As the weather cools down, playing golf during autumn can result in some visually stunning rounds. However, confronting lower temperatures comes with its own set of challenges that must be considered to make significant advancements in your game. To optimize your experience as fall sets upon us, Erika Larkin – a Golf Digest Top 50 Teacher – emphasizes three crucial points to keep in mind while playing.
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According to Larkin, in colder temperatures the ball’s flying distance decreases. He notes that for every 10-degree drop, approximately two yards are lost.
Larkin suggests that even if you typically play in 70-80 degree temperatures, switching to cooler weather of around 40-50 degrees will require using higher numbered clubs and premium golf balls.
Feeling the impact of hitting it thin will be painful.
Having experienced playing in the cold, you are familiar with a particular sensation: striking the ball thinly causes your hands to sting severely. This stinging is closely linked to lower temperatures.
According to Larkin, when you hold the club, it feels colder and harder due to stiffer materials that transmit more vibrations directly to your hands.
3. Larger rebounds will be visible to you.
Larkin advises that one should be mindful of ground firmness and anticipate increased bouncing and rolling, particularly on frozen terrain. In firmer conditions, the ball is unlikely to halt after landing; instead, it will hit the surface and continue running. Depending on personal skill level and course layout, attempting to roll onto rather than land upon greens may prove more successful.