3 Ways To Play Better Golf In The Fall
The advent of Fall is in the air and cooler temperatures are already hitting a large part of the country. It’s time to acclimate yourself to different conditions than what you’ve been used to all Summer. Here are three things to keep your game consistent under the colder temperatures.
1. Cold Weather Effects Distance
You can look at the effect of cold weather two-fold; on the golf ball and on your body. There’s a science to how much cold weather affects your golf ball. The prevailing math comes out to be a loss of 2-3 yards of distance for every 10 degrees drop in temperature. This happens because cold air is denser than warmer air and as a consequence, your ball experiences more resistance. The resistance slows the ball down. Less ball speed = less distance. Additionally, keep in mind that colder temps require wearing more clothing. Thus our bodies won’t be as flexible. The loss of flexibility and the added layers contribute to a decrease in swing speed. Less swing speed = less distance.
Additionally, keep in mind that colder temps require wearing more clothing, thus our bodies typically won’t be as flexible. The loss of flexibility and the added layers will contribute to a decrease in swing speed. Less swing speed = less distance.
2. Consider Switching Your Ball
High compression balls are difficult to compress for most of us. The lack of fully compressing a golf ball makes it hard achieve the ideal distance and produce the proper feel. The addition of cold weather to the equation can make it even more troublesome to get the best performance out of the golf ball. Switching to a softer, lower compression ball is a wise idea when the temperature drops. Softer golf balls are easier to compress in cooler temperatures and can help offset the loss of distance and feel experienced with using a higher compression ball.
3. Adjust Your Expectations
My game tends to have a small downward trend during cool seasons, and odds are I’m probably not alone. I could blame it on the golf ball, having to wear more clothing, or on a loss of feel. But here’s the thing, I have accepted it and adjusted my expectations to match! I can’t be mad if conditions contributed to me throwing up a high score. Accept the good with the bad. Finally, adjust your expectations club-wise. If your 8 iron flies 150 yards, don’t expect that in colder conditions. Take that extra club and knock it on the green.
Finally, adjust your club expectations distance-wise. If your 8 iron flies 150 yards, don’t expect that in colder conditions. Take the extra club and knock it on the green.
Quick Recap for Better Golf in the Fall:
- Cold Weather Effects Distance – Adjust accordingly
- Consider Switching Your Ball – Softer is better
- Adjust Your Expectations – It’s not your swing’s fault
More Tips To Improve Your Game:
Emmett Brantly
Emmett Brantly has been a Class “A” member of the PGA of America since 2003. He graduated from Campbell University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Professional Golf Management. He has worked in Public, Semi-Private, Private, and Resort golf facilities in Raleigh and Pinehurst North Carolina. He has also worked in various retail settings, as well as holding positions of PGA Teaching Professional at various academies including the Pinehurst Golf Academy. Emmett has a strong passion for growing the game of golf by displaying his extensive knowledge in club-fitting, teaching, fitness, and product knowledge.