Autumn golf: Play safely & successfully — despite fog, leaves & mud

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.

Golf in autumn - safety comes first

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.

Wet conditions on the golf course

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:

• Waterproof shoes: The lightweight mesh summer shoes have had their day. Only sturdy, waterproof footwear keeps feet dry.
• Rainwear: Pull-on rain pants or special waterproof golf pants provide optimal protection. Plus a waterproof jacket or windbreaker.
• Warming accessories: Winter golf gloves (which you can wear during the swing) or thick mittens (for the time between shots) and a warm hat are essential.

Here you can find the best rain jackets for female golfers.

Here you can find the best rain jackets for golfers.

Little helpers in the bag

Wetness and mud quickly stick to club blades and severely impair contact with the ball. So be sure to pack:

• One cleaning brush for the grooves.
• Two golf towels: One to clean the rackets and one for the grips. A wet towel doesn't help much.
• Einen raincover for the golf bag.

Adjust equipment and strategy when wet

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:

1. Air resistance: Cold, wet air is denser.
2. Swing speed: Thicker clothing limits movement and reduces swing speed.

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.

Bag optimization for soft surfaces

• Hybrids instead of iron: The wider sole of hybrids is more forgiving and prevents “burying” into muddy ground better than long irons.
• Wedges with more bounce: On moist, soft ground, wedges with a higher bounce (thicker sole) help you not to cut too deep into the ground.
• Putter weight: Heavier putter models are advantageous on greens that are often slower and duller in autumn, as they provide more stability and smoother rolling behavior.
• The ball: Pick up white or very eye-catching balls. Paradoxically, leaves and mud can make colored balls less visible in autumn environments than clear white ones.

Golf when wet: Find out how to protect yourself and your equipment here.

Technical adjustment and handling of wetness

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.

• Set tea high: To compensate for the loss of length, it is advisable to raise the ball higher on the tee. This promotes a flatter angle of impact and maximizes the flight distance (carry), which is decisive on wet fairways.
• Ball-First Contact: In order to avoid “big” blows in the mud, the focus must be on ball-first contact. Try the soil first upon to touch the ball.

Rules and space protection — foliage and greenkeeping

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.

Space maintenance out of consideration

The soil regenerates much more slowly in autumn. Show consideration:

• Trolley and cart bans: Be sure to follow prohibitions when the soil is deep, muddy. They serve Protecting fairways for the next season.
• Green protection: Accept that the Greens slower are because they are mowed less to protect the sod.
• Winter teas: In the event of ground frost or deep mud, when normal tea is barely getting into the ground, use the tea lying on the ground winter teas.

Mentally strengthened into the golden season

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.