how much does temperature effect yardage?

[shortstop20]

I'm just curious how much temperature effects yardage.

I played 9 holes today(50* F) and was hitting my SW about 95 yards with a full shot, typically it goes about 103 yards(at 80* F). Is this about the yardage difference I can expect or maybe my swing was off today?

[PiKapp23]

From the Q&A; on Frank Thomas's website www.franklygolf.com :

Distance Loss in Cold Weather

Hello,
How much distance is lost due to cold weather? At 65 to 70 degrees how far will the ball go? At 30 to 40 degrees how much distance will be lost?
Thank you,
--George

George,
If you were in Florida you wouldn’t be asking this question right now as the temperature is in the mid 70s and we have forgotten what wearing a sweater feels like.
I have, however, played on the Old Course in St Andrews, Scotland on the 23rd December when the wind was blowing and the sun at mid-day (which came out for a few hours), was only 30 degrees above the horizon. There were also some remnants of snow around the base of the gorse bushes. This is not the best time to visit St Andrews and the ball didn’t go very far.
The effects of cold weather (i.e. 35° F compared to 75 ° F) are numerous.
First, on your body, which is restricted in its range of motion by the cold and additional layers of clothing.
Second, a cold ball loses its resilience but not as much today as the old wound balls.
Third the minimal differences in club performance and finally the effects of air temperature.
As the temperature decreases the air become more dense and the drag on the ball is greater but so is the lift force for a specific spin rate. The decrease in distance, because of a decrease in air temperature alone, is about 2 yards of carry and a little more in total distance for every 10 ° F change.
So from 75 °F to 35 °F you can expect about 8 yards less carry and about 10 yards less in total distance – unless the ball lands on a frozen patch of ground -- because of air temperature. Add to this the effects on the ball -- if you haven’t been keeping it in an insulated pouch – which will be a couple of yards and again add what your body is not normally capable of doing at room temperature, which varies by body type, flexibility and mind set for being out there.
You are looking at a least an extra club for your irons and up to fifteen yards for your driver.

Is it really worth it or should you move to Florida for the winter months?
Happy New Year George
Frank (in Florida)

[DavidFehertysBike]

Its at least a club to a club and a half, in theory. In practice it means taking longer irons into greens that may have not been designed to accept the ballflight a longer club. The ball wont spin as much on the green, so you may end up having to actually play short alot of the time. The cold weather is a really confusing time to play golf..lol.

[shortstop20]

So it seems the distance variation I was getting is about right. Good to know. I will keep this in mind, thanks for the help guys.