Calculate how altitude affects your golf ball distance. Higher elevation means thinner air and longer shots.
Playing at elevation? Golf balls fly significantly farther in thinner air. Calculate precise distance adjustments for mountain courses, high-altitude destinations, and varying atmospheric conditions.
Calculate distance changes due to elevation and atmospheric conditions
Your normal distance at sea level
Course elevation above sea level
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Calculate your first altitude adjustment above.
Altitude dramatically affects golf ball flight due to changes in air density. Understanding these effects is crucial for proper club selection and distance management when playing at elevation.
Driver: Largest distance gain (30-50+ yards)
Fairway Woods: Significant gain (20-35 yards)
Long Irons: Noticeable gain (15-25 yards)
Mid Irons: Moderate gain (10-18 yards)
Short Irons: Smaller gain (5-12 yards)
Wedges: Minimal gain (3-8 yards)
Hot Weather: Ball flies even farther
Cold Weather: Reduces altitude benefit
Rule of Thumb: 1-2 yards per 10°F change
Extreme Cold: Can negate altitude gains
Extreme Heat: Compounds altitude effects
Club Down: Use less club than normal
Yardage Books: Adjust all distances
Approach Shots: More club selection precision needed
Green-side: Wedges still require precision
Crans-sur-Sierre: 5,000+ feet (Switzerland)
Whistling Straits: 200+ feet (Wisconsin)
Bandon Dunes: 150+ feet (Oregon)
Colorado Courses: Many 5,000-8,000+ feet
Practice Round: Essential for distance calibration
Range Session: Test all clubs at altitude
Conservative Play: Avoid flying greens
Wind Awareness: Altitude amplifies wind effects
Humidity: Lower humidity = more distance
Barometric Pressure: Lower pressure = more distance
Ball Type: Some balls perform better at altitude
Swing Speed: Higher speeds see bigger gains
Launch Angle: Optimal launch may change
Arrive Early: Play practice rounds
Hydration: Drink more water at altitude
Breathing: May feel winded initially
Mental Game: Trust the distance calculations
Equipment: Consider ball and club adjustments
✓ Precise Calculations: Scientific air density formulas
✓ Multiple Factors: Altitude, temperature, humidity
✓ Course Planning: Better distance management
✓ Club Selection: Accurate yardage adjustments
✓ Performance Tracking: Compare different elevations
✓ Free Tool: No cost for altitude calculations
Important: Altitude effects can vary based on individual swing characteristics, equipment, and specific atmospheric conditions. These calculations provide general estimates based on physics principles. Always verify distances with practice rounds and range sessions when playing at significant elevation.