If you ever play golf at high elevation, you are likely to notice some added distance in your game. Altitude does affect golf ball performance. The golf ball flies further at higher altitudes, mainly due to the change in air density, which decreases as elevation increases.

CALCULATE THE DIFFERENCE

Thinner air exerts less drag force on the ball, so it moves more easily through the air and doesn't slow down as quickly as it flies. You can calculate the distance gain you will experience compared to sea level by multiplying the elevation in feet by about a tenth of a percent. For example, if you’re playing in Denver at a mile elevation, the increase is about 6%. So, if you normally drive the ball 250 yards at sea level, you will likely drive it about 265 yards in Denver.

The golf ball does not spin any less at high elevation, however, because the air is less dense and imparts less force on the ball, the lift force is also lower. This results in a flatter trajectory on your longer shots, a shallower angle of descent, and greater roll.

And because the air is less dense at higher altitudes and imparts less force on the golf ball, the ball won't slice or hook as much and it will be harder to shape shots.

It's also important to know that the shorter the shot and the slower a ball moves through the air, the less effect altitude will have on golf ball aerodynamics which means on shorter approach shots and greenside shots, you won’t have to adjust for elevation.