By Rob Duca
Fall can be a wonderful time of year to golf, especially on Cape Cod. The temperature is cool, with little humidity. Tee times are usually easier to access. And rates for greens fees have dropped.
But you must adjust to the conditions in a variety of ways, from how you dress and what golf ball you play to club selection and what types of shots to hit.
Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your game at this time of year.
- Understand the Conditions
If you’re playing in the morning, it’s likely you will encounter dew on the golf course. How will this affect your game? The ball won’t roll as much in morning dew, and any water between the ball and the club will impact the direction of the shot. It’s important to remember to wipe the golf ball before teeing off, and to wipe the clubface on your irons before every shot. If playing from moist rough, you’re more likely to catch a flier on wedge shots. Dew will also affect putting. Greens will be slower in the morning and faster in the afternoon after they dry out, so you must adjust accordingly.
- Cool Weather Means Less Distance
For every 10 degrees of change in the temperature, there is a two-yard differential in shots. That could mean up to an eight-yard difference from morning to afternoon as temperatures rise. Add in the fact that you’re probably layered up with a sweater or a vest and that 6-iron might travel 10 yards less than it does in summer. It’s a good idea to exchange long irons for hybrids, which will fly higher and depend less on roll.
- Consider Equipment Changes
A softer compression ball is best in cooler weather. The lower compression helps maintain distance and control. The ground is firmer in the fall and the grass tends to be a little tighter, so playing a ball that spins a little more for control into the greens will help. You might also want to switch to colored golf balls, which are easier to find in the leaves. As for clothing, a new pair of waterproof shoes is a good idea, as are rain gloves to keep your hands warm and dry.
- Think Course Management
With firmer conditions, a good play is to bounce the ball onto the green. When putting, be aware that after the first frost, the greens tend to dry out and are firmer, so you should allow for more roll.
- Make a Slight Swing Change
The cold air in the fall can affect the golf ball’s flight. To compensate, adjust your swing slightly to keep your ball flight lower and ensure crisp contact. Take a bit more club to adjust for the decreased distance due to the cooler air.
- Layer Up
Consider wearing a base layer that fits under your shirt and pants that will keep warm air close to your body, or a vest that allows you to swing freely, without getting cold. You may also consider hand warmers and wearing two pairs of socks.