« A Shark's Eye View Of The Average Golfer | Main | Six Happy Thanksgiving Jokes »
Tuesday
Dec212010

Simple Tips For Playing Cