Wet, Sloppy Conditions

photo credit: Paul Garland   A  towel and an umbrella are two necessities in rainy weather, a rain suit wouldn’t hurt.  Unless playing in desert regions, inclement weather can occur at any time, so its wise to carry extra golf gloves, socks, a sweater and towels in your bag.

There are many different aspects to playing in wet, sloppy conditions.  With the wet turf and heavier air (rain), expect to lose about 5 to 10 yards per shot, use at least one “extra” club.  You will have to hit your putts harder in wet conditions, play less break.

Tip:  Don’t try to kill the ball.  Use an extra club and swing smoothly and with good tempo.  Strive to make solid contact !

Heavy Air

photo credit: -: pranav :-   High humidity can affect your game.  There can be a noticeable difference in your score from one climate zone to another. 

In the desert regions of the southwest, with very low humidity (sometimes as little at 2%), the air offers less resistance to ball flight. consequently, your shot distance is greater.  On the other hand, high humidity offers more resistance,  resulting in less shot distance.

Altitude is also directly related to distance.  In high altitudes, the air is thinner (less resistance) and shots fly higher and farther. 

The variables in humidity and altitude need to be considered when adjusting for shot yardages.  You can expect to add 5 to 15 yards in low humidity and subtract the same in very high humidity.

Wet Weather

photo credit: catorze14   On rainy days, every shot is unique.  The playing conditions change your strategy on just about every shot and your method of play is different.  The duration of the rain and the saturation of the turf determines how you make your adjustments.

TIPS:  (A)  In wet weather, always play the ball back in your stance in order to make contact with the ball first.  (B)  Always pitch to the hole.  Chipping the ball on wet turf can be misleading because the amount of roll is determined by how wet the ground is.  (C)  If in the sand, putt or chip out.  Playing a normal explosion shot can be futile because the wet sand will cause the clubhead to bounce.  (D)  Take extra time to study each and every shot.

Hard Greens

photo credit: hellolapomme   At one time or another you will be confronted with hard, difficult to hold, greens.  The average player relies on pot luck to get on the green.  Put the odds on your side and try the following:

Get the ball on the green and make sure it stays there.  How hard you hit your approach shot makes a major difference in your success rate.  To stop your ball on a hard green, play the ball farther back in your stance and use one less club (instead of a 7 try an 8).  Swing hard with a descending, steep blow. 

Play for the front section, or the center of the green.  Golf is about playing the “odds.”  Increase your odds for lower scores.

Wet Conditions

photo credit: Manchester-Monkey   The speed of a typical green changes naturally as the day wears on.  In the morning, the dew, or dampness from watering, will create greens that hold better and putt slower.  In the afternoon the greens will dry out and get much faster.  Being aware of this natural occurrence can make a huge difference in your scores.

In the morning hours or after a rain, be sure to use a firm stroke since the wet greens will slow the ball down.  Also, when reading a putt, play less break than you would otherwise.  The wet grass will tend to hold a ball on line better.

With your approach shots, go right for the pin, rarely will there be much roll on a wet green.  Do not forget to repair your divot mark/s.