Tips for Playing in Wet Conditions

Here is a snapshop of conditions at The Raven this Sunday February 20th, 2011.


We are definitely spoiled in Phoenix with great weather during the winter season, but this weekend has certainly put a soggy twist to things out on the course.


Weather conditions can not only dampen the ground, but also your golf performance especially with your balance, so here are some tips for playing in wet conditions.


Steep Angle of Attack

If your ball lies on a wet fairway or in the rough, you need to give it a good strike, which requires a precise contact.

So move the ball back in your stance by 2-3 inches. This will help you find a steeper angle of attack than usual, ensuring that you strike the ball first and the turf second. If you catch the turf even just a fraction before the ball, the water in the ground will slow the clubhead dramatically - resulting in a shot with no distance.

Changing your grip

Another technique worth employing to raise the bottom of your swing arc is to grip the club tighter and slightly further down the shaft than usual. These adjustments will restrict your swing to make sure that you nip the ball crisply off the top of the wet turf without taking a divot.

Club Selection

 Whenever a golf course is wet, the ball will stop quickly or even plug when it lands on the fairway or green. So it is always worth factoring in this lack of roll when selecting which club to hit.

A rescue club will prove an invaluable part of your armoury in wet conditions. Because it features more weight lower in its head, this club is designed to increase your carry through the air while also forgiving off-centre strikes. In contract, long irons tend to be harder to hit, delivering a lower flight with less carry.

If you have not already tried a rescue club, ask your local pro if you can take one out to test on the course. You should immediately see how much easier it is to get the ball away on a good flight than it is using your long irons.

Firm Footing

When the ground is wet, it is easy for your feet to slip as you swing, even if you are wearing longer metal spikes. So widen your stance a fraction at address to improve your stability.

Rotate your body and employ your weight effectively through a strong leg action to keep your swing as familiar and consistent as usual. It is important here to ensure that setting a firm, wide stance at address does not lead to a flat-footed swing. 

Tips from  Into the Rough website 

www.intotherough.co.uk