Delo’s Divots: You have to put a different thinking cap on when
you are playing in wet conditions. The one major difference in
winter golf is getting yourself to carry the ball further and not
rely on a bump-and-run shot.
You have to put a different thinking cap on when you are playing in wet conditions. The one major difference in winter golf is getting yourself to carry the ball further and not rely on a bump-and-run shot.
When the greens are damp, the ball will not bounce and roll up to the hole. Therefore, you should take a higher-lofted club and fly the ball closer to the hole with more loft. It will then drop and stop and not roll much.
If you use a lower-lofted club, the ball will not carry as far. Then the wet conditions will halt the ball’s ability to bounce and roll and you will come up short of the hole.
The same is true with some fairway shots. You may opt to hit a 5- or a 7-wood from the fairway because that club will carry farther for some players than a 3-wood.
The rule of thumb is the stronger player can keep a lower-lofted club in the air longer than a weaker player. I have seen some weaker players carry a 7-wood farther than a 3-wood for that reason. So the next time you play, don’t settle into your summer golf habits. Adapt to the season and conditions and your score will improve.
