[Kim Maengnyeong's Golf English Conversation] "Spring Season Rounds Like This"

Spring rounds require unique know-how to play according to strong winds and course conditions.

It is spring.

Azaleas, forsythias, and cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and golfers awaken from hibernation and rush to the golf course. However, scores do not come out well in spring. This is because strong winds, course conditions close to bare ground, and golfers' unrefined and unstable shots act as variables. Here are six things to keep in mind when you hit the course this spring.

1. Warm up = You may have been slightly inactive for the last 5 months. Stretching is essential; before tee shots, spend at least 5 minutes thoroughly loosening your shoulders, waist, legs, wrists, and ankles.

2. Make a strong putt than summer time = The green is unstable. The grass is just beginning to grow and cannot be cut short. The green speed is relatively slower than in summer, and the break is also less intense. On the green, the grass is just beginning to grow. This along with the dampness will result in slower putts with less break than they will have when summer rolls around.

3. Rolling is the best policy = This is approach shot know-how around greens with very dry and hard conditions where there is no grass or the grass is withered. To reduce mistakes, chip shots are made with pitching or a 9-iron, clubs with low loft. If the area in front of the green is flat or without obstacles, rolling the ball with a putter is also an option. There is a saying, "The best chipping is worse than the worst putting."

4. Check wind direction and speed = The wind blows strongly, making it hard to judge direction. Carefully check headwind, tailwind, and crosswind. Low trajectory punch shots are advantageous. Place the ball more to the right than usual, with 60% of your weight on your left foot and 40% on your right. Use a three-quarter backswing and finish the follow-through shortly.

5. Choose five wood or hybrid club for better contact = The fairway grass is broken and hard. Using a 3-wood in such conditions often results in topping or shanking the ball. Five or seven woods and hybrids are safer. Attack with the club you are most confident with.

6. Take care of your health = The morning temperature is below freezing, noon reaches 15 degrees Celsius, and the temperature drops again to around 5 degrees in the afternoon. It is good to prepare extra clothes to maintain body temperature. Especially those with high blood pressure or diabetes should be more cautious.

A: Where is the practice range? (Yeonseupjang-i eodieosseoyo?)

B: It's next to the clubhouse (Keulleob Hauseu yeop-e itseumnida).

A: Let's go to the practice green first (Meonjeo yeonseup geurin-euro gapsida).

B: Yes, it's a good idea to practice your putting first before going to the driving range (Ne, deuraibing renji boda peoting yeonseubi deo hyeonmyeonghajyo).

Written and photographed by Kim Maengnyeong, golf columnist