Course Management · Tip
Adjust Your Yardages at Altitude
Part of our course management programs for wind and weather. Build a program with it
Thin air at high elevation means less drag. Every club flies farther. How much depends on how high you are. It can be several yards per club, and more the higher you go. Don't change your swing. Go to the range before your round and learn your new numbers. Don't wear yourself out, though. Thin air is tiring. A club that normally fits a yardage may fly the green. Make solid contact and trust the extra distance.
Step by step
- Warm up and measure your new carries.
- Expect extra yards per club.
- Keep your swing the same.
- Club down based on new numbers.
- Pace yourself.
Why it works
Air is less dense at high elevation, so the ball meets less drag on the way out. It slows down less and carries farther with the same ball speed. Your swing does not change, so the only thing that changes is the distance each club travels.
Common mistakes
- You swing harder to use the thin air.Keep your normal swing and tempo, because extra effort only hurts contact and the air already adds distance.
- You guess your new yardages on the course.Hit balls at the range before you play and write down the carry for each club.
- You keep using your sea-level club for every distance.Club down by your new numbers so the ball does not fly the green.
How you'll know it's working
- Your carry distances with each club are longer than usual and are consistent from shot to shot.
- You strike the ball solidly in the center of the face, with a normal ball flight and divot.
- Your approach shots land on the green or short of it instead of flying over the back.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Measure only three clubs, such as a short iron, a mid iron and your driver, and estimate the gaps between them.
Harder: Measure every club in your bag, then practice picking the club for random target distances and judging the wind as well.
Common questions
How much farther does a golf ball fly at altitude?
It depends on how high you are, and the gain grows with elevation. It can be several yards per club, so measure your own carries at the range.
Should I change my swing when playing at altitude?
No. Keep the same swing and change your club choice based on your new yardages.
