Golf in November – much-maligned and under-rated

November is few people's idea of a favourite month, me included. But, in golfing terms, it has to be said that it's far from the worst.

It's rarely freezing cold, doesn't often snow and while the days are admittedly short it is still possible to enjoy reasonable playing conditions.

Mats and winter greens are yet to raise their ugly heads while there is the novelty factor of donning your bobble hat for the first time in several months and laughing at how ridiculous your playing partners look in theirs.

And golf in November has never been more fun than it has this year.

Summer may well have been wiped out by the rain but its legacy is that our courses seem to be in far better condition now than they usually are at this time of year.

As recently as last weekend, I enjoyed playing off well-grassed tees and putting on greens that were genuinely smooth and well-paced.

There was honestly no excuse not to play respectably – which adds its own pressures!

So if you've been lacking motivation in recent weeks, preferring to stay in your armchair, rouse yourself, don your waterproof trousers and get on with it. It really won't be quite as bad as you think. And even if it is, it will still beat Christmas shopping.