The Fall – or, in the UK, the Autumn – is a wonderful time of year to play golf.
Golf courses look sensational, with a vast array of colours, but it is also not without its challenges.
There is often a low sun and there are always lots of leaves – finding balls can be tricky. And what do you do when your ball is covered in those leaves? Can you move them?!?!
Here’s a video from the USGA that answers that question and also explains why a little patience at this time of year can go a long way.
“Here are five things to know when you tee it up this Fall,” the narrator starts.
“The changing colours of leaves creates a beautiful landscape but did you know that tens of thousands of leaves can fell from a single tree?!
“Maintenance staff work hard to keep the playing surfaces clear but you may need to brush debris from your putting line or have trouble finding your ball under leaves.
“Fortunately the modernised rules of golf now allow for the removal of loose impediments anywhere on the course.
“Superintendents may slightly raise the mowing heights in the Fall to helps grass generate and store energy for the winter.
“Imagine the grass leaves are solar panels. Larger solar panels means more energy for the grass. This practice also helps maintain playability as winter approaches and turf growth slows down.
“Cooler temperatures in Fall also bring morning frost.
“Walking or driving on frost covered grass can cause serious damage, potentially impacting next season.
“To prevent this, golf courses initiate frost delays until it melts later in the morning.
“Since the grass is growing slower and has less ability to recover from damage a few more ropes or traffic signs may appear on the course.
“This is another method of ensuring good playing conditions next spring.
“Golf courses that are located in areas where temperatures are mild during winter often use specific strategies in the Fall to accommodate winter play.
“Some courses overseed certain playing surfaces with grasses that will continue growing during cooler weather.
“Other facilities apply turf colorants to provide a desired look for their players. Using turf colorants instead of overseeding reduces disruption, conserves resources and improves your round playability which is why it is becoming a more popular practice.
“Sometimes the best approach is to simply accept what the grass naturally offers until spring arrives.
“The best approach depends on the play volume and the desired playability and aesthetics for the course.
“So keep these tips in mind during your next round this Fall and remember the seasonal changes we experience on the golf course are part of what makes golf fun and challenging.”
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