Wet Weather Strategy

Wet Weather Strategy

Shot-making is very unreliable in wet conditions, manoeuvring the ball can be hazardous to your game… and outlook. The draw that you attempt could turn into a super hook.

In wet, tightly packed sand, it’s better to chip out with a pitching wedge. Sometimes a putter will work even better as long as the lip of the bunker isn’t too high. If you must explode out, use a 9-iron or pitching wedge. Neither club will bite into the sand like a sand wedge normally would.

Greens that have just been rained on will tend to be slick with a lot of roll. If the greens are thoroughly soaked, they will run slower than normal. When putting, play less break and allow for slow surface speeds.

Golf In The Rain

Accuracy, not distance, is the key to playing golf in rainy conditions. Avoiding the rough, which becomes even more difficult in wet weather, is the real key. Try the following tips:

a) Water on the club-face reduces spin which will create a low, diving shot. It’s much more effective to use a 3-metal off the tee for higher flying shots and better accuracy. b) For approach shots, take more club on long shots and less club on shorter shots. c) Widen your stance on long shots and shorten your swing. d) Make a sweeping swing. e) Moisture between the club-face and ball will create fliers (shots that roll a lot once they reach the ground), so use a more lofted club for more control.

Muddy Conditions

Wet, sloppy conditions are every golfers nightmare. Everything changes, from club selection, to ball flight, to roll. Next time you are faced with these conditions try the following:

Ball sitting on top of mud – 1) play it like you would a fairway bunker shot. 2) position the ball about an inch back in your stance. 3) stand a bit taller than you normally would. 4) swing easy with a smooth tempo to avoid slipping and possible injury.

Plugged lie – 1) use a pitching wedge or a short iron (not a sand wedge because it will dig into the mud) and play the ball as you would if you were in the sand. 2) close the club-face a little. 3) use a firm grip. 4) hit down on the ball. …source

Golf In The Rain Muddy Conditions