Tips for Enjoying Fall Golf

By Rob Duca

Fall on Cape Cod might be the best time to play golf. The foliage is eye-popping, the weather is cool and comfortable, and the green fees are lower. But to play well and enjoy yourself in the fall requires adjustments, ranging from how you dress, what clubs you hit and even perhaps what golf ball you play. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of teeing it up in the fall.

1. Layer Up!

It’s difficult to play well when you’re shivering. So, make sure to dress appropriately. Always pack a sweater and a wind jacket, and perhaps even an extra pair of socks in case the morning dew creeps into your golf shoes. Don’t forget those hand warmers and a warm cap. The more layers, the better. Remember, you can always lighten your load if the temperature rises. A new pair of waterproof shoes is also a good idea, as are winter golf gloves.

2. Club Up!

The golf course will firm up in the fall, giving you more roll, but the grass may be left a little higher and the golf ball simply will not go as far. For every 10 degrees of change in the temperature, there is a two-yard differential in shots. That could mean up to an eight-yard difference from morning to afternoon as temperatures rise. Add in the fact that you’re probably layered up with a sweater or a vest and that 6-iron might travel 10 yards less than it does in summer. It’s a good idea to exchange long irons for hybrids, which will fly higher and depend less on roll.

3. Consider Equipment Changes

A softer compression ball is a wise choice in cooler weather. The lower compression helps maintain distance and control. You might also consider switching to colored golf balls, which are easier to find in the leaves.

4. About that Leaf Rule

Anyone playing golf in fall has had this happen: You know where your ball landed, it should be playable, but it’s buried under a pile of leaves. If you lose a ball in the middle of the fairway under a pile of leaves, you could resort to the “leaf rule,” which allows a drop with no penalty. That’s up to you and your playing partners. Just know that no such rule actually exists. Make sure to talk it out with your playing partners on the first tee and decide what you will do if this happens. Don’t wait until your ball is lost under leaves before asking for relief.

5. Experiment

The course is quieter in the fall, so it’s a great time to try shots that you might not attempt when a foursome is on your heels. Think of fall as your preseason as you prepare for the following spring.

6. Know the Conditions

If you’re playing in the morning, it’s likely you will encounter dew. The ball won’t roll as much in morning dew, and any water between the ball and the club will impact the direction of the shot. Make sure to wipe the golf ball before teeing off, and to wipe the clubface on your irons before every shot. Dew will also affect putting. Greens will be slower in the morning and faster in the afternoon after they dry out, so you must adjust accordingly.

7. Adjust Your Swing

The cold air can affect the golf ball’s flight. To compensate, adjust your swing slightly to keep your ball flight lower and ensure crisp contact.

8. Manage the Course

With firmer conditions, a good play is to bounce the ball onto the green. When putting, be aware that after the first frost, the greens tend to dry out and are firmer, so you should allow for more roll.

9. Temper Your Expectations

Fall golf is different than playing in the summer. You won’t feel as loose, the ball won’t travel as far, the greens aren’t as fast and smooth, and you could lose a perfect shot in a pile of leaves. But instead of fretting over high scores and becoming frustrated, enjoy the fall foliage, the comfortable weather and the fact that you’re still teeing it up. That is never a bad thing.