Swing into Autumn; Conquer Fall Golf with Flair
Fall is in the air in the northern hemisphere, and nowhere is it more palpable than in the great state of Wyoming. The crisp autumn air brings a chill, with evening temperatures dipping into the low 40s. Frost will soon form as the golf season in the Rocky Mountain region winds down.
However, this doesn't mean golf is over; players just can't post a handicap round after Halloween in my area of the country. There's still plenty of golf to be played, albeit under different conditions. The turf changes, leaves fall, days shorten, and the air cools.
This got me thinking: how should I prepare for fall and off-season golf? As I get older, the cold affects my body more. I get stiff and can't move as fluidly as in warm weather. Determined to be better prepared this year, I started making a list and want to share it with you.
Personal Equipment: For fall golf, you'll need a waterproof jacket, windbreaker, umbrella, rain/winter gloves, and waterproof golf shoes. While I dislike wearing sleeves, it's a necessary evil. I typically opt for a quarter-zip and a light jacket that I can easily remove. Although I don't wear a glove during the regular season, I do in the winter. A good pair of thin but warm gloves is essential. Waterproof shoes are a must—cold feet are the worst. Consider packing an extra pair of socks and some hand warmers.
Balls: I'm not entirely convinced about colored balls; they don't necessarily make finding your ball in fallen leaves easier. However, some players prefer them for visibility. I recommend using a softer compression ball as temperatures drop. The lower compression is gentler on the hands and shouldn't significantly affect distance. Also, consider a ball with more spin to hold the firmer greens. Make sure you're familiar with the "leaf rule", according to USGA you are allowed to remove leaves or any other impediments by any means necessary without penalty, (unless you move the ball, even by accident, which is a one stroke penalty unless its on the green, then no penalty) which can be a big help in locating your ball.
Equipment: Consider the loft of your driver, as harder fairways are common in cooler weather. Depending on the course, you might want to adjust accordingly. Using a hybrid instead of a long iron for approach shots can be beneficial since the greens will be firm. Speaking of greens, they aren't rolled or mowed much in the fall as the grass goes dormant, affecting your putting. A mallet putter or a heavier blade putter can help. Also, think about your wedges and their bounce; hard turf will impact their performance, so plan accordingly.
Course Management: This ties into your equipment choices. The turf is different, and the greens are shaggy and slow. Strategize your approach to these conditions for the best scoring opportunities. Always repair any damage to the course caused by you or your ball, as it takes longer for the course to recover in the fall. Remember, morning dew and frost can affect how the ball rolls and spins. Be prepared for slower greens and less or more run on the fairways depending on conditions and fall maintenance.
Swing adjustment: Cooler air will affect your normal ball flight. The ball won’t carry as far but may run out farther than normal. However, don’t get crazy on swing adjustments. To compensate for some of the distance loss, consider hitting a lower shot or taking a bit more club. Try to stay with your normal swing otherwise. Try to focus on accuracy and minimize wayward shots if possible.
Mindset: There will be different challenges to fall golf. The key here is to embrace the change, enjoy the different scenery and the solitude. Pace of play will usually be faster because fair-weather players will be off the course. Take this opportunity to focus on mental strategies and sharpen your mental game. Focus on breathing and shot visualization. This will help you with your mental game development. Don’t get frustrated over a lost ball, this will happen in fall golf, just stay in the ZEN.
Physical Preparation: Take extra time to stretch and warm up your muscles properly before your round. This can help prevent stiffness and injuries (especially for us older golfers). Even though it’s cooler, staying hydrated is important. Drink water throughout your round to keep your body functioning well. After the round, go ahead and stop in at the clubhouse to warm up and wrap things up, enjoy a beverage and some hot food. Chit chat with your fellow golfers and laugh at some of the stories you and they have. There’s a reason we all call it the 19thhole.
I believe that the key to unlock enjoyable fall golf is to stay warm while appreciating the uniqueness of the season. The changing leaves are beautiful, even if they "litter" the fairways. Embrace the sights and sounds, take it all in. You will notice that the course is quieter and more peaceful. Once the snow flies, I may play some rounds of winter golf, but you will also find me in the warm simulators, dreaming about playing pro courses all over the world for real instead of a simulation. Happy Birdie Hunting!
Edited by Erin B
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