Pitching to a winter green.
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It has reached that time of year when we are likely to be playing to winter greens to protect the main greens for the summer months. It's frustrating, we know, but as comedian Peter Kaye, says in his TV beer advertisement, 'it's for the best'
Why temporaries?
Main greens can get seriously damaged if over-used during the winter months, leaving greenkeepers tearing their hair out. That's why temporary greens are often enforced.
Frost is the biggest enemy of carefully tended greens. While links courses around the coast tend to escape below freezing temperatures many inland course greens are prone to harden overnight.
It's not the frost that damages the tender dormant shoots, but footmarks when a hard frost is thawing from the surface leaving a soft layer over still frozen soil. It tends to leave at best black footmarks, or at worst shearing of the roots from the plant stem.
Commercial considerations also play a part - the main factor that attracts new members and brings back visitors are the greens. They have to be looked after.
What's different
While the luckier clubs with large greens and aprons can afford to place temporaries at the front of summer greens, most of us have to put up with a circular area mown out of nearby fairway.
Most clubs, in my experience, are aware that while these temporaries are not of their usual standard, greenkeepers will make them as playable as possible in order for the club to charge a realistic green fee to winter visitors.
The cups are usually bigger - 5-6 inches in diameter instead of the usual 4.25 - to allow for the bumpier surfaces.
The technique
The trick with putting on temporaries is to concentrate more on the strike than the line. With the ground less smooth and often more undulating, the ball needs to be struck more precisely.
Do this by hovering the club head above the ball at address. Not only will this prevent any accidental movement of the ball, incurring a penalty, but will encourage a smoother backswing and follow through.
Perfect your chipping
Temporary greens also offer the opportunity for you to improve your chipping. With the greens smaller and the hole bigger you can practice your chipping from close range with a variety of clubs from 6-iron to lob wedge which will no doubt stand you in good stead for the summer.
Remember the Rules
Dew and frost are not loose impediments (Definitions) so don't think you can sweep away that early morning dew on the line of your putt.
Neither are you allowed to sweep away frost that might have formed on the surface. When frost debris left from the soles of shoes of previous players becomes ice (and therefore a loose impediment that can be removed) is debatable. In winter leagues and social games it tends to be swept away but we'd like to hear your opinions on the forum, together with any other tips you recommend for handling winter/temporary greens.
