Sunday, August 15, 2010

PGA Golf Championship 2010 Rain Challenge

Blame it on the weather - not when you are professional golfer playing in PGA Golf Championship 2010 and any Major event. Rain or shine, you brave it out.

You would understand that high humidity and rain decrease driving distance. And, wet and soft ground reduce roll and you may dig up more turf during the swing. Conversely, if the day is hot and air is thin [e.g. in high elevation golf courses], the ball tends to go further.

That’s about it – some general conclusions drawn from experience and observation about the elements.

It’s not easy to estimate impact of humidity, rain, temperature, wind conditions and air pressure on the flight of the golf ball. Golf ball manufacturers have tested various materials, design and core construction. Still, it is difficult to ensure with a high degree of certainty how each of the elements individually affects the ball’s flight and what exact technicalities should be applied.

Inevitably, players experience and judgement will be significant when playing under tough and unpredictable weather conditions. Prepared golfers do not panic or rush when the elements are not favorable; they play with the same calmness. They recognize that there is no apparent advantage anyone can extract from such circumstances – everyone should equally challenged by the environment.

As a professional golfer or an aspiring one, you should always go to the green prepared with golf rain gears like hooded rain suits, hats, gloves, umbrellas and cart cover. You would also have a waterproof cover for your golf bag to keep your clubs and accessories dry. There will also be extra towels.

Back to PGA Championship, can we conclude that all players are equally challenged? And the fact that up-and-coming players like Nick Watney, Rory Mcllroy and Dustin Johnson gaining prominence on the golf leaderboard has nothing to do with the elements?




Updates By World Golfers Haven