The ball will react differently depending on the length or length of the grass.
GOLF.com
Welcome to Play Smarta regular GOLF.com game improvement column that will help you become a smarter and better golfer.
Cutting different types of grass can be a tricky proposition. When you’re used to hitting one type of terrain, changing things up can be a challenge.
For example, up in the northeast, around the greens are usually thick and lush. It requires an open face and aggressive swing to get the ball out and onto the green. If you’re playing in Texas, however, that approximation doesn’t exist. Instead, you’re hitting tight, grainy Bermuda lies that need an entirely different technique.
If you want your game to travel well, learning how to adjust your technique depending on the conditions is imperative. This is not always easy, but to become a truly elite player, it is absolutely necessary.
Adjust your chopping technique based on the grass
Drew Stoltz may be one half of the popular podcast below the level but he is also an average amateur golfer. Despite juggling the responsibilities of a media career, he has been one finalist in the US Amateur Four-Ball twice in recent years.
Part of the secret to his success is preparing for any scenario a new course might present. For example, at the Bridges Cup, the fairways around the greens were much different than what he sees at his club in Arizona. But before the race he made sure to familiarize himself with the new type of grass.
“(Tall grass) is the kind of place I want to spend my time,” Stoltz said. “After I hit a handful of these shots, I’ll start to feel how the grass affects the shot. Does it come out dead? Does it come out hot? High, low, things like that. Those are the areas where I spend my time and try to develop a feel so that when the tournament starts, I’m ready to go.”
It’s definitely important to match the photos you have ARE known during the practice rounds, but in order not to be caught off guard during the race, you need to maximize your preparation.
If you’re going to play a round on a new course, make sure you take some time before the round to get a feel for how the unfamiliar grass around the green plays. This preparation time can be the difference between a personal best and another forgettable round.
