Playing in swampy conditions

[Eracer]

I played yesterday and the fairways were pretty swampy. A number of courses in the area were shut down due to the amount of rain over the last few days. This course was open (cart paths only). It was wet enough that you would have gotten stuck, had you been dumb enough to take the cart off the path.

I just don't play well off of swampy fairways.

My question is: how can I get better in these kinds of conditions? I have a fairly steep swing, and take a pretty healthy divot on most iron shots. This seems to be counter-productive when the fairways are really wet. I find myself hitting shots that go about 1-2 clubs short (because the ball is getting squeezed into the mud under the grass as its riding up the clubface?) I could club up, but I'd be afraid of airmailing greens if I hit the ball a little thin.

Any tips would be appreciated.

[cypressperch]

braving the elements! Yes, everything you have said is true. People who pick the ball off rather than take a good, healthy divot have an advantage. I doubt if you would be interested in changing your swing that much.

There is a very simple way of playing the ball for a higher or lower shot that might be of use. As you are addressing the ball allow your head to look at the highest point of the flight of the ball you want to produce. If you wanted a higher shot, you will find that your left shoulder will rise and your right shoulder will drop. Maintain this new slanted shoulder line and swing as normal being sure that weight shifts back to the left going through the shot. I think you will find that this higher shot will mean less divot. You might have to hit more club.

In windy conditions when you want a lower trajectory, lowering the lead shoulder will give you the lower shot, or the opposite of raising it which gave you the higher trajectory.

This simple concept is, to me, a far simpler method of changing trajectory that alternative methods.


If you find you are still taking a large divot, your best bet will probably be to pick the ball off. Keep the clubhead low going back a little longer to promote a more shallow angle of attack. Really maintain your spine angle throughout the shot so that you neither drop down or raise up until after impact.

Best of luck to you out there in the mire. Sincerely, Cypressperch

[ezra76]

I hear you there. I take divots with a fairway wood, beaver pelts with a wedge. I just try to take more club and play it ever so slightly back to ensure ball first contact. I also go the knockdown more often.

[warbirdlover]

My solution is to only play when it's dry and the sun's shining.

[JEFF4i]

I think, as to be expected, Cypress summed it up quite well.

Just make sure to hit the ball first, and account for humidity. I lose as much as 15 off my drives off of really wet days.

[ThatCanadianGuy]

My solution is to only play when it's dry and the sun's shining.

Holy, if I did this I wouldent have played a round this year.

[Eracer]

Thanks guys. Since I live in Florida, I'll have plenty of chances to practice your tips. I'll wait for TS Ernesto to come by, and then I'll really have the chance to play in some wet and windy conditions. Aaaarrggghh, matey!

[cypressperch]

being from Florida, you probably know that already. Being from Louisiana, I have known for ages not to take any hurricane lightly. That some with masculine names are still very unpredictable is proof that they should all have feminine names. Women are more unpredictable than men and that is not in any way meant to be insulting. It is a part of the "feminine mystique" sort of thing. Anyway, be careful. And watch out for sink holes after a big rain.

Sincerely, Cypressperch

[Eracer]

Thanks CP. I am over-careful when it comes to hurricanes. I'll sit out a Cat 1, and since I'm about 15 miles from the water, I'd probably sit out a Cat 2 as well. But a Cat 3? I'm outta' here. I did get the chance to watch Jeanne come through last year. She was blowing about 60 mph with gusts to around 80 mph at her worst. I have to say that it was pretty cool standing out in that kind of wind. I learned that I would not want to be outside in anything much stronger, that's for sure. Hurricanes are amazing things. They are truly a force of nature, and must be respected.