As the old saying goes, “Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated.” But, let’s add a dollop of friendly wisdom to it: it’s also as fickle as the weather!
Yes, my dear club-swingers, just as you ponder over your putter choice, the state of the weather should never be underestimated when setting your golf strategy. Any seasoned golfer knows, the weather conditions can and do have a significant impact on how the game unfolds, so in essence, you’re not just playing against your competitors, but also battling against Mother Nature herself.
The fluctuating British climate offers a plethora of weather variables – sunny, rainy, muddy, windy, or even the occasional snow. Each of these conditions dramatically influences the ball’s behaviour, adding an extra layer of challenge (or opportunity if you’re an optimist!) to your game.
The elements can change the ball’s flight path, affect its roll after landing, and even influence your swing mechanics. And don’t even get us started on the shifting conditions on the course itself, which could turn a familiar turf into an alien landscape!
With knowledge comes power, and that’s why we’re here today to unravel the mysteries of meteorology and their influence on golf. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior, understanding how the weather shapes your game will give you an edge that could make all the difference and improve your golf course management skills.
After all, in the words of the great Sam Snead, “Golf is played with the arms but won with the mind.” So, let’s embark on this exciting journey to decode the sky’s secrets and their impact on the greens.
How to play golf in hot, dry, sunny weather
When the sun is shining and the course is dry, golf balls tend to travel further. The science behind it? Simple! Dry air offers less resistance, and firm fairways provide more bounce and roll.
However, sunny weather isn’t all strawberries and cream. Bright conditions can make the greens harder, affecting your putting game. Be aware that the ball is less likely to “bite” when it lands, so adjust your shots accordingly.
If the sun’s out and the mercury’s high, hydrate well and use sunscreen. The sun can be as much an opponent as your fellow players if you’re not careful!
How to play golf well in the rain
On the contrary, rainy weather adds a whole different set of variables. With wet conditions, the ball doesn’t travel as far due to increased air resistance and decreased roll on the turf.
Moreover, rain can alter the texture of the green, making it softer and slower. This means you’ll need to hit your putts with a bit more oomph than usual. However, on the flip side, rain can make the greens more receptive, allowing for more aggressive approach shots.
How to play golf in the snow, ice or mud
When it comes to playing golf in snowy or muddy conditions, the game gets even trickier. For one, visibility of the white golf ball against a snowy backdrop can be a nightmare.
This is where the new-age black golf balls come in handy. However, these weather conditions also affect the ball’s behaviour significantly. Due to the heavy ground, balls often “plant” and get stuck, rather than rolling, requiring you to rethink your strategy entirely.
The greens can be especially tricky in the snow and ice. Most greens will have the snow cleared from them but that can leave a rock solid base. Landing your ball on an icy green is very difficult. A normal chip shot with a lob wedge now need to bounce just before the green and roll on. For instance, on those 100 yard shots where I would normally use a pitching wedge, I would switch to a sand-wedge and take a punt that it would carry onto the green, somewhere near the hole.
How to play golf in blustery gales and wind
Wind can be both a golfer’s best friend and worst enemy. A strong tailwind can add distance to your drives, but a headwind can just as quickly take it away.
To counteract the wind, golfers need to focus on hitting lower shots to reduce the wind’s impact on the ball’s flight. However, these adjustments can be quite complex as the wind’s effect changes depending on its strength and direction.
You may also want to think about adjusting your swing in blustery weather. Many a shanked or “topped” shot has come from a club head flailing around during your follow through. If you can wait for the wind to die down when on the tee, it is always a good idea.
Don’t play golf in lightening!
The great disruptor of many a golf game is lightning. While it might make for a dramatic backdrop, it’s essential to remember that playing golf during a lightning storm is downright dangerous.
The combination of wide-open spaces, the height of the golfers, and the metal clubs can be a lethal mix. When lightning is in the area, stop play immediately, seek shelter, and wait for the storm to pass. The 19th hole is your best bet during a lightning storm.
PGA professional coach and former European Tour player, Mark Foster, has a well-earned reputation for considering all aspects of the game, including weather. He once said, “In golf, the player who is best prepared for all conditions will often come out on top. Understand that weather is a part of the game and factor it into your round and shots. Weather changes not just day to day, but hour to hour, so a keen awareness of conditions is vital to staying one step ahead of the course.” So, grab your clubs and your weather app, because golf isn’t just a game, it’s a climate challenge.
Mark Foster – Euro tour player
There you have it, the wild and wonderful world of weather in golf! By factoring in the elements, adjusting your game, and perhaps packing a few extra pieces of kit (like that black golf ball), you can make the weather work for you, rather than against you. So, get out there, come rain or shine, and tee off with confidence!
Remember, in the grand game of golf, knowledge is power, and the more you know about the weather, the better your game will be.
