Golf Elevation Calculator

Golf Elevation "Plays Like" Calculator

Uphill Downhill

The shot plays like:

function calculateGolfElevation() { var targetDist = parseFloat(document.getElementById("targetDistance").value); var elevChange = parseFloat(document.getElementById("elevationChange").value); var direction = document.getElementById("elevationDirection").value; var resultDiv = document.getElementById("golfResult"); var adjustedDisplay = document.getElementById("adjustedYards"); var recommendation = document.getElementById("clubRecommendation"); if (isNaN(targetDist) || isNaN(elevChange)) { alert("Please enter valid numbers for distance and elevation."); return; } // Standard Golf Rule: 3 feet of elevation change equals approximately 1 yard of horizontal distance var adjustment = elevChange / 3; var finalDistance; if (direction === "uphill") { finalDistance = targetDist + adjustment; } else { finalDistance = targetDist – adjustment; } var roundedDistance = Math.round(finalDistance * 10) / 10; adjustedDisplay.innerHTML = roundedDistance + " Yards"; resultDiv.style.display = "block"; var diff = roundedDistance – targetDist; if (diff > 5) { recommendation.innerHTML = "Take " + Math.round(Math.abs(diff / 10)) + " extra club(s)."; } else if (diff < -5) { recommendation.innerHTML = "Take " + Math.round(Math.abs(diff / 10)) + " less club(s)."; } else { recommendation.innerHTML = "Stay with your standard club selection."; } }

Understanding Golf Elevation Changes

In golf, "flat" yardage is often a lie. When you are standing on a tee box looking down at a green 50 feet below you, or staring up at a flag perched on a hill, the number on your laser rangefinder doesn't tell the whole story. This is known as "Relative Distance" or "Plays Like" distance.

The 3-to-1 Rule

The standard physics-based rule of thumb used by caddies and experienced golfers is the 3-to-1 rule. This suggests that for every 3 feet of elevation change (1 yard vertically), you should adjust your horizontal distance by 1 yard.

• Uphill: If the green is 30 feet above you, add 10 yards to your calculation.
• Downhill: If the green is 30 feet below you, subtract 10 yards from your calculation.

Why Does Elevation Affect Ball Flight?

Gravity and trajectory are the primary factors at play. On an uphill shot, the ball meets the ground earlier in its descent, preventing it from reaching its full potential distance. Conversely, on a downhill shot, the ball stays in the air longer, allowing it to travel further horizontally before gravity brings it to the turf.

Real-World Examples

Actual Distance	Elevation Change	Plays Like
150 Yards	45 Feet Uphill	165 Yards
180 Yards	15 Feet Downhill	175 Yards
100 Yards	30 Feet Uphill	110 Yards

Other Factors to Consider

While this calculator provides the mathematical adjustment for elevation, remember that environmental variables also play a role:

1. Air Density: Higher elevations (like Denver or Mexico City) have thinner air, meaning the ball travels further regardless of the slope.
2. Trajectory: If you hit a very high ball, elevation changes have a more significant impact than if you hit a low, penetrating "stinger."
3. Wind: Downhill shots stay in the air longer, meaning they are susceptible to wind for a longer duration.