Lightening Greens

As it is, golf  can be hard  enough without courses making it even more difficult for the average player.   One way this is done is with super fast greens.   Amateur players can be intimidated very easily when facing slick surfaces, for that matter, it's no  different for pros.   The key to playing on fast greens is to allow your approach shot to land on the front side of the green.

Most greens slope from back to front so that if you land on the front-side you will have a desirable uphill putt.   Anywhere else can be treacherous.   The key word is “delicate.”   You hit  all of your short chips and pitches in an extremely delicate fashion.   Try to land in a  3 foot diameter around the cup.

Golfing in the Fall

photo credit: SearchNetMedia     Playing golf in the fall affords the opportunity to enjoy crisp breezes, spectacular scenery and courses that are not crowded, however, it does have it's own set of problems.   Golf in the fall means having to deal with leaves, pine needles, chilly temperatures and, at times, soggy conditions.

When playing from an area with thick leaves, play it as you would a sand shot.   If the shot is long play it like a fairway bunker shot (ball in center of stance, slightly open stance, hands angled forward).   For a shorter shot out of leaves, play it like a sand explosion shot.

Hover the club over the ball, if it's pressed down behind the ball and the ball moves, it's a one stroke penalty.

Cold Weather Golf

photo credit: Claus Rebler     Here are some tips for playing in adverse conditions:   1)   Dress Properly >   wear layers; perhaps a light pair of long underwear, turtleneck sweater, windbreaker/rain gear.   Dress for freedom of movement.   2)    Change Balls >   use a ball with a much softer cover and lower compression (90), preferably a two piece ball.    Warm your golf balls in your pocket between holes.   3)   Alter Your Swing  > hard ground will create topped shots.   Try incorporating a flatter swing and play the ball more forward at address.  

Harder ground means more roll,  you may want to hit higher shots (play the ball forward).   Putting can be a problem since courses usually don't  cut the grass as close in colder weather.    Maintain warm hands  for better feel.

Understanding the Greens

photo credit: Elite PhotoArt     In golf, reading greens correctly is one of the most complicated and difficult tasks, especially since the greens on every course are completely different.

Most greens contain two type of grass: Bent or Bermuda.   Bent grass is softer and finer and is found primarily in the  cooler climate of the Midwest.   Bermuda grass is prevalent in warmer climates.  

Since putts roll truer on Bermuda, the grain is a huge factor.   Putts that are against the grain roll slower, with the grain roll faster.   If it is a left to right putt and the grain goes left to right, play much more break.

Your first question in the clubhouse should be, what kind of grass is on the greens?   If it is Bermuda, play with caution.

Windy Conditions

photo credit: Grahambones     Gusting wind  above 10 mph., has a noticeable  effect on golf shots.   Headwinds (in your face), Tailwinds (from behind), and Crosswinds (right/ left, left/right) can all create there own set of problems.   Try the following solutions:

A)   Headwind > always use one extra club for every 10 mph., resist the temptation to swing harder.   Make a three-quarter swing (club-handle rises only  to shoulder height).   Keep in mind that a headwind exaggerates a shot's bend.   B)   Tailwind >  will tend to straighten-out fade shots  or draw shots  so do not aim as far left or right as usual.   Use one less club since the ball flies and rolls farther.   C)   Crosswinds > aim 10 five yards farther (left or right) in a crosswind.

Wet Weather Play

photo credit: Claus Rebler     No one likes to play in rainy weather.   If you find the need to play in inclement weather, make good preparations  in order to make your day on the course relatively dry and comfortable.  

a.)   bring extra towels for wiping hands and grips.   b.)   extra golf gloves (always keep a special pair of rain gloves handy).   c.)    try swinging with a handkerchief around your grip for better traction.   d.)   wear waterproof  golf shoes.   e.)   bring an extra pair of socks.   f.)    wear a  hat with a wide brim, it keeps the rain off you glasses.   g.)   a high quality rain suit.   h.)   golf bag hood.   i.)   umbrella.

Be especially aware of lightening.   If you can hear thunder, no matter how far off, you can get struck by lightening.

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.

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