Fall Golf – Are You Still Playing?

As the cooler temperatures approach at a not so glacial pace, I already dusted off my outer layers so I that was prepared for all weather contingencies. It is something I normally do around the first week in September. This year, my prep started about three weeks later than abnormally warm temperatures in September this year. As an example, the first three weeks in September hovered around 22° C (72° F), however now, the temperature is only reaching a high of 13 degrees Celsius (56 degrees F), which is a bit cool if I do not have the right number of layers on. Playing fall golf can be fun only if we are wearing the proper attire.

I realize that this article is a bit late for playing golf in my region, however four hours south of my location will benefit from my past experiences. Yesterday’s article mention that I am losing interest in playing golf moving forward, however the information is still valid.

After digging out my warmer layers (an absolute must), I also dig out gloves, toques, long underwear, etc. for those very cool mornings. I am sure some of your readers do not really worry about these cold at this moment, but you might in the future. The trick to preparing is ensuring the proper layer is ready for the proper temperatures.

One of the aspects that I overlooked in the past was keeping dry in the cool weather. At this time of year, the ground is soaked with dew in the morning. I takes until noon to dry out (if we are lucky) and because of this getting wet is definitely going to happen. It does not seem like much, but my feet, hands and pockets have a tendency to dampen as the round continues. To alleviate this annoyance, I carry an extra towel (usually a smaller one) for wiping my ball and hands. I find that using this extra towel definitely helps keep my drier.

Lastly, I always bring my shoes in the house to dry. The temperatures are so cool at night that if my shoes are wet from previous rounds they never dry. Hence, I have three pairs I rotate through the mix to at least start with dry feet. I can get away with two pairs if I am not playing everyday (which I generally do not in the fall).

Playing golf in the fall is all about keeping warm and dry. A little forethought on our part will help decide on what attire we need to be wearing and or carrying. It is not a difficult thing to envision, but does take a bit of time. For now, I am not really interested in playing, however if a warm dry day happens to show up….who knows, I might hit the links one last time in 2023.

What Is Your Best Golf?

I wonder what playing our best golf really means? We all have our best score and likely can recount each stroke. However, is that really our best golf? If we only look at the score, then yes it is! However, I have shot scores that were four or 5 over par that would rival my lowest score! Grinding out a decent score through consistent focused golf is also considered to be our best golf. How many rounds have we played where we smoothly shot a very decent score and yet was the best golf we could play on that day! Do you see where I am going?

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Waiting For Your Golf Shot

Golf is a game that should be played a comfortable pace. For many players, 4 hours seems appropriate for 18 holes. This is not a set rule or anything (at least at most courses) however, there are many times we find ourselves press up behind the group in front…..waiting. The delay our game can have many different affects to the outcome. Many players start letting their mind wander or focus on the frustration of having to wait. Over the years, I have encountered both and neither produce the results I wanted at the end of the round. Waiting can be challenge, however it is part of the game that all players must learn to turn to their advantage. Great advice, right? But how do we do this?

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Hitting Fairways and Greens

A challenge all golfers face is hitting fairways and greens. My young friend Alex is playing in a school tournament today. We have been played a few times with the intent of improving his game from tee to green. On Sunday past, we walked 9 holes at the Mattawa Golf and Ski Resort to discuss course management while playing in a stroke play tournament. It was a great round and Alex asked many great questions. The main topic of our conversation was how to play well at Osprey Links (a course I am very familiar). As we walked around our home course, we discussed the best way to loop Osprey Links; I told him to hit shots that keep him on the fairways and greens!

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What a Fantastic Match Play Duel

Match Play format is a duel between two golfers where anything can happen. As it turned out, my match yesterday against JC turned into a hole by hole battle where neither of us could break our opponents regardless of what we threw at each other. The round had a few surprises, but mostly it was 18 holes of great shot after great shot. JC and I both finished with 4 over par 78 with no doubles. It seemed that when one of us gained a slight advantage, the other responded to half the hole. Overall, it was the most fun I have had in a match in a very long time.

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