9 Ways to Play Your Best Winter Golf
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Essential Tips for Golfing in Cold Weather
When fall and winter arrive, you don’t necessarily have to put your clubs away.
I used to feel sad when the colder temperatures arrived here in New England. Then, I heard about a group of golfers that actually golf through the beautiful Fall and into the Winter months. Unless there is snow on the ground that prevents them from golfing, they are out there still playing every week.
What I have learned over the years living through the cold northeast winters is that there are ways to stay warm when venturing outside.
The most important tip is being prepared and knowing what to expect.
And me being a Hawaii girl, if I can do it, you can do it too.
For years, I was a fair-weather golfer but as I have become more passionate about golf, I have learned to adapt and play golf through the fall and winter months.
My husband has a saying, “there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear”.
So true!
Below are the 9 essential tips on how to play golf when the temperatures start to drop and still continue to enjoy this amazing game.
9 Ways to Play Golf When the Temperatures Drop
1. Layer Up With Cold Weather Winter Golf Apparel
As the cooler temperatures dip, layering up is key to being prepared. Yes, layers!
Upper Body
Having multiple layers of clothing allows you to adjust your comfort level depending on how cold it is. Sometimes the morning is cold and a couple of hours in, the day gets warmer. Being able to take off a layer is important.
For me, especially later in the Fall, I like to wear a long sleeve base layer that is wicking or performance material. Then I wear a lightweight vest. And depending on how cold it is, I either layer on an additional light fleece jacket on top and/or a lightweight warm jacket in even colder temps. Lightweight is important as it keeps the bulk or puffiness to a minimum, which is important in swinging the golf club.
Lower Body
Wearing the right pair of golf pants will help keep your bottom half comfortable.
For cooler temperatures in the fall, I like to wear my regular golf pants.
When it gets colder, I switch to fleece lined winter pants , which keeps my lower half nice and warm. I use these pants for playing winter paddle tennis, snow shoeing, and walking the dog in the winter.
2. Keep Your Hands, Feet, Head and Ears Warm.
What I have experienced playing golf in the cold is that my hands and feet are the first to get cold. If you are walking, the exercise will most certainly help, but the worst is when your hands are too cold to grip the golf club.
These winter golf gloves specifically made for playing golf have been great for me. They were a little snug, so I’d go up a size. They also come in standard black but also a few different fun patterns.
Also, I highly recommend bringing hand warmers, which can be stored easily in your golf bag when you need them.
Here is what really saved the day for me on the colder days when the fingers start to get too cold.
Golf mittens that attach to the pushcart so my hands are kept toasty and warm while walking. They have velcro that wraps around the handle bar of your pushcart.
The biggest thing for me when playing golf in the winter is my hands. If they become too cold, I don’t like to play. These mittens keep your hands warm while pushing your cart between shots.
Wearing a winter hat, well that is a must for everyone. Heat can be lost through your head if it is unprotected.
I like to have a winter hat with a visor to keep the sun out of my eyes. TrailHeads Fleece Ponytail Cap with Dropdown Ear Warmer is a hat that perfectly combines keeping your head warm while protecting your eyes from the sun’s glare.
3. Walk the Course.
It will not only feel great to walk because you will be getting exercise, but it will also get the blood flowing and keep you warmer. Most courses won’t have electric or motorized carts available through the winter months, so you will probably have to walk.
4. Practice Different Shots.
This is the perfect time to experiment with different shots on the course. There typically aren’t as ,any golfers, so you may have some time to practice or play different shots.
Some golf courses might even have temporary tee boxes and greens, which causes many golfers to not play. You can still practice your drives as you can tee it up at a temporary tee box and you can practice your short game to the temporary greens.
5. Be sure to stretch.
Because of the colder air, your body won’t be as flexible and the bulkiness of having extra layers may not allow you to have as much flexibility. So, be sure to stretch and warm up before you head out.
Golf is all about being loose and free, but winter golf can cause your body and muscles to tighten up. Exercises to help you loosen up will help your golf game and may even help prevent any cold-related injuries.
6. Socialize.
Bring a friend or several friends so you can catch up, socialize, and have a good time. It’s always more fun with companions.
Schedule a weekly tee time/meet-up so that you are held accountable to others. Otherwise it can become much harder to get out the door. Many times, when we are inside our warm homes, it’s easier to come up with excuses than to go outside in the winter weather and golf.
7. Be Flexible.
Play 9 or 18 holes and be flexible as it will be dependent on how cold it feels once you are out playing. If you end up being too cold, don’t keep playing. It is not worth it to be uncomfortable. It is best to go inside and get warm.
8. Bring a nice hot beverage in a warming thermos or water bottle.
I have been on the fields many times for my children’s soccer games in the freezing cold. Having a nice warm beverage to drink can help warm the insides. There are many heated water bottles that keep a beverage warm for over 8 hours.
9. Lower your expectations and have fun.
The cold air affects the distance the ball will travel and the golf ball will not go as far as it would in the warmer weather.
Place and lift the ball as needed, and don’t worry about your score.
In the colder regions, the official handicap program is closed after a certain date so scores can’t be entered.
Most importantly, have fun. You’ll be happy you went out and will appreciate how golf ready you are when spring comes!
Preparation is key in playing golf in the winter season.
Follow these great tips and strategies on how to play golf in the fall and winter.
The best way to combat this and to have the most enjoyment is to prepare with the right layers and gear and the right mindset.
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