When it’s cold, keep the ball warm
Here comes winter, and 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. It takes eight hours to change the core
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. A cold golf ball can lose up to 40 percent of its
distance as compared to a warm one, and 40 percent makes a big
difference.
When it’s cold, keep the ball warm
Here comes winter, and 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. It takes eight hours to change the core 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. A cold golf ball can lose up to 40 percent of its distance as compared to a warm one, and 40 percent makes a big difference.
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 can be 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.
You will probably have more chips and pitches than normal because of the loss of distance. If you are facing what would usually be a chip-and-run and there is 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.
Just a reminder any police officer, firefighter or active military personnel can play Eagle Ridge GC Monday – Thursday for half price, please come see us. Just a reminder Eagle Ridge’s Mini Course is open every Sunday at three o’clock for kids twelve and under. $5 for all the holes you want to play, we provide clubs and balls and tees. 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.
