The Travelers Championship is in full swing at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Connecticut, with players like Taylor Pendrith taking advantage of the warm weather to make powerful shots. Pendrith, a Canadian golfer, was able to hit a drive that flew 310 yards and landed just 117 yards from the hole, setting him up for another birdie. The warm and humid air in New England during the tournament has been affecting how golf balls perform on the course.
According to Jeff Brunski, Srixon’s vice president of research and development, warm air is less dense than cold air, which creates less resistance or drag on the golf ball. This results in longer drives and shots for players like Pendrith, who have the power to take advantage of these conditions. Similarly, Fordie Pitts, Titleist’s tour consultant for golf ball research and development, explained that humidity can also have an impact on how golf balls perform. Despite common misconceptions, humid air is actually less dense, allowing the ball to fly farther.
For golfers, the warm weather can make it easier to warm up and stay loose on the course. Shots should fly farther in hot and humid conditions, so if you notice that your shots are coming up short, it could be a sign that your energy levels are dropping in the heat. Additionally, the environment around a player can affect how much spin is created at impact. Faster swing speeds in warmer weather can lead to increased spin on the ball, creating different shot trajectories for golfers.
While golf balls can undergo physical changes in extreme heat, players don’t need to worry about that on the course. Pitts reassures players that the heat needed to melt golf balls is far beyond what anyone would experience while playing golf. Even if golf balls are left in a hot car for an extended period, it would take temperatures well above what players are exposed to on the course to cause any physical changes to the balls. The focus for golfers at the Travelers Championship should be on taking advantage of the warm weather conditions to improve their game.
Despite the potential impact of warm weather on golf ball performance, players at the Travelers Championship have been adapting to the conditions to make the most of their shots on the course. From powerful drives to precise putts, golfers are using the warm and humid air to their advantage during the tournament. With the right adjustments and strategies, players like Pendrith are showcasing their skills and taking advantage of the unique challenges posed by the weather at TPC River Highlands. As the tournament progresses, golf fans can expect to see even more exciting and competitive play from the talented field of players.
