Golf ball resting on bentgrass putting green surface

IF YOU PLAY GOLF IN COLD WEATHER, you shouldn't expect your golf ball to perform like it does in late May or the middle of August.

Here's why: Cold air is denser and creates more drag on the golf ball. Therefore, as the temperature drops, the golf ball flies shorter distances.

For example, your golf ball loses two yards of carry for each 10-degree drop in temperature. While an ideal temperature range for golf balls is 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, temperatures in the 40s can result in distance losses of 5 to 10 yards.

But all is not lost. You can adjust to cold-weather conditions. For instance, a soft, low-compression golf ball will…