Assessing the Impact of Golf Tournament Locations

Golf tournaments involve travel to a wide variety of destinations, and that means that golfers face drastically different course and weather conditions everywhere they go.  Each of these courses requires adjustments, and each is suited to different play styles.  To assess the impact that each will have, there are a number of factors to look at.

• Weather.  Is weather relatively steady at the course, or can wild and unpredictable changes sweep through over the course of an afternoon?  Is rain expected before or during the event?  How wet will the ground be?  How hot or cold will it be throughout the day?  These factors can impact golfers’ swings directly, and can also take a toll on stamina.

• Humidity.  This is one weather factor which has a particularly daunting impact, since it can reduce the distance the ball travels.  Generally you will see better performance from golfers on dry days and lagging performance on humid days.  Plus, humidity can lead to fatigue.

• Wind.  Not only does strong wind disrupt the course of the ball, but it can also be unpredictable.  If the wind is relatively steady and comes from one direction all day, players may manage to adjust.  But if the wind comes and goes and changes direction wildly, some players may have an advantage on shots where others do not.  For that reason, handicapping may be very challenging in locations with unpredictable winds.

• Altitude.  Altitude can help balls to move farther on strong swings, but it can also get golfers winded, especially those who are from low altitudes.

• Grass.  Different locations use different types of grass for the fairways and the greens, so do your research.  Some players are more used to certain types of grass than others, or find certain types of grass better suit their style.

• Travel.  Travelling between courses is always going to be a drain, but when a player has to travel quickly across a long distance to get fro one course to another, it can take a real toll on stamina and focus. 

• Fans.  Fans are different everywhere you go.  At some courses you will see quiet, respectful fans.  At others, they will be boisterous and heckle the players.  Some golfers are more popular at some courses than others as well, and may find fan support in one location and active dislike in another.  Crowds can be very distracting for golfers.

All of these factors should be considered when you are handicapping a golf tournament.  Remember to think of them from an individual standpoint as well.  Don’t just consider how the grass or the altitude will impact players overall, but ask yourself what the impact will be on specific golfers.  If you have a stronger grasp on this than other punters, you may be in a great position to win some valuable golf bets.  For example, an altitude difference could be the deciding factor in a head-to-head wager between two similarly-skilled golfers.  Conduct a thorough analysis and you give yourself an edge.