All across the south golf courses are preparing to over seed. Being based in central Florida I can't go a couple of miles without seeing a course and this time of year they are all looking a bit brown. So why are they doing this and what changes should you be looking for in your game?
At the Celebration Golf Club, we use a Bermuda grass during the warmer months and a Rye grass during the colder months in the fairways and rough. Bermuda grass thrives in the heat and humidity and will go dormant and start to turn brown in the cooler months.
A common misconception of the over seeding process is that the maintenance team kills off the grass and that is why the courses look brown. This is far from the truth. The maintenance team cuts the grass to a length to prepare it for the new Rye seed. They do not starve it for water or put any chemicals in place to kill it off. The actual greens are green because most courses use a dwarf grass that can be sustained while being cut so short.
The Rye seed will grow in, in about 2 weeks. During this time the course will receive a lot of water and pose some additional challenges to your game.
What to Be Aware of
Issue:
At the start of the over seeding process the fairways, rough and fringe may be covered in additional clippings as the Bermuda grass is cut down. This can cause havoc with your game for a couple of reasons. 1) Blades of grass can get between the ball and the grooves of your club, causing the shot to fly off quicker than you expect. 2) Since the grass is shorter it is "stronger" as it is closer to the root. Only the strongest blades of grass will survive and the club can be opened or closed.
Solution:
After your practice swing insure you club is as dry and free of debris as possible.
In a short range approach shot you may want to change your club of choice all together. Practicing with many different clubs from short distances will prepare you for what ever the course may throw at you. Here is a link of pitching/chipping options from 37 yards in these conditions. http://youtu.be/Cp5Kc5TLbDs
Issue:
The course will continually be getting watered throughout the day for the new Rye seed. These wet conditions can lead to issues with ball striking, balance and distance control.
Solutions:
Balance is key to any golf swing. In wet conditions your balance can be compromised. Check your spikes at each tee box and cart path. Avoid overextending yourself, don't try to hit it harder.
Make sure your club is as dry as possible before you make your swing.
A tip I have found useful is to use a really, really light grip and I close the face slightly on a fairway shot. As contact is made the club face will open and the club is gripped tighter reducing the affects of a "flyer".
Club up. In wet conditions the ball will not perform the same as in dry conditions. It will not run out as much and you will often be faced with not being able to play the same shots you are used to.
For a chip shot in wet conditions, when you decide a wedge is the best option, I would suggest hitting the shot
off the toe of the club. This will allow the ball to come off softer.
As with any new swing make sure you try it on the range and/or practice area first. Remember "Practice Makes Permanent".
This leads us to the biggest tip: Don't expect to play the same or shoot your normal score when conditions are not at their best. American players who play the Open don't go over expecting to shoot 24 under for the tournament. If you are mentally prepared for the additional challenges over seeding brings, then you are less likely to get upset and lose control of your mental game.
