Your least favorite playing conditions?

[double_j]

Had a horrible round on Sunday. It was one of those ridiculously hot & humid NJ days, no wind to speak of and standing on the fairways/greens was like being in the middle of a frying pan. We played a links type course so there was zero shade and relief to speak of. That kind of heat just sucks the energy right out of you.

I really think I was on the verge of heat exhaustion even though I drank plenty of water and our foursome played at a relatively relaxed pace (we were walking with carry bags). I know I can't blame my entire horrific score on the weather (91, including a 9 on a par 5 and a 6 on a par 3!) but it sure didn't help. I had a hell of a time focusing and I wanted nothing more than to pack it in by 15 and sit in the air conditioned clubhouse for a couple of hours just to get my body temperature back to normal.

What are your least favorite conditions to play in? Which seem to really impact your enjoyment of the game? More importantly, how do you deal with them?

For me (from least favorite to more favorable):

1.) Hot and Humid (both temp and humidity well over 90)
2.) Wind (playing in a constant strong wind just seems very taxing on both mind and body)
3.) Rain (I don't mind it too much, but it's a pain to keep everything dry)
4.) Cold (not usually an issue, all I need is winter gear and some hand warmers. Loss of distance kinda stinks though)

[Kieran123]

Cold.

I hate having to wear restricting clothing.

Wind is pretty annoying too, but only if it's strong or cold.

I love the heat, makes the beer taste even better.

[pxc]

As if I wasn't bad enough, a soggy course really screws up my ballstriking. I'd rather play in the heat or cold, as long as it's dry.

[WUTiger]

Right after two days of heavy rains.
* Storm litter on the fairways
* Broken tree branch which hangs down right in front of tee box
* Puddled water in the low areas
* Rough beastly, because they haven't had time to mow
* Greens are soft, and foursome in front of you isn't repairing ball marks on green

Best solution: Don't play until it dries out for a day.

[alomar123]

Rain, easily. I hate to be wet.

[sean_miller]

Right after two days of heavy rains.

Yeah - "casual water" with every step means it's gonna be a long day.

I'll also add: 1.) winter in late May (including sleet and icey gale force winds) 2.) lightning striking in the area - like on the course 3.) anything at or over 30 Celsius (Canadians burst into flames at approximately 34 degrees Celsius)

[jetsknicks1]

The heat! Played last weekend and it was 90deg when we teed off, we spent the whole round slamming water and looking for any shade to pull into. I contracted heat exahaustion once while playing and it was horrible. The rain doesn't bother me too much

[Shanker]

RAIN...It sucks! Playing today after heavy heavy rain storms Monday and this morning...

[Yukari]

I love playing in hot humid days. Reminds me of the time when I first started playing back in Collegeville, PA. For geographically challenged, it is near King of Prussia, 40 miles NW of Philadelphia.

I used to hate playing when it is windy, but I have come to embrace it as another challenge. In fact, about a month ago, I played when it was blowing 20-30 mph. Shot 92. Given the condition, I was really happy. Before embracing the windy as another variable in playing, I would have hated playing and would have likely shot somewhere in the 100's if not in 110's.

Now the only time I don't like playing is when I have to wear too much clothes that restricts my swing. When my swing motion gets restricted, I don't feel like I am playing golf.

[michaeljames92]

Probably either 40*C days where there is no breath of wind or 15*C days where the wind is blowing its nuts off and the rain is sideways

[motteler621]

Probably either 40*C days where there is no breath of wind or 15*C days where the wind is blowing its nuts off and the rain is sideways

i dont like it when the course is soaked from water and the bunkers are filled with water.

[James_Black]

I'd prefer it to be raining than it to be really sunny.
You can wear rain-gear and still play golf.

I can't play golf in the heat.

[motteler621]

I'd prefer it to be raining than it to be really sunny.

ehh, golf in the heat just causes you to loose weight and get in shape. Just drink lots and lots of water, brings an extra 2-3 shirts and a large towel to wipe off with. You ever seen those runners wearing sweat pants in the heat

[James_Black]

ehh, golf in the heat just causes you to loose weight and get in shape. Just drink lots and lots of water, 2-3 shirts and a large towel to wipe off with. You ever seen those runners wearing sweat pants in the heat

I'm already in shape thanks, I just don't like baking myself in the sun for the sake of putting a little white ball in a hole.

I'd prefer sitting down having a drink with friends.

[ohiolefty]

I don't understand the complaining about wet conditions. Unless it's soaked to the point where there's standing water, it makes it easier to score because you can go at more pins on your approach shots.

Anyway...for me...the two conditions I can't stand

1. Excessive wind: My home course is very windy to begin with because of the nature of the topography (it forms a natural wind-tunnel). It also has small, firm greens. It's not fun to hit 2nd shots on a day like that. Plus, hitting tons of hard draws to fight wind ends up messing up the rest of my game on occasion.

2. Excessive dryness: I don't mind fast greens to put on (I actually prefer it, in some ways) but I can't stand hitting approach shots into firm greens that won't hold anything. Also, under these conditions, a lot of the time it's tough to hit wedges in the fairway because you can't get under the ball as well...regardless of the bounce you play on your wedges IMO.

[JT SCRATCH]

I will be honest, you all complain too much. Playing golf, regardless of the conditions, is always a good time. I will play in any conditions as long as there is no snow on the ground and the course is open. I hear shuffleboard is a nice sport to play in the heat and in the rain.

[kpaulhus]

Well in FL, I dont mind playing in 100+, as long as there is a breeze and cart girl is quick around 18. I really dont like playing when it starts raining for 15 mins, then goes into steamer mode and the humidity basically soaks you with heat, but IM still gonna play. We had a record winter here and didnt mind waiting in the club house until it hit 32* to go out and play. Wind is never really bad unless your playing by the beach. Its just the humidity that kills me. Last weekend I lost close to 7lbs of water sweating, and I was drinking at least a liter of water every 3 holes. Ill play in every kind of weather, except lightning.

[SpoiledRotten]

Broken leg. Makes it difficult to swing the hips correctly.