


Autumn transforms golf courses into a breathtaking backdrop of bright colors and golden light. But with beauty comes new challenges: fog, wetness and cool temperatures challenge players and equipment. If you adjust your strategy and put safety first, you can still enjoy the late golf season to the fullest.
The biggest danger in the autumn months is severely limited visibility, particularly due to thick fog. The official golf rules do not provide specific paragraphs for playing when visibility is poor. This is where golf etiquette comes first, which states that no other player or greenkeeper should be endangered.
The most important principle: As soon as the trajectory of the ball can no longer be safely followed, the game should be interrupted. It is dangerous because a warning call is often no longer possible in thick fog and the players are not seen on the following holes. Many clubs follow a guideline of 250 meters of visibility as a minimum. Always make a healthy self-assessment. In the worst case scenario, endangering others can be punished with disqualification as a serious breach of etiquette.

The key to comfort is the right equipment that provides protection against cold and wet conditions without restricting freedom of movement. Since temperatures change quickly in autumn — from frosty in the morning to warm in late summer in the afternoon — the onion principle is essential. Several thin, easy-to-combine layers are better than a thick sweater. Look for waterproof and breathable materials for the outermost layer.
The following are essential:
Wetness and mud quickly stick to club blades and severely impair contact with the ball. So be sure to pack:
The changed court conditions require an adjustment of the racquet selection and the game strategy. Expect your balls to fly shorter in autumn. This is due to two factors:
Strategy: When in doubt, pick one more racket to reach the green safely.
Golf when wet: Find out how you should adjust your game strategy here.

Golf when wet: Find out how to protect yourself and your equipment here.
Autumn requires not only different rackets, but also a technical change. Say goodbye to aggressive, quick swings. A quieter, controlled pace is worth its weight in gold in autumn, as it minimizes the risk of slipping and improves contact with the ball.
Many clubs introduce the local “Better Rules” (often known as the “Winter Rules”) in autumn. Before the round, find out whether you can pick up, clean and place your ball within the club's length on the fairway without penalty. Regardless, a clean ball is a must! A dirty ball flies unpredictably and shorter.
Dealing with massive leaf infestation is the most common rule question in autumn. The so-called “leaf rule” does not exist as an integral part of the official 24 rules of golf. It is the F-14 sample place rule.
The most important thing: This rule can only be applied if the game management (committee) has actively enforced it as a local rule. A pile of leaves is declared as “ground under repair”, which allows impunity (dropping the ball) if the ball is clearly lost in the leaves. Always ask the secretariat whether the model location rule F-14 applies.

The soil regenerates much more slowly in autumn. Show consideration:
Autumn can also be mentally demanding. Adjust your expectations to avoid frustration. Be realistic: The conditions are more difficult, the ball flies shorter. Lower scores are unlikely — that's normal. Accept the loss of length and the fact that finding the ball in the leaves can take time. Adjust the choice of tea box if you feel like it on a private round.
Look at the fall round as a strategic challenge and not as an attempt to set a record. Be patient. Don't be discouraged by a lost ball, focus quickly on the next shot. The charm of colorful nature is a nice compensation for a lost bullet or two.
16 Oct 2025
Golf in autumn can be a wonderful time with the right preparation. (Photo: Adobe Stock)