HEAT!!!

[Obee]

Heat, heat, glorious heat. It was in the mid-90s yesterday at Bear Creek and oh my goodness what a difference that makes to the game of an old, fat, low ball-flight, high spin player like me.

Warm temperatures help me in multiple ways. My back always feels better in the heat, and the extra lift/height and distance I get with all of my clubs is just what the doctor ordered after months of carrying driver 205 and my 7-hybrid 130. In the heat, I can actually carry driver 220ish and my 7h 145ish. 
 

Every bit of the heat-afforded extra yardage I can get is a truly welcome benefit. Heat helps everyone, of course, but it helps lowball hitters even more, as in the winter when it's cold, my ball seems like it barely gets above head level on most shots!!

 

Played the blues (~6,450, 72.0/134) and after getting off to a rocky early start with my ball-striking and having to get up and down for a couple pars on 1 and 2, I hardly missed a shot the rest of the day. I only had one hole over par (the short par-3 6th) and I thought I hit it stiff there!!! It came up just short, hit a rock in the hazard and led to double. Other than that, 13 pars, four birdies and the lone double for a nice 2-under 70. I hit every green on the back nine and a total 14/18 with 13/14 fairways and 28 putts.

Most importantly, I won my bets!! 😉

Bring on the summer!!!

[caniac6]

I pick up at least a club of distance when it warms up. I tell the pro at my course it’s like I get a new set of clubs every spring.

[mizuno player]

I will only play under 60° if it's been 30/25 for months. So 58 will feel really warm. But definitely NO high winds. Too old, 58, too many injuries and a traveling salesman. So a bad tight back, tight hammies and quads comes in the welcome kit at on boarding!! 

 

Take a trip to th Coachella Valley Obee!! That'll do wonders for the back and other aliments. 

[Hawkeye77]

We’ve hit a nice and really warm spell - my shoulder loves it. First time I’ve played 18 3 days in a row (actually more than that today) since ‘23. I’ll have more rounds in by the end of the month than all last season. Things are coming together!

[sheepdawg]

To heck with a bunch of 50s* stuff. I love the heat. 75* to 90* please. My back, left shoulder and knees loosen up. I've come close to heat stroke so much over 90* and I'll stay home.

 

Drats here in NE Georgia it's been a cool wet spring. 

[ChaosTheory]

2 hours ago, Obee said:

Heat, heat, glorious heat. It was in the mid-90s yesterday at Bear Creek and oh my goodness what a difference that makes to the game of an old, fat, low ball-flight, high spin player like me.

Warm temperatures help me in multiple ways. My back always feels better in the heat, and the extra lift/height and distance I get with all of my clubs is just what the doctor ordered after months of carrying driver 205 and my 7-hybrid 130. In the heat, I can actually carry driver 220ish and my 7h 145ish. 
 

Every bit of the heat-afforded extra yardage I can get is a truly welcome benefit. Heat helps everyone, of course, but it helps lowball hitters even more, as in the winter when it's cold, my ball seems like it barely gets above head level on most shots!!

 

Played the blues (~6,450, 72.0/134) and after getting off to a rocky early start with my ball-striking and having to get up and down for a couple pars on 1 and 2, I hardly missed a shot the rest of the day. I only had one hole over par (the short par-3 6th) and I thought I hit it stiff there!!! It came up just short, hit a rock in the hazard and led to double. Other than that, 13 pars, four birdies and the lone double for a nice 2-under 70. I hit every green on the back nine and a total 14/18 with 13/14 fairways and 28 putts.

Most importantly, I won my bets!! 😉

Bring on the summer!!!

I was just dreading the 90s that are in the DFW forecast for next week.  But then I remembered the same things you mentioned.

 

I carry my 7 iron the same 145 as you.  But I guess I should figure out why I can’t carry driver anywhere near 220 like you do.

[Obee]

3 hours ago, mizuno player said:

I will only play under 60° if it's been 30/25 for months. So 58 will feel really warm. But definitely NO high winds. Too old, 58, too many injuries and a traveling salesman. So a bad tight back, tight hammies and quads comes in the welcome kit at on boarding!! 

