Golf

October is home to the first full month of the fall season. While the weather might be prime for golf, the amount of daylight is certainly not. Here are some tips to improve your pace so you can comfortably finish those late afternoon rounds!

• Play ready golf: If you’re playing in a group, know who’s hitting and who’s next up. Spending time waiting for a player to get ready is taking time that could be spent by someone else hitting their ball.
• Track where your ball lands: As the sun sets earlier, it can be tricky to see exactly where the ball lands. Make sure you watch as long as you can and try picking out a landmark that is close to where the ball lands. If you don’t know exactly, a nearby tree or bunker is a good place to start.
• Don’t spend too much time looking: The USGA has a 3-minute rule when looking for lost balls. The soft conditions and falling leaves can make your ball difficult to locate, even in the fairways. Sometimes, its best to drop a ball where you think it landed and move on.
• Your cart-mate can be your best friend: Use each other to your advantage. Drop your mate off to hit while you’re looking for a ball. Pick up his wedge off the green if he’s the last to putt out. Get his distance while he’s observing his lie or share a rangefinder if one of you doesn’t have one. A team effort can go a long way.

Work some of these habits into your rounds and they will quickly start to become second nature. Soon enough, you’ll be playing much faster without feeling rushed. Happy playing!

Performance around the greens is an important factor for a successful round. To improve your game, there’s one shot that stands out above the rest: the bump and run. By mastering this shot, you can transform your short game.

The bump-and-run is a game changer because a low shot trajectory increases your chances of getting the ball close to the hole by reducing the margin for error. And, by utilizing the ground for propulsion, you gain better control over shot distance, which is perfect for navigating obstacles and varying green lengths with precision.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Bump and Run:

• Club Selection: Choose a club with less loft, like a pitching wedge or 9-iron, to achieve a lower trajectory.
• Ball Position: Position the ball slightly back in your stance, closer to your right foot (for right-handed golfers), with a narrower stance.
• Hand Placement: Place your hands ahead of the ball at address to promote a downward strike, ensuring you compress the ball against the turf.
• Swing Control: Focus on a shorter backswing and follow-through for a controlled and compact swing, keeping the shot low.
• Smooth Tempo: Execute the shot with a steady, smooth tempo, maintaining a consistent rhythm throughout.
• Practice: Spend time practicing these low shots, adjusting your technique as needed to perfect your trajectory and distance control.

Why It Works:

Getting the ball on the ground quickly with the bump and run promotes a reliable and efficient approach to short-game shots. By mastering these steps, you take control of your game and elevate your performance around the greens.

One challenge during September will be navigating greens during aerification. Good iron play will become more important since putting and chipping will be more difficult than normal. Here are some tips to hit more greens and have closer birdie putts.

Keep the takeaway on plane: The takeaway sets up the path in the downswing. A neutral takeback will give you a great starting point to deliver the club into contact and will be easier to shape the shot how you want.

Focus on solid contact and a comfortable swing speed: These will help reduce variance in carry distance. Consistent contact will maximize distance while a comfortable swing speed will help timing and reduce fatigue throughout the round.

Keep the body in sync: Proper rotation is important for power and timing. Make sure you’re turning your body and the club together and finish with your chest facing the target. A good drill for this is half swings while the grip of the club is rested on your belly button.

Stick to a familiar ball: Every golf ball has its own playability characteristics. Choose the ball that matches your game style and use it every time you play. Trusting your equipment will lead to confidence!

If you need any assistance with your swing or finding the proper equipment, please contact our golf professionals for expert instruction and recommendations. Good luck and happy playing!