At 5,000 feet, about 1,500 metres, a 200-yard shot travels about 212: so says a Titleist study reported by GOLF.com. In the mountains the ball flies further and the course demands more legwork; the calendar, though, is decided by the snow.
In the mountains the ball flies further, because the thinner air offers less resistance. A starting rule of thumb to keep in mind: roughly +1.2% in distance for every 1,000 feet (305 metres) of altitude, according to a Titleist study cited by GOLF.com. The trajectory also changes, along with wedge selection, the effort of the elevation change and the calendar: Alpine courses open only once the snow has gone.
The ball flies further: by how much
The Titleist study, reported by GOLF.com in 2020, says that the ball travels about 1.2% further for every 1,000 feet: at 5,000 feet (about 1,500 metres, the altitude of Ponte di Legno) the gain is about 6%, for example 212 yards instead of 200. These are average values: they vary from player to player.
Another study, Andrew Rice's with TrackMan, reported by GOLF.com in 2018, puts the driver at about 2.5 extra yards for every 1,000 feet. From the same study: at about 7,000 feet (the altitude of the Golf Club de Chapultepec in Mexico) and at 90 degrees Fahrenheit, a 250-yard drive travels about 270. No course in Italy reaches that altitude: the highest, Cervino, declares 2,050 metres, about 6,700 feet.
Trajectory and wedges: the least intuitive side
GOLF.com reports other effects. In thinner air the trajectory of long shots is flatter, with a lower landing angle and more roll on reaching the green. Full-swing wedges, if hit high, can fly much further than expected: the advice is to keep them low to control distance. To make the most of the altitude effect, it adds, long shots are best hit higher. Rice's study adds that the driver's optimal spin rises from about 2,250 revolutions per minute at sea level to about 3,000 at 10,000 feet.
For anyone who has long played at low altitude, the practical result is just one: your usual clubs no longer give the same distances. Take the first shots of the day as a reference and, if you can, compare them with numbers measured by a launch monitor.
Elevation change: terrain matters more than altitude
Altitude does not make a course hard: terrain does. The Golf Club Carezza, at 1,680 metres, declares up to 400 metres of elevation change in one round and is known as "The Mountain Beast". At the other extreme, Alta Badia, at about 1,700 metres, has a layout with a total elevation change of just 45 metres. For golf cart hire, it is best to ask the club.
Seasons and formats: nine holes, played twice
Alpine courses open when the snow retreats. Here are the 2026 seasons and rates:
| Course | Declared altitude | Holes | 2026 season | 2026 green fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cervino | 2,050 m | 18 | 30 May-13 September | €55 in June, €75 in August |
| Campo Carlo Magno | 1,650 m | 9 | 19 June to 13 September | €50 or €75 (adults) |
| Ponte di Legno | 1,500 m | 9 | from 30 May | €40 weekdays, €55 weekends and holidays, €70 in August |
| Petersberg | about 1,250 m | 18 | 17 April-1 November | €90 or €96 |
| Folgaria | over 1,200 m | 18 | May-October | €50 to €70 |
Many mountain courses have nine holes: you play the same loop twice. The nine-hole green fee is often lower than the 18-hole one, but prices change every season and should be confirmed.
Where to stay to play several courses
In South Tyrol a hotel can serve as a base for several courses. The Andreus Golf & Spa Resort, in San Leonardo in Passiria, lists Petersberg and Alta Badia at about 50 minutes and Carezza at about 85. The Castel Fragsburg, in Merano, lists Petersberg at about an hour.
Frequently asked questions
How much does distance increase in the mountains?+
About 1.2% for every 1,000 feet (305 metres), according to a Titleist study cited by GOLF.com: at 5,000 feet a 200-yard shot travels about 212.
Do I need to change clubs?+
Probably yes, for a few clubs: the distances change. GOLF.com also advises keeping full-swing wedges low to control distance.
Does the ball roll more at altitude?+
According to GOLF.com, the trajectory of long shots is flatter, with a lower descent and therefore more roll on the green.
When do mountain courses open?+
It depends on the course: in 2026 Cervino from 30 May to 13 September, Ponte di Legno from 30 May, Petersberg from 17 April to 1 November.
Are mountain courses more tiring?+
It depends on the elevation change more than the altitude: Carezza declares up to 400 metres in one round, Alta Badia only 45 metres in total.
Can I play 18 holes on a nine-hole course?+
Yes, by playing the loop twice: it is the format of many nine-hole Alpine courses.
