5 Tip on How to Play Golf in the Cold
Golf is a great sport because it can be enjoyed year-round. However, if you live in the northern climes during winter, you might be a bit fair-weather player when the mercury drops too much. But for avid or hard-core golfers there comes a time you (and a friend or two) may just get the itch to play when the sun is shining, wind has subsided, and temperature is bearable. Here are five tips to playing golf in wintry weather.
Dress Appropriately
Layer up (i.e., jacket, mid layer, and base layer) with thinner clothing. This is better than wearing something bulky that can restrict your swing. But do not have too many layers you look like little Randy in the movie the Christmas Story.
You lose most of your warmth through your extremities. Wear a hat or beanie to keep your head warm and winter golf gloves or golf cart mittens to protect your hands. Thermal golf mittens are good for between shots, but not ideal to swinging a glove club like a pair of winter golf gloves. Hand warmers can be a plus too. If the course is snow-packed or wet, wear golf shoes with proper traction. Make sure if you have a pair of waterproof pants to check they are not too long they get caught up in your golf spikes. An extra pair of socks might be a desirable choice as well.
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| Orlimar Golf Cart Mittens | Orlimar Winter Golf Gloves |
Take a Walk
Yes, walking will help warm you up as well as loosen the muscles in the cold. In winter, the course may not let carts out or be "cart paths only", so you will end up walking anyway. The wonderful thing about playing in the cold, the course will not be busy. By walking you can experience the sights and sounds of the environment that you would not normally. If you insist to ride in a cart, consider the use of a cart cover and cart heater.
Club Up and Stretch Out
One thing you need to realize is that you are not going to hit the ball in cold weather so take an extra club or two to hit the distances you are accustomed to. Also, try not to swing for the fences starting out either or you can pull a muscle or hurt yourself. Stretch out ahead of time and make sure to take a few extra practice swings.
Equipment Do's and Don'ts
Do not let your golf bag with all your clubs and especially golf balls sit in your vehicle prolonged in the cold. They will not feel the best at impact and performance will suffer. Carry an umbrella just in case it starts to snow or rain to keep the clubs dry. If you are playing where there is snow cover, switch to an orange or yellow golf ball so it will be easy to find.
Lessen Expectations
You might be out for a round of bonus golf for a few hours to get away from the kids, the talking heads on TV, or life's stresses. Whatever reason you wish to brave the elements, there is a good chance you are not going to post the score for handicap purposes. Even if you do, guess what, moving and cleaning the ball for a clean lie is going to be acceptable. This falls under "Preferred Lies" and "Winter Rules" in the Rules of Golf, Appendix I and is there to help protect the course. Most of all, have fun and do not worry about what you score if you even track it all.