 

Take a trip to th Coachella Valley Obee!! That'll do wonders for the back and other aliments. 

Funny you should mention it!
 

I'm playing the Trans-Miss Senior at Thunderbird in Rancho Mirage next week!

 

Great field. Can't wait!!

[mizuno player]

15 minutes ago, Obee said:

Funny you should mention it!
 

I'm playing the Trans-Miss Senior at Thunderbird in Rancho Mirage next week!

 

Great field. Can't wait!!

Back on the late 90's early 00 I would head to the desert from the east coast every year. It's my favorite golf destination. I go in June so the weather could be perfect or hot. Either way I loved it. Love putting those greens. Hope I get back out there to the year or two.  I'll be done paying for someone to attend college!!! Good luck.  

[RSinSG]

2 hours ago, Obee said:

Thunderbird in Rancho Mirage

I used to drive past that course all the time when I was a young college student in Palm Desert and I thought it was the best looking course ever. (This was a long time ago so the fairways were visible on Hwy 111.) At the time I only played public courses that were cheap and I had serious envy for the rich folks on that private track.

 

Years later when I had access to just about every course in the desert I played Thunderbird one time. Maybe it was because it was in the summer, but I was disappointed in the place. Kinda like looking at a picture of a beauty queen for years and then seeing all the flaws when you meet her in person.

 

I'd be interested in your opinion of it. The time of year is perfect, and maybe it is in fact a really beauty queen.

[Obee]

7 hours ago, RSinSG said:

I used to drive past that course all the time when I was a young college student in Palm Desert and I thought it was the best looking course ever. (This was a long time ago so the fairways were visible on Hwy 111.) At the time I only played public courses that were cheap and I had serious envy for the rich folks on that private track.

 

Years later when I had access to just about every course in the desert I played Thunderbird one time. Maybe it was because it was in the summer, but I was disappointed in the place. Kinda like looking at a picture of a beauty queen for years and then seeing all the flaws when you meet her in person.

 

I'd be interested in your opinion of it. The time of year is perfect, and maybe it is in fact a really beauty queen.

They did a complete renovation in 2022. Should be great. 
 

But ... it's certainly not going to be elite in terms of the Coachella  Valley anymore. Those days are long gone. Too many solid courses in The Valley now. 

[mshills]

I’m with you on the heat. Almost can’t get too hot for me as long as I’m prepared. 
 

No booze the night before. 
Minimum coffee I need to function the morning of. 
Sunblock, and always a sun sleeve on my bad arm. 
Ride.

 

It is remarkable how much better my battered joints feel, especially in southwest heat without the humidity factor and the barometer swings. Has our household reconsidering our “next move” ideas.

 

I am not a high spin player, and of course I notice the ball goes farther when it is hot. It also seems humidity increases carry distances. I’ve never read anything factual on the subject, and I wonder how much of the ball going far is because my body feels so much better. 
 

Either way I take it!

[Obee]

Another 70 yesterday in 90°+ heat. Greens are soft, so not our typical conditions. Qualifier tomorrow at Olivas Links for the SCGA Senior ... if I don't have to withdraw due to some work issues...

[bazinky]

Love this thread! Ever since my Psoriatic Arthritis flared up in my late 40's, I've come to the realization that I'm probably better off just not playing when it's cold. I develop all sorts of bad swing habits trying to get my body to move properly, and I have to spend more time each spring getting it sorted out and back in sync. I think the worst part is the impact it has on my mental game and self-confidence. Can't even get bailed out by short game, since winter lies and bumpy greens make scrambling even tougher.

 

 

 

 

Edited June 24 by bazinky
correction

[WesternRacing]

I play most of my rounds in an average of 50-55 degree, often damp, weather, so on the rare day that I get 75+ temps, I feel like I’ve turned the clock back ten years.

[TNwanabe]

On 5/11/2025 at 7:50 AM, mshills said:

I’m with you on the heat. Almost can’t get too hot for me as long as I’m prepared. 
 

No booze the night before. 
Minimum coffee I need to function the morning of. 
Sunblock, and always a sun sleeve on my bad arm. 
Ride.

