Sports · Other Sports · 3 hrs ago
Softer autumn golf courses can help players score better
After a dry summer in the UK, autumn rain has softened fairways and greens, changing how golf courses play.
Firmer summer ground made it harder to control the ball, while softer greens now help shots stop closer to where they land.
The writer says September to November are often the best months for their scores, based on their handicap record.
More manageable greens can also make putting easier, as slower speeds allow players to hit putts more firmly.
Softer fairways mean accurate tee shots are more likely to stay in play, creating better chances to reach greens and avoiding bad bounces that can lead to lost balls.
From October 1 through the end of March, and sometimes later, courses may use preferred lies under the Rules of Golf.
Autumn’s softer fairways and more receptive greens can make golf courses easier to score on, according to Golf Monthly.
The article says softer greens help approach shots stop quickly, while slower greens can make putting more manageable.
It argues that finding fairways in autumn can outweigh the extra distance some golfers get from firm summer fairways.
The writer says their lowest scores usually come in September, October and sometimes November.
Preferred lies are permitted under the Rules of Golf from October 1 until the end of March, sometimes later.
- Who
- Golfers, particularly those whose approach accuracy benefits from softer greens.
- What
- The article explains why autumn course conditions may help players score better.
- When
- Autumn, especially September, October and sometimes November.
- Where
- Golf courses, including courses in the UK.
- Why
- Softer fairways and more receptive, slower greens can make shots and putting more manageable.
Shorter hitters
The article’s author
Distance off the tee
Shorter hitters
Shorter hitters may say they lose the advantage of extra distance from firm summer fairways.
The article’s author
The author argues that finding fairways is just as beneficial as gaining 10 or 20 yards of run.
Dry course conditions made scoring challenging, while firm fairways sometimes sent balls into the rough.
Courses had returned to lush green, and tee shots down the middle could stay on the short grass.
The Rules of Golf permit preferred lies.
- Writer’s lowest-scoring months
- September, October and sometimes November
- Preferred lies period
- October 1 to the end of March, sometimes later
- Summer fairway run
- The author compares it with an extra 10 or 20 yards
- Article publication
- October 13, 2026
What people are saying
In my opinion, autumn offers the ideal conditions to shoot low scores.
I play better golf now than in any other season of the year.
Sources
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