October – and onward from there – is a great time to fall for golf. With courses somewhat less busy and rounds definitely more affordable, Fall is a great time to get out and swing away.

Courses tend to be in prime shape come fall as well. With the blazing sun and hot days that bake a course here and there *hopefully* behind us, the fairways tend to be more lush. And while morning dew can sometimes mean a damp first few holes, that also means the green stays green.

There are challenges though, and things to think about as you head into your Autumn golf season.

Aerating greens: Tis the season for green surface touch-ups, and that means there’s a good chance you’ll find greens a bit different out there. Aerating helps alleviate the wear and tear greens – the part of any golf course with the most foot traffic – to keep them in better playing conditions all year.

Aerating is – in simple terms – a process of poking tiny holes all over the green to remove thatch, which can slow down the green speed and soak up and hold water. It’s done, ironically (and much to the dismay of some) when greens are in their best shape, which is usually fall. (They are also aerated in early spring).

Many are also sprinkled with sand, which means you’ll see tiny holes and a layer of sand.

What’s a golfer to do? Play on, I say. First, most courses are great about giving you a heads up about their aeration schedule, which means you can avoid the course should you so desire.

But don’t. While it looks different and can impact the feel you usually have for a putt, it’s still playable. And if it really bugs you, agree with your play group on some green rules (“that’s good” comes sooner?) Or just consider it a chance to practice adapting your putt in unique conditions, a great skill to have.

And while we’re talking casual round rules, the “leaf rule” so many talk about (when leaves are falling if you lose your ball in them you can drop without penalty) isn’t really a true rule. But if you’re out for fun and not to win a tourney, discuss that with your group. Allowing this in the fall can save time and angst.

Possible morning delays: Dew is more of an issue this time of year when temps can drop down more overnight. That could mean a wait if you have an early-day tee time. Best advice? Call ahead that morning to check and then either adjust your time to arrive or show up and savor a coffee while soaking in the scenery.

Same goes for – and you know it’s coming – frost. Once that hits, you’ll need to wait as well. You’ll also want to be sure to wear good golf shoes with water resistance. What’s worse than soggy feet in shoes?

Colder days are possible: Layer up for fall golf days and do pack an extra waterproof windbreaker-type jacket in your bag just in case. It’s easy to be fooled this time of year, so dressing extra with an easy way to shed layers once it warms up is your best bet.

You’ll save money: Just about every course out there offers some deep discounts off of peak prices once mid-October hits. That makes it a great time to add some extra rounds or head to that club you’ve wanted to play but the greens fees scared you off. Saving is good – it means you can buy more clubs and other needs over the winter.

Savor the special: Changing tree colors, a sunlight slant that makes the sky a deeper azure, and buffy autumn clouds can make even the most average of holes amp up to special. Be ready to savor the views – even holes you’ve played many times all summer take on a special look. First, about now, you’ll see the tall fescue grass changing from a golden color to a lavender, looking almost like fields of heather. It’s beautiful

When does it all end? While some courses close for the winter, others open whenever they can. Two winters ago I played in short sleeves on an early December Saturday. As a skier, I’m not all about that. But as a golfer looking to play as much as I can, save some money and see courses in a different light: I’m all in.