PGAProfessional.com Blog
If one must have one, I guess...

Question:

Does a golf ball travel farther on hot humid days?

Steve James
Wentzville, MO

Answer:

Hi Steve,

Yes, the ball typically goes farther in hotter temperatures, in higher humidity and at higher altitudes. There may be some formula for calculating it all (not that you could actually make any practical use of it in any real world golf situation), but learning how much to adjust for various conditions is part of what you learn from experience playing the game. Thanks for visiting PGAProfessional.com and best of luck with your game. MB

Question:

Does the ball travel slower in cold weather?

Fiona MacKinnon
Glasgow, Scotland

Answer:

Hi Fiona,

Yes, balls do go somewhat (usually a little) farther in hotter temperatures, higher humidity and higher altitude and, therefore, shorter in opposite conditions. But your distance may have as much (or more) to do with your muscles firing more slowly at colder temperatures as it does with ball performance. How much to adjust in any given situation is one of the things you learn from experience. Thanks for visiting PGAProfessional.com and best of luck with your game. MB

Question:

What is coupling the left hand? [The] announcer said it would prevent you from hooking.

James Toon
Fayetteville, TN

Answer:

Hi James,

That's "cupping" - see cupping - in my golf glossary. That, alone, won't prevent a hook, though it might make it more difficult. Cupping is one common factor in slicing. For hooking see this FAQ -- Thanks for visiting PGAProfessional.com and best of luck with your game. MB

Okay, go ahead and add Martin Kaymer to the list of... unexpected major winners in the July 20 post. Interesting year.

Speaking of which: additionally, an interesting year at the majors for Dustin Johnson. Perhaps the cliché‚ "anything that doesn't kill you makes you stronger" will apply and he will be back with a proverbial vengeance. I would enjoy seeing that.

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