Temperature and Golf Balls

When a golf ball flies through colder air, it loses distance because cold air is more dense than warm air. This added density increases both lift and drag forces acting on the ball, leading to a slightly higher and shorter trajectory. In short, golf ball temperature and air density directly affect how far your shot travels. The effects of temperature on golf balls become especially noticeable in colder weather, just as it does in excessively hot weather.

Distance loss can also result from playing with cold golf balls. When a golf ball gets too cold, the materials inside lose some resiliency, reducing initial velocity off the clubface. In very warm conditions, excessive heat can also degrade golf ball performance. To reduce these temperature-related impacts, we recommend playing with room temperature golf balls and storing your balls indoors year-round. Avoid leaving them in extreme environments—such as a car trunk during freezing or sweltering conditions—especially if you’re heading out for a round of cold weather golf. If your golf balls have been exposed, allow them to gradually return to room temperature before using them.



In very cold conditions, it’s helpful to rotate two golf balls throughout the round. Keep the idle ball in a warm pocket to help maintain consistent golf ball temperature and preserve feel and performance. While it’s difficult to quantify the exact golf ball distance loss from air temperature alone, a general rule of thumb is a 1.5% loss for every 20°F drop in temperature. For example, a 200-yard shot on a 50°F day compared to a 70°F day might lose about 3 yards.

A common misconception in cold weather golf is the idea of switching to a lower compression ball. This approach attempts to offset the firmness that comes with colder conditions. However, if you follow our recommendation to use balls stored at room temperature, compression in cold weather becomes a non-issue. Furthermore, modern golf balls are not sold in different compression options like older wound balls, so switching would mean changing models entirely—something that could compromise your usual play. While some may search for the best golf ball for cold weather, consistency in feel and familiarity with your golf ball model often outweigh potential cold-specific benefits.

Finally, remember: if you change your golf ball, you change every shot in your bag. Maintaining proper golf ball storage temperature, understanding how temperature affects performance, and keeping your equipment consistent are essential for optimal results—no matter the weather.