Murphy: “When playing golf in fall, some of the elements tend to make the game a little gentler on the golfer. Also, after the first frost, the greens tend to dry out and are firmer, so players should always allow for more roll on the putting surfaces.” Weeks: “Be aware of the wind and how conditions are changing. And with the thicker rough in the fall, grab your most lofted club and get your ball back into the fairway.” Stone: “I would suggest hitting a club shorter in to let it bounce up on the green, so spend some time putting uphill and downhill to feel the speed changing. Also, if you’re between a long iron and hybrid, I recommend using the hybrid, which can help you hit it a little higher and land it softer on your approach shots.” How about course management? Any tips for the fall? Murphy: “When golfing in fall, the ground is firmer and the grass tends to be a little tighter, so I suggest playing a ball that spins a little more for control into the greens. Also, colored golf balls can help players find their ball in the leaves much easier, and adding a pair of rain gloves to the bag to help keep your hands warm and dry is also a must.” Weeks: “A new pair of waterproof shoes is a good idea. Rules Rules school: The unfortunate truth (for you) about the ‘Leaf Rule’ By: Using the bounce on firm surfaces can create some bladed shots.” So I would encourage players to use the leading edge with a lofted club to help create some turf interaction. Stone: “Firmer conditions can affect short-game shots especially when chipping. As temps drop lower, a good idea is to play a softer compression ball.” Mogg: “One of my observations is that most golfers club themselves to their summer numbers or their best shots, then don’t readjust during the year. Murphy: “If you have options while making a tee time, afternoons are better because the weather is more consistent, and there are less factors to deal with on the course.” What equipment changes should players make in the fall? Hallett: “Exchange a longer iron for a hybrid for a better landing or approach angle on your shots especially on colder morning greens where the ball will roll less.” I see too many players taking practice swings on a dewy tee box and then address their ball without wiping off the face!” Stone: “Always wipe your ball off before teeing off, and, most importantly, wipe off your clubface before you hit your shot. Combine that with wearing sweaters/vests, there’s now a 10-yard potential for yardage change, depending on when you tee off.” As mornings are cooler now (in the 30s and 40s, and then rise to the 60s or 70s), there is a 6-8 yard difference from morning to later afternoon. Mogg: “Temperature data shows that, for every 10 degrees of change in the temp, there is a 2-yard differential in shots. Therefore, you need to adjust your speed accordingly, and then adjust again as the dew evaporates.” So, how best to prepare for cool, damp conditions? Jim Murphy (Sugar Creek CC): “The dew in the morning affects the putting more than anything, since the moisture on the greens will make putts a little slower until it evaporates. As moisture gets between your clubface and the ball, it reduces friction, thus not creating as much spin on the ball as in warmer months.” Kevin Weeks (Cog Hill GC): “You should be aware that your iron shots might not spin as much when there’s dew on the ground. Joe Hallett (Vanderbilt Legends Club): “In the rough (and longer grass around the green), the moisture will still be there, so expect a flier while hitting your wedge shots.” Any water between the ball and the club reduces friction, so this will impact the direction and launch of your shot.” Sarah Stone (Chevy Chase Club): “Dew affects the ball and club interaction. The afternoon allows for drier, firmer conditions.” Morning dew will really hurt roll and distance, meaning players should generally add one more iron to the shot. How does morning dew in the fall impact your game?īrian Mogg (Chambers Bay Golf Course): “One of the big keys to fall golf is understanding how in morning, the dew and the temperatures play a large role compared to the afternoon when it’s usually warmer and dry.
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