 

It is remarkable how much better my battered joints feel, especially in southwest heat without the humidity factor and the barometer swings. Has our household reconsidering our “next move” ideas.

 

I am not a high spin player, and of course I notice the ball goes farther when it is hot. It also seems humidity increases carry distances. I’ve never read anything factual on the subject, and I wonder how much of the ball going far is because my body feels so much better. 
 

Either way I take it!

I wonder if the wet air makes for more lift when the ball spins up? Or is it your muscles are more flexible and free to swing fast? I have nver thought about it like that. 

[Carl Spackler3]

very jealous of those that have no problem with the heat. I have a fib and often get lightheaded in the NC summer heat. I live for the non July august September days.

 

[MountainKing]

Having a pretty broken body with some surgeries, 90+ temps are fantastic for the body and full mobility.  70's and below not so much.  I love the heat just due to how my body feels.

[kamaaina1]

Bring on the Heat!  🌞  Still lingering in the drizzly 50's here in the PNW 🌦️

[SlothofDespond]

Wearing big light boonie style hats that can wick away sweat and dry quickly was life changing in the heat. They help more than any baseball cap ever could.

 

Yes, they look goofy. No, you won't care if you feel 5 degrees cooler on a 90 degree day.

[Pepperturbo]

On 5/10/2025 at 3:43 PM, Obee said:

Heat, heat, glorious heat. It was in the mid-90s yesterday at Bear Creek and oh my goodness what a difference that makes to the game of an old, fat, low ball-flight, high spin player like me.

Warm temperatures help me in multiple ways. My back always feels better in the heat, and the extra lift/height and distance I get with all of my clubs is just what the doctor ordered after months of carrying driver 205 and my 7-hybrid 130. In the heat, I can actually carry driver 220ish and my 7h 145ish. 
 

Every bit of the heat-afforded extra yardage I can get is a truly welcome benefit. Heat helps everyone, of course, but it helps lowball hitters even more, as in the winter when it's cold, my ball seems like it barely gets above head level on most shots!!

 

Played the blues (~6,450, 72.0/134) and after getting off to a rocky early start with my ball-striking and having to get up and down for a couple pars on 1 and 2, I hardly missed a shot the rest of the day. I only had one hole over par (the short par-3 6th) and I thought I hit it stiff there!!! It came up just short, hit a rock in the hazard and led to double. Other than that, 13 pars, four birdies and the lone double for a nice 2-under 70. I hit every green on the back nine and a total 14/18 with 13/14 fairways and 28 putts.

Most importantly, I won my bets!! 😉

Bring on the summer!!!

I can relate heat wise, but not with your outstanding play. 🙂  That's a tough course.  Heat spurts help my muscles get the ball out there a tad further too.  A few reached near 270 in the middle.

[Pepperturbo]

On 5/10/2025 at 7:48 PM, Obee said:

Funny you should mention it!
 

I'm playing the Trans-Miss Senior at Thunderbird in Rancho Mirage next week!

 

Great field. Can't wait!!

It should be a lot of fun, great track.  A buddy lives there and a member, will be out there soon.

[Shilgy]

On 5/11/2025 at 5:50 AM, mshills said:

I’m with you on the heat. Almost can’t get too hot for me as long as I’m prepared. 
 

No booze the night before. 
Minimum coffee I need to function the morning of. 
Sunblock, and always a sun sleeve on my bad arm. 
Ride.

 

It is remarkable how much better my battered joints feel, especially in southwest heat without the humidity factor and the barometer swings. Has our household reconsidering our “next move” ideas.

 

I am not a high spin player, and of course I notice the ball goes farther when it is hot. It also seems humidity increases carry distances. I’ve never read anything factual on the subject, and I wonder how much of the ball going far is because my body feels so much better. 
 

Either way I take it!

My understanding is that the ball carries about 2.5 yards longer for every 10°f. So here in Phoenix we get about one club extra in the summer compared to winter season.  Humidity, my understanding is that it is actually less dense(which seems odd as it seems “thicker”) and carry increases there as well as you stated.

Edited May 17 by Shilgy
Spell check-user error

[bigred90gt]

On 5/11/2025 at 7:50 AM, mshills said:

I’m with you on the heat. Almost can’t get too hot for me as long as I’m prepared. 
 

