photo credit: SouthAsiaGolf

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.

photo credit: dan taylor

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.

photo credit: jlwelsh

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.

photo credit: snaps11

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.

photo credit: ajburcar

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.

photo credit: Claus Rebler

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.

photo credit: Duncanh1

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.

photo credit: thienzieyung

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.

photo credit: OCVA

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.

photo credit: Ian Muttoo

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.