Winter weather affects games
With the approach of winter, unless your golf clubs are
exchanged for a pair of skis, there are a few things you need to do
to lessen the effects of cold and water. A cold golf ball will lose
between 30 to 40 percent of its distance. It takes eight hours to
change the temperature of a golf ball, so if you forget and leave
your balls in the car overnight, they will never warm up during a
round of golf, even if you keep them in your pocket between holes.
Take them out of your bag the night before you play or purchase a
sleeve at the golf shop.
Winter weather affects games
With the approach of winter, unless your golf clubs are exchanged for a pair of skis, there are a few things you need to do to lessen the effects of cold and water. A cold golf ball will lose between 30 to 40 percent of its distance. It takes eight hours to change the temperature of a golf ball, so if you forget and leave your balls in the car overnight, they will never warm up during a round of golf, even if you keep them in your pocket between holes. Take them out of your bag the night before you play or purchase a sleeve at the golf shop.
The other issue we deal with during the winter months is water on the ground and in the air. How does water affect the golf ball? Water reduces backspin, sidespin and the lift of the flight of our shot. Generally, the ball will fly straighter and lower with much less backspin. You won’t notice the lack of backspin because the fairways and greens are wet and will slow the ball at impact. However, you should use a more lofted club whenever possible to mitigate the tendency towards lower ball flight.
One last thing. You will probably have more chips and pitches than normal because of the loss of carry. If you are facing what would usually be a chip-and-run shot because of the water on the greens, play a pitch shot that flies all the way to the hole. This way you will not have to contend with the unpredictability of rolling the ball through the water. Play well.
The 2008 Mini Rewards program will go on sale Nov. 1. It will give you discounted green fees at Eagle Ridge, Laguna Seca and Rancho Canada, plus you will accumulate points towards free golf.
Have any golf related questions? From rules to club fitting you can call me at 408-846-4531 or e-mail me at
sk*****@ea**********.com
. If you would like to read some of my past tips, you can do so at www.pinnaclenews.com. And don’t forget, if you’re not having fun playing golf call your local PGA or LPGA instructor, we will help. Golf is more fun when you’re improving. Don’t be afraid to be good.