No booze the night before. 
Minimum coffee I need to function the morning of. 
Sunblock, and always a sun sleeve on my bad arm. 
Ride.

 

I'm up there with y'all on the "can't get too hot" bit, but the departure comes in the preparation. About the only one of those that I do to prepare is ride in a cart. I drink plenty of booze the night before as well as during a round, and I do not start my day without at least a full pot of black coffee in my belly, lol. 

 

While I know I should most definitely wear sunblock, I tend to forget since I have a fairly dark complexion and do not burn very easily. My wife gives me grief for it, but she is the color of a white t-shirt, so she will get a sunburn looking out the window from the comfort of our living room. 

[bobfoster]

On 5/16/2025 at 1:48 PM, Shilgy said:

My understanding is that the ball carries about 2.5 yards longer for every 10°f. So here in Phoenix we get about one club extra in the summer compared to winter season.  Humidity, my understanding is that it is actually less dense(which seems odd as it seems “thicker”) and carry increases there as well as you stated.

Weirdly, I just read some science about that. Water molecules (i.e., humidity - water suspended in a gaseous state) are apparently much bigger than "normal" air. Effectively (and maybe counter-intuitively) making the air the golf ball goes through "thinner" and lighter (though if you are carrying a bag in Miami it sure doesn't feel like that).

 

Then again, I read a lot of stuff - much of which is probably fake news.

 

We need our WRX scientist here I think (@thinking plus).

 

 

[RSinSG]

Walked 18 today and it was mid-90’s when we finished. Electrolytes before the round, forced myself to drink water on every tee box, sunscreen and an umbrella kept me in the game. 
 

It’s been fairly hot for the past 2 weeks and I’ve had some of my best scores this year so I guess I like playing in the heat. 
 

I’m headed to Idaho next week for the summer and I’m hoping I take my improved game with me. 

[bcflyguy1]

10 hours ago, bobfoster said:

Weirdly, I just read some science about that. Water molecules (i.e., humidity - water suspended in a gaseous state) are apparently much bigger than "normal" air. Effectively (and maybe counter-intuitively) making the air the golf ball goes through "thinner" and lighter (though if you are carrying a bag in Miami it sure doesn't feel like that).

 

Then again, I read a lot of stuff - much of which is probably fake news.

 

We need our WRX scientist here I think (@thinking plus).

 

 

Correct, the air becomes less dense (less aero lift and drag) as relative humidity increases. However, the effect of humidity change isn't nearly as pronounced as changes in air temperature and altitude above sea level.

[SurfDuffer]

I love playing in 80-90 degree temps.  We get some crazy humidity at times which is worse than heat.  As long as its not so hot and humid that I am sweating through my gloves I'm good to go.  

[bcjim]

The molecules in hot air occupy a greater volume than do molecules of cold air for a given mass of air.

 

  There's maybe 5 -10% less stuff (molecules of nitrogen,  oxygen,  etc) in a cubic ft of hot vs cold air. So,  less matter for a golf ball to collide with as it travels. Higher water vapor content further reduces air density just because water molecules have less mass than nitrogen or oxygen molecules. 

 

In practical terms the increased elasticity of the ball at higher temperature is a greater factor than the air density. And, i suspect that the negative effects of high heat and humidity on the golfer offset the small benefits of less dense air. 

[DaveGoodrich]

Well, I'm going to play 3 days in a row in Laughlin NV this weekend, with temps forecasted at 107* tomorrow, 104* on Saturday, and "cooling" to 89* on Sunday.  I'm also in inland SoCal, so I am accustomed to this kind of heat, but I'm not really acclimated to these temps yet this year... 

 

Wide brimmed hat, lots of water, sunscreen, and moving at a steady, reasonable pace.  I'll be watching out for my playing partners too, especially the older guys and those that aren't in great shape.   Its literally a matter of life and death at these temps.   

[bcflyguy1]

9 hours ago, bcjim said:

In practical terms the increased elasticity of the ball at higher temperature is a greater factor than the air density. 

In practical terms...that is not correct.