Lesson 2: Temperature and the Golf Ball
Here is something surprising: a golf ball hit in warm weather travels farther than the same shot in cold weather.
Cold air is denser than warm air — molecules are packed more tightly. Denser air creates more drag, which slows the ball faster. Warm air is less dense so the ball encounters less resistance and travels farther.
Temperature also affects the ball itself. Cold rubber is less elastic — it compresses and springs back less efficiently. A cold golf ball loses some of its bounce at impact.
This is why golfers in cold climates keep their ball in a pocket between shots — body warmth keeps it more elastic. Even a few degrees makes a noticeable difference.
Cold air = denser = more drag = shorter shots.
Warm air = less dense = less drag = longer shots.
A 10-degree temperature drop can reduce ball distance by approximately 1-2 yards.
Put one golf ball in the freezer for 30 minutes and keep another at room temperature. Drop both from the same height onto a hard floor. Which bounces higher?
Temperature bounce test: test three golf balls — one from the freezer, one at room temperature, one from a warm room. Drop each from exactly the same height and measure the bounce height. Record in a table. Estimate how many yards a golfer might lose on a cold morning vs. a warm afternoon.
The freezer test is one of the most memorable experiments in the curriculum. The visual difference in bounce height between cold and warm balls is clear and surprising. Use a tape measure on the wall for consistent drop height.