Any math wizards out there? Ball+wind=+/- yards

Smooth spin scott · March 4, 2007

Stupid thought came to my head regarding wind conditions and how far a ball flies/doesn't fly in respect to yards. I guess this is my question: Has there been a scientific or mathematical study done which gives an indication of the effect wind has on a golf ball?

example:

5 MPH Head wind = negative 1-2 yards

10MPH Head Wind= negative 5-6 yrds

etc

5 MPH tail wind = positive 1-2 yards

10MPH Head Wind= positive 5-6 yrds

etc.

and so on... Sunday morning, and yes I am bored.

So example, before the round the wind speed (from weather channel) is showing 15MPH. Assume that if the wind is truly 15mph (give or take a few) how many yards would you add or subtract on any given hole assuming average ball speed. Take wind gusts out of the equation. Assuming constant breeze.

SteveWillHicks · March 4, 2007

+/- about 9-10 yards i'd say.... since if you increase mph by 5, it +/- by 4 yards, so a ratio of 4/5... add another 5 and you should have the said distance increase/decrease....assuming a linear relationship (which is all you can assume since you only have two points, and can only predict with a great amount of certainty that the relationship is linear...)

This is from a guy who's major is in mathematics & statistics ;)

phillypete · March 4, 2007

it totally depends... straight on head wind I usually give it a club for every 10 or so mph. I guess, I don't really have a calibration for mph of wind.

now a side wind is where things get interesting because it depends if I'm going to try to spin into it and hold the line or if I'm going to let the wind take it.

this is making my head hurt...

I HATE WIND!