When I first heard about the special problems that come with playing golf at high altitudes, I was both interested and excited to see how good I was. We welcome people from all over to Dungeness Golf. Some of them are already familiar with golf at high altitudes, while others are experiencing it for the first time. If you’re coming from Sequim or from a higher elevation, it’s helpful to know what to expect and how to change your game.
Getting to know Altitude Golf
Playing golf at high altitudes presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities that can change how you play each round. The air is thinner at higher altitudes, which makes the golf ball go farther than it would at sea level. I noticed right away that my drives were going ten to fifteen percent farther when I played my first round in these conditions. This change in distance has an effect on everything from choosing clubs to managing the course.
Changes to clubs for Dungeness conditions
When you play golf at a high altitude, it’s very important to make the right changes to your clubs. I always tell people to start their round at Dungeness Golf with a few practice swings and shots to see how the ball reacts that day. You might find that your normal club distances don’t work when the weather changes. When the air is thinner, I often take one less club for many approach shots. To avoid going too far past the greens, you need to pay attention to how your irons and wedges are working.
Course conditions are also very important. In the summer, the fairways at Dungeness can be a little firmer, which means that after each shot, the ball might roll a little more. I like to walk the course early in the morning to get a feel for how the ground feels underfoot. This can change both the distance and the path of the ball.
The Effect of Weather on Strategy
The weather has a big effect on golf at high altitudes. The wind can feel stronger, and the sun can feel warmer, both of which can make you less able to focus and last longer. I always bring extra water and dress in layers, especially when I know the weather could change quickly. We see a lot of different types of weather at Dungeness Golf, so I suggest checking the forecast before you go and getting ready for temperature changes during your round.
Questions that are often asked
How do I change the clubs I use for golf in high places?
I suggest starting slowly by using one less club for most shots and making changes as you get used to the distance. You can make better choices by practicing your swings and spending time on the range before your round.
What should I look out for when the course conditions at Dungeness Golf are bad?
If you usually play at sea level, pay attention to how firm the fairway is and how fast the green is. If the ground is firmer, it may roll more, so you might need to change your landing targets.
Does the weather affect how well I do more at high altitudes?
Yes, the sun feels stronger, and the wind can be easier to feel. I always bring water and dress for changes in temperature so I can stay comfortable and focused while I play.
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