Playing into low sunshine

[JohnnyDee]

I find these shots particularly difficult, especially if it's a tricky and important mid-iron approach, say for example at the end of a competition round when I have a good card going.

Obviously we can wear sunglasses or a visor, but personally I use neither and don't find really them a great help whenever I've tried them.

The problem comes when looking towards the target and the sun blinds us. Often the result is an edgy and nervous stroke as we look up too soon anxious not to lose sight of the ball, causing bad contact and a potentially disastrous big number on the hole.

Of course as most of us live in the UK thankfully this is not a continuous problem but nevertheless seems to happen to me fairly often

So what's your strategy then and how do you cope making sure that you walk off the 18th all smiles?

 

[garyinderry]

If in competition ask your playing partners to watch it for you.

They should do this anyway but in these cases it helps to ask to make sure they are paying attention.


The just concentrate on strike.

 

[JohnnyDee]

If in competition ask your playing partners to watch it for you.

They should do this anyway but in these cases it helps to ask to make sure they are paying attention.


The just concentrate on strike.

Yes agree with that. But there's just that element of thinking I'm not in 100% control here at address and that can be unsettling.

 

[duncan mackie]

Yes agree with that. But there's just that element of thinking I'm not in 100% control here at address and that can be unsettling.

Not sure why you aren't in control - no different from playing in thick fog or darkness.😀

As long as you can see the ball to hit it its all the same.

 

[JohnnyDee]

Not sure why you aren't in control - no different from playing in thick fog or darkness.

As long as you can see the ball to hit it its all the same.

True also, but there's just this "anxiousness" that creeps over me in these situations. There's a bit of me fretting that I don't have a shot unencumbered by some blooming transient light condition that 30 minutes earlier I wouldn't have had to factor in to my shot.

I know, I know! I should get a mind coach...but have you seen what those guys charge

 

[SugarPenguin]

hate them. I always do a terrible swing and end up losing my ball if its a drive.

 

[ScienceBoy]

Never had an issue here, I consciously try not to look up too quickly and instead feel where the ball starts.

 

[SugarPenguin]

Never had an issue here, I consciously try not to look up too quickly and instead feel where the ball starts.

thats my problem. Im thinking ' dam that suns annoying - i need to get eyes on my ball fast so i can track it'
messes up the entire swing.

 

[MashieNiblick]

Hate these shots and our last 4 holes all play into the sun in the afternoon. Nightmare. So hard to judge the shot initially and then when you've hit it have no idea where it's gone. Other than wearing a cap and if possible playing a a little more conservatively, I don't really have any particular approach so interested in what others say.

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

My biggest sun problem is when it casts my shadow over my ball. Got a real problem being distracted by my shadow at 'take away' Yes I know - bizarre - but maybe its result of never having to worry about sun cast shadows when I started playing.

 

[USER1999]

Just focus on hitting it with a good swing, and don't look up. If I do this, I'll have no bother finding it, even if I'm playing on my own. I can tell from my swing and impact which way it went if I don't hit it down the middle, so it's no real problem.

No different to playing in a four ball of partially sighted idiots, who I seem to play a lot of golf with!

 

[Baldy Bouncer]

Play earlier?:thup:

 

[JustOne]

No different to playing in a four ball of partially sighted idiots, who I seem to play a lot of golf with!

My vision is perfect.... apart from the burnt retina from where I looked at the 1997(?) eclipse....

actually what was that you were saying about idiots..... :angry:

 

[JohnnyDee]

thats my problem. Im thinking ' dam that suns annoying - i need to get eyes on my ball fast so i can track it'
messes up the entire swing.

Exactly the same with me. It's the annoyance that leads to the mess up, as you think "if only it was normal light conditions then I'd have no problem here"

My biggest sun problem is when it casts my shadow over my ball. Got a real problem being distracted by my shadow at 'take away' Yes I know - bizarre - but maybe its result of never having to worry about sun cast shadows when I started playing.

Strong shadows can be a real nuisance too. Particularly, for me, on short putts whenmy own shadow is between where the ball's sitting and the hole. I find that it's a bit harder to read the subtle beaks involved.

But as I've already said, what I probably really need is a mind coach to get me out of these bad thinking routines.:smirk:

 

[delc]

Playing into a low sun is often a big problem on our South-East facing holes early in the day during the Winter months. Generally keep your head down and get your playing companions to watch the flight of the ball.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

It's a problem on a few holes at my place in the morning or late evening. I just trying and make a good shot and not worry about looking up too soon. On my own it's more of an issue, especially if I don't catch it too well but if I'm playing with others we just ensure we spot for everyone else.

 

[garyinderry]

When watching the ball for others, If I can I will stand in the shade of a tree. no point standing getting blinded by the same light as the person hitting.

Ive been burnt in the past asking someone to watch the ball for me to be told, ' I lost it in the sun'.

 

[Smiffy]

I've been burnt in the past asking someone to watch the ball for me to be told, ' I lost it in the sun'.

That has got to be one of the worst feelings in the world, especially when you think you have hit a career best shot only to fail to find your ball.
Hate it with a passion.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Ive been burnt in the past asking someone to watch the ball for me to be told, ' I lost it in the sun'.

It really annoys me when that happens. You had one thing to do....

 

[6inchcup]

has anyone mentioned wearing good quality sunglasses with side shields to stop glare,just a thought!!