If you've ever played golf in the mountains, you'll know the feeling: your 7-iron sails over the green, and drives seem to fly for ever. At high elevation, the air is thinner, so the ball meets less resistance and travels further. Understanding how much further, and how altitude affects spin and curve, helps you choose the right clubs and enjoy mountain golf.
Why the ball goes further
Air density decreases as elevation increases. Thinner air means:
- Less drag: the ball slows down less.
- Less lift: spin creates less lift, so the ball may fly a little lower.
The net result is more carry and roll for most shots. Read golf ball spin explained.
How much further?
A widely used rule of thumb is about 2% more carry per 1,000 feet of elevation:
| Elevation | Approximate extra carry | 150-yard shot plays like |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 ft (300 m) | 2% | 147 yards |
| 3,000 ft (900 m) | 6% | 141 yards |
| 5,000 ft (1,500 m) | 10% | 136 yards |
| 7,000 ft (2,100 m) | 14% | 132 yards |
| 8,000 ft (2,400 m) | 16% | 129 yards |
These are approximate. Temperature, humidity, wind and your ball flight also matter. Hot weather adds further distance. Read hot weather golf.
How to adjust
- Hit a few shots on the range to see your new distances.
- Take less club on approaches, often one club less at moderate altitude, more at high altitude.
- Watch the green: the ball may land and run more.
- Don't overswing: the extra distance is free.
- Recalculate your yardages with our club distance chart.
Other effects
- Less curve: reduced lift and drag means slightly less hook and slice.
- Short shots are less affected; putts and chips are not affected by altitude.
- Elevation changes on mountain courses add another factor: downhill shots play shorter, uphill longer. Read how to play uneven lies.
- Breaks on greens often run away from mountains. Read how to read greens.
Staying healthy at altitude
- Hydrate: you lose more fluid at altitude.
- Pace yourself on your first day, especially above about 8,000 feet.
- Sun protection: UV is stronger. Read sun protection for golfers.
- Watch for altitude sickness: headache, dizziness and nausea. Rest and descend if symptoms are significant, and seek medical advice.
- Afternoon storms are common in mountains. Read golf course safety.
Where you'll play at altitude
Read golf in Colorado and Utah, golf in Canada, golf in Germany, Austria and Switzerland and golf in South America.
Frequently asked questions
How much further does a golf ball go at altitude?
About 2% per 1,000 feet as a rule of thumb, so around 10% at 5,000 feet.
Does altitude affect putting?
No. Putts are not meaningfully affected by altitude.
Should I change my golf ball at altitude?
Usually not necessary. Some golfers prefer a slightly higher-spinning ball to hold greens.
Does the ball curve less at altitude?
Slightly, because there is less air to act on the spinning ball.
The bottom line
At altitude, the ball flies further and curves a little less. Use the 2% per 1,000 feet rule as a starting point, check your distances on the range, take less club and look after yourself in the thin air. Then enjoy the extra yards. For more on adapting to conditions, read how to play golf in the wind.