With the change of the season from fall to winter, we experience
a change of condition on most putting greens.
With the change of the season from fall to winter, we experience a change of condition on most putting greens. As the ground temperature falls, the turf gets firmer and, as a result, the greens start rolling much faster.
With these conditions you must putt more defensively. Lag putting is the norm. Don’t try to be too bold or you might find yourself putting a ball off the green.
Now, the thing about winter is you could also get rain. Water slows down the putting surface, and your whole thought process will change.
After a rain, you can be aggressive when putting. The moisture on the greens will keep the ball from rolling too far and will allow you to “go for it” when putting.
Moisture also causes the ball to hold its line more – so putts won’t break as much on wet greens as on dry greens. In all cases and in all seasons, paying attention to the conditions will save you strokes in the long run.
Don DeLorenzo is a PGA-certified instructor at Gilroy Golf Course. To schedule a lesson with Don, call Gilroy GC at (408) 848-0490.
