Playing on soggy course - very difficult

[jimb6golf]

This summer in New England has been very wet and you end up playing on soggy ground a lot. Dodging puddles, etc. isn't the big problem though, I've found if trying to hit irons in the fairway.  You end up chunking your irons repeatedly and it's really hard to chip effectively as well. From what I've read I guess you're supposed to choke up more to account for your feet sinking into the turf, but it's really hard to get consistent contact.  The clubface tends to bury in the turf or the clubface turns over badly leading to horrible shots.  I'm not the best golfer but can play decently and actually don't mind playing in light rain either, but the soggy turf can really be tough at time. Anyone have any thoughts on how to play better in these conditions? or had other experiences?

[iNeedMoreGolf]

Im also in new england... yeah spring and fall can be a nightmare. Very early fall like now is ok and doable but its still a different game with the club soaked turf interaction. Late fall just about forget it. I stop playing in mid to late october... too cold too soggy and leads to unrealistic scores. Hate it. I usually start to take nore club and hit more drivy punchy touch shots if the ground feels wetter to avoid the huge muddy chunks that jump up and smack all over you.. and im a picker of the ball naturally and it can still chunk and mud splash. When it gets unrealistic i lose intrest. I dont want to play to see worse scores that im not so much really causing. Summer wetness and fall/spring wetness specially fall is two diffrent things. So yeah i agree its horrible... specially we pay the same green fees just to go thru that? Lol

[Klubster]

You are probably used to hitting the ball fat and letting the bounce save you.  That does not work on soggy lies.  Concentrate on hitting the ball first and you will not have the problem.

[Ferguson]

31 minutes ago, jimb6golf said:

This summer in New England has been very wet and you end up playing on soggy ground a lot. Dodging puddles, etc. isn't the big problem though, I've found if trying to hit irons in the fairway.  You end up chunking your irons repeatedly and it's really hard to chip effectively as well. From what I've read I guess you're supposed to choke up more to account for your feet sinking into the turf, but it's really hard to get consistent contact.  The clubface tends to bury in the turf or the clubface turns over badly leading to horrible shots.  I'm not the best golfer but can play decently and actually don't mind playing in light rain either, but the soggy turf can really be tough at time. Anyone have any thoughts on how to play better in these conditions? or had other experiences?

 

When my boys were little, I forced them play in the rain.  Fast forward to the present, they are both skilled iron players on wet or dry turf, hard ground, off pine needles or whatever.  

 

Your post tells me something about your swing and the leading edge of your club.  So, rather than complaining about it, look at the wet conditions as an opportunity to improve your overall ball striking.   

 

Look up weight shift drills with irons. 

 

 

 

[Maine Golfer]

ive done this all year in Maine! Yeah at best it makes you strike irons better and know places to NOT leave your next shot. 

[Nickb333]

My handicap went up 2 full strokes during the stupid rain we had here last year. My course doesn’t drain well without rain. With heavy rain like last year, balls just disappear. It’s borderline unplayable. 
 

I feel you op. There is good advice from others above. It’s a frustrating learning experience regardless. 

[ShortGolfer]

I've been practicing ball first contact so I am able to make good shots despite the harsh conditions.

 

Aim for high ground.  My course is hilly and it is playable with proper course management.

Learn the rules.  Free drop for abnormal course conditions.  You can take a free drop if you are standing in water but not if your ball landed in a bunker filled with water.

Consider taking stroke and distance penalties if you land in a wet bunker or similarly unplayable lie. 

My ball was covered with mud in a bunker.  Stroke and distance seemed to be the most reasonable option.

Don't keep score!  Look to make good shots despite the adversity.  Last time I started with a 32ft putt that was just one ft short. 

Even better, I managed to play all 9 holes without losing a ball!  I plopped the ball into water soaked rough, but used the trick of establishing a sight line, so I was able to walk the path and find the submerged ball!  

That was a course management mistake.  I should have been playing the other side of the fairway and dealt with the sloping lie.

 

Consider playing a minimalist bag with fewer clubs so you can walk the course without a push cart.

I keep my feet reasonably dry wearing Swiftwick socks and Cole Haan golf shoes.

 

 

Edited October 3 by ShortGolfer