By Rob Duca
Fall is a great time to head to the golf course. The foliage turns the course into a cornucopia of colors, the weather is crisp and comfortable, and the green fees are at reduced rates. But fall golf is different than playing in the scorching heat of summer. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of teeing it up in October.
1. Layer Up!
Beyond the obvious suggestion of wearing a sweater or wind jacket to fight off the cooler temperatures, you should also pack an extra pair of socks in case the morning dew creeps into your golf shoes. And don’t forget those hand warmers and ear muffs. The more layers, the better. Remember, you can always lighten your load if the temperature rises.
2. Stretch, Stretch, Stretch
The cooler the weather, the more critical it becomes to properly warm up before hitting your first shot. Take more time than usual loosening up those tight muscles, focusing especially on your back and legs.
3. Club Up
Although the golf course will firm up in the fall, giving you more roll, the grass may be left a little higher to help it store energy for the winter, and the golf ball simply will not go as far in colder weather. That 6-iron that flies 150 yards in July will only go 140 in October. A good rule of thumb is to play one more club than you would in the heat of summer.
4. Go Soft
The colder it gets, the more difficult it is to retain feel around the green. By switching to a softer golf ball, you will find it easier to retain the same feel you have in the summer.
5. Get Walking
It’s cool and comfortable, so why not forego a golf cart and get some exercise? The added benefit is that walking the golf course gets the heart pumping and helps you stay warm and loose. You can also save a few bucks on cart fees.
6. Make Peace with the Leaves
The main drawback to fall golf is the fallen leaves littering the golf course. The maintenance staff works hard to clear the course, but it’s basically an impossible task to keep up with thousands of leaves falling on a daily basis. If you lose a ball in the middle of the fairway under a pile of leaves, you could resort to the “leaf rule,” which allows a drop with no penalty. That’s up to you and your playing partners. Just know that in golf, no such rule actually exists.
7. Check Your Tee Time
Frost delays are not uncommon in the fall. Golfing on frosty or frozen ground can damage the course, so make sure to call the pro shop or check the club’s website before heading to the course to see if a frost delay has pushed back your tee time.
8. Experiment
Generally, the course is quieter in the fall, which means you won’t feel rushed. This is a great time to have a little fun and try some shots that you might not attempt when a foursome is on your heels. Use this time to experiment not only with shots, but perhaps with different equipment and golf balls, and to work on your technique. Think of fall as your preseason as you prepare for the following spring.
9. Be realistic
There is no question that fall golf is different than playing in the summer. You won’t feel as loose, especially wearing layers of clothing, the ball won’t travel as far, the greens aren’t as fast and smooth, and you could lose a perfect shot in a pile of leaves. But instead of fretting over low scores and becoming frustrated, enjoy the fall foliage, the comfortable weather and the fact that you’re still teeing it up in October. That is never a bad thing.