Golf’s Future in This Economy

photo credit: SouthAsiaGolf   The proven popularity of the game of golf, assures people everywhere that the game will never cease to exist.  The real question is whether your favorite course will survive.

Golf courses everywhere are hemorrhaging from lack of play.  For many players, golf is now considered a luxury.  What is the solution? 

Course management will have to lower their prices across the board, that means greens fees, memberships, concessions and practice fees.  Some still believe that the economic recovery is just around the corner.  Don’t count on it.  If courses cannot find a way to operate successfully, in spite of lower profits, they may not survive.

Now is the time for course management to do reality check, not only to generate more business but for their very survival.

Tips for Winter Golf

photo credit: dan taylor   Unless you live in the sunbelt, there are times when you will play in adverse conditions.  Wind, rain and even light snow,  are part of winter golf.  Grim conditions need not ruin your chances for a good score.  Keep in mind, no matter how bad conditions get, they are the same for everyone in your group.

Tips:  1)  Allow for less break on putts – putting surfaces will be slower since mowing occurs less frequently, so hit putts firmer.  2)  Hit lofted woods or hybrids instead of long irons – long irons are simply less forgiving.  3)  Take less sand in bunkers – let your club enter the sand closer to the ball because of greater resistance.  4)  Be bold with short irons. – use a more lofted club.

Golf Safety Rules

photo credit: jlwelsh   Every sport has it’s own set of safety rules.  In baseball, the players at bat wear helmets;  in football, there are shoulder pads, helmets, hip pads etc;   in water sports, it’s life-jackets.  What are the safety rules in golf?  Playing golf is a very benign sport, however, it can be more dangerous than just about any other sport (except bull riding).

Lightening is the biggest hazard to golfers.  The problem is that most golfers do not take the threat of lightening seriously.  When lightening occurs, there is one rule of thumb:  If you can hear thunder, you can get hit by lightening.  As soon as thunder is heard, take shelter immediately.  Get off the course and into the clubhouse as soon as possible.

Wet Weather Strategy

photo credit: snaps11   Shot-making is very unreliable in wet conditions, maneuvering the ball can be hazardous to your game… and outlook.  The draw that you attempt could turn into a super hook. 

In wet, tightly packed sand, it’s better to chip out with a pitching wedge.  Sometimes a putter will work even better as long as the lip of the bunker isn’t too high.  If you must explode out, use a 9-iron or pitching wedge.  Neither club will bite into the sand like a sand wedge normally would. 

Greens that have just been rained on will tend to be slick with a lot of roll.  If the greens are thoroughly soaked, they will run slower than normal.  When putting, play less break and allow for slow surface speeds.

Golf in the Rain

photo credit: ajburcar   Accuracy, not distance, is the key to playing golf in rainy conditions.  Avoiding the rough, which becomes even more difficult in wet weather, is the real key.  Try the following tips:

a)  Water on the clubface reduces spin which will create a low, diving shot.  It’s much more effective to use a 3-metal off the tee for higher flying shots and better accuracy.  b)  For approach shots, take more club on long shots and less club on shorter shots.  c)  Widen your stance on long shots and shorten your swing.  d)  Make a sweeping swing.  e)  Moisture between the clubface and ball will create fliers (shots that roll a lot once they reach the ground), so use a more lofted club for more control.

Muddy Conditions

photo credit: Claus Rebler   Wet, sloppy conditions are every golfers nightmare.  Everything changes, from club selection, to ball flight, to roll.  Next time you are faced with these conditions try the following:

Ball sitting on top of mud >  1)  play it like you would a fairway bunker shot.  2)  position the ball about an inch back in your stance.  3)  stand a bit taller than you normally would.  4)  swing easy with a smooth tempo to avoid slipping and possible injury.

Plugged lie > 1)  use a pitching wedge or a short iron (not a sand wedge because it will dig into the mud) and play the ball as you would if you were in the sand.  2)  close the clubface a little.  3)  use a firm grip.  4)  hit down on the ball.

Weather Garments

photo credit: Duncanh1   Many companies are recognizing the need for clothing that is comfortable and fashionable yet will protect you from the elements.  Here are some new items for rain or shine: 

Sun Mountain’s Monsoon Jacket ($95) is fully waterproof which features shoulder gussets for easy movement.  It also has a taffeta lining for greater comfort.  Footjoy Dryjoy Golf Cap ($24) is completely waterproof.  Adidas Tour 360 4.0 Sport Shoes.  The lower half repels water while the upper half is breathable.  Footjoy Performance Rain Shorts ($95) warm and dry in the rain and cool in the sun.  Amphibian Towel by Frogger ($30) Extra large towel.  One side is bamboo the other is cotton for cleaning clubs and keeping your hands dry.

Damp Conditions

photo credit: thienzieyung   If you are a morning golfer, you are no stranger to wet conditions.  Unless you live in the great southwest, you have to adapt to morning conditions in order to play well.

When dew is on the ground the course becomes much more difficult since it plays much slower than usual.  Take this into consideration when playing your shots.  The ball certainly won’t roll as far on the fairways or greens. 

When playing fairways shots, choose one extra club on each approach shot.  When dew is on the greens the putts will not break as much so make allowances by playing less break, putts aren’t affected as much by the grain of the green.  Be sure to view the track of your opponents ball through the dew.  It will give you a read.

Wind Play

photo credit: OCVA   Most players are discouraged from playing in windy conditions which is very understandable.  Sometimes the wind will kick-up during a round, so if that happens, try the following:

1)  Maintain Good Balance > widen your stance on all shots (putting included) to give you a more stable swing platform.  2)  Don’t Swing Harder > Trying to “force” your swing only creates a loss of tempo.  3)  With Your Driver, Tee The Ball Lower. > the wind will not affect your shot as much when shot trajectory is lower.  4)  Use One Extra Club > if the shot calls for a 5-iron, use a 4-iron.  5)  Don’t Be in a Hurry > wind makes players play faster so keep a steady pace of play.

Playing in the Cold

photo credit: Ian Muttoo   Playing golf in cold weather can be a miserable experience but wearing the right clothing can make a big difference.  The key is to wear light, flexible and most importantly warm clothing, a difficult combination to find. 

Recommended Clothing:  Mittens – must be large enough to slip in and out of quickly.  Shoes – High tops;  Zoom Bandon by Nike are high top golf shoes $175.  Hat – fleece beanies are ideal.  Golf Glove – FootJoy Wintersoft $22.  Undergarment - Silk underwear.  Slacks – Preferably wool.  Upper Garment – Fleece zip top turtleneck.  Parka  & Outer Slacks - must be wind and rain resistant. 

The idea is not to overdress.  Layer light clothing with a wind resistant outer-shell.  Mobility is key because any restrictive clothing can hamper an otherwise good swing.

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