I don't live in the southwestern desert, but I've played in the area a handful of times. I believe the increase in distance is more related to the firmness of the fairways. I find that a good shot will get plenty of roll. The elevation of Scottsdale, AZ is approximately 2,000 ft which can add to the distance as well but I still see the firmness of the turf as being more influential.

Looking forward to getting there and seeing old friends as well as making new ones. As far as the question, does the ball fly farther, at nearly 2200’ above sea level I know it’ll be a big difference for most players.

Unfortunately no, the ball does not go any further than warm days in you area as we are still at a lower elevation. Elevation seems to have the greatest effect on distance a ball flies. Slight differences between hot and cold but not near as much as elevation impact. Now adrenal may also be a factor. Just the excitement of playing such a great course and with wonderful TT people might just add an extra club-worth of distance to your shots. Don't pet the cactus or the rattlesnakes and you should have a great trip. See you soon.

Waiting to hear from the local expert formally from SD. The elevation is 2100 feet above sea level and the humidity is significantly lower. My guess is 5-7% from sea level. Not sure from 1000 feet and lower humidity from Wisconsin.
We’ve been in drought conditions most of the summer so I won’t gain much on roll. Already playing on semi-concrete. Also curious on the turf in December. Overseeded? Sticky?

Downtown Phoenix is at 1086 and TPC Scottsdale is inside the loop before you get into the mountains so I would be surprised if it was more than 1500 or so. As for humidity, we are not nearly as dry as I was expecting it to be. Rainfall is low but we still get a lot of humidity. I was expecting it to be much like Palm Springs but it has not been. I have been breaking out in a pretty heavy sweat all summer. Maybe it will be a little better this fall. Not seeing the ball jumping due to low humidity and elevation. Pretty much playing the same yardages I played in San Diego. TPC Scottsdale and many other courses out here overseed fairways in October. Our home courses always did but last year stopped the practice to have better bermuda fairways in the summer. They are dying the fairways green for the contrast look but the ball really rolls out here in winter. Courses with true overseed should slow down some depending on how short they mow. Our summer bermuda fairways are not running out much as they are keeping the grass taller and wetter to survive the 110 degree days. I am expecting TPC Scottsdale in late November to be in ideal condition, good weather, and ready to play.

Theoretically, it should travel farther due to elevation and less humidity; not sure it would be 3 clubs worth though.

There was a story Titleist posted back in 2019 about the effects of elevation and golf ball distance. Based on that article and the elevation of Scottsdale, your ball will only travel about 2.5% farther. So if you drive the ball around 250 yards, you can expect to go about 6.25 yards farther in Scottsdale. The calculation for determining was elevation x .00116. Scottsdale elevation 2,165’ x .00116 = 2.5%

I hope this helps, Chuck! I’ll see you out there in November!

At 77, that is a big if, on the 250. Hope the wind is blowing and the fairways are tight. Thanks, Alex. Really looking forward to Scottsdale. Maybe the mythical Thunderbird (the enormous bird was a symbol of power and strength that protected humans from evil spirits) pay us a visit and keep the evil weather spirits away. =)

Has to ask. We are at sea level and Billy does have a tendency to tell tall tales. Had a lot of rain this season, fortunately, and our fairways are not rolling like they normally do. You know the saying, Dale, if I get bitten by a rattlesnake, will you, save my life? That is what TT friends are for. We have cooper heads here and I will not go into the woods even to take a leak in an emergency. Not this time of the year. I HATE SNAKES.

If only FJ would offer a half-calf full leather golf shoe…. That would eliminate most rattler bites. Short of grabbing a ball by hand out of vegetation.

;-)

They do make a shoe that comes above the ankle a specialty shoe, the Storm Walker, 56729 SRP $145.00. When I got mine they were called the Rain Boots. Happy to bring my gaiters for you to borrow.

I can always use extra distance. Can't wait for the outing!

I go every spring, and don't make any adjustment for distance. Coming from Reno NV at about 4600 ft elevation and always seem to hit the ball about the same distance. I will say that I get a little more bounce off the roof of the houses along the fairway where I play, with a tad more roll-out.

Yes, same as why ball doesn't go as far in cold and wet weather!