Okay, so far we’ve explored my exploits on the driving range, my first round of golf, and my first pars, covering August through October. On the north Oregon coast, November is when the rainy season gets serious – average rainfall here for November and December is 10.5 inches each. This past November, we received 18 inches of rain! I managed to complete only 15 founds over these months, and only 11 more rounds for January and February.
Condition of the Course
Needless to say, the course was a big soggy. The ball was affected in 3 ways:
#1 The high humidity caused slightly shorter drives.
#2 The grass was usually wet, so when the ball hit the ground, it didn’t roll very far.
#3 When the ball hit the ground, it would also pick up mud, again shortening the roll.
When I finally realized what was happening, I used the #3 driver and the 7-iron to keep the ball in the air longer. I also started wiping the ball after nearly every shot.
During this time my final scores were mostly in the mid-50’s. One of the more interesting highlights was on November 30th, hole #4. After 6 shots, I found myself in the sand trap. My wedge shot found the hole! I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, and even though I know a shot like that is mostly luck, I was still pretty happy about it. On December 5th, I had a new personal best of 48, thanks to 2 pars and 3 bogeys. On December 18th, frustrated by poor weather, I decided to play a third round. Big mistake! I was tired and over-trying – I was mis-hitting the ball on the edge of the club face. I ended up with a 63, thanks in part to a 12 on hole #4. The only bright spot of that round was a par on hole #3. Important lesson learned that day: don’t try to play beyond your physical limitations!
After December 18th, weather conditions would not permit another round of golf until January 23rd. My round of 49 on that day amazed me in that it was unexpected. I did not really expect my muscles to remember what to do, yet I ended up with my second best round! On January 28th, I would have another personal best, a 47, with 1 par and 5 bogeys. I would duplicate this effort the following day, but with no pars and 6 bogeys. Until the middle of March, my scores remained in the low to mid-50’s. A notable highlight was February 1st. After a combined total of 17 on holes #1 and 2, I parred #3, then also parred #4, thanks in part to the sinking of a 20 foot putt. I would follow that up by bogeying 4 of the last 5 holes, for a total of 50. This is a good example of how one or two problem holes can really affect the entire round!
Here’s what I learned about golfing in wet conditions:
#1 Use clubs that will keep the ball in the air longer – away from the wet grass and the mud.
#2 If you graze the ground with the club, it builds up a layer of mud between the club and the ball, with an unhappy outcome.
#3 Don’t wear your favorite clothes or shoes, and make sure you have a clean pair of socks to change into when your round is completed!
#4 Despite the poor conditions, it’s still good practice, and still better than sitting at home!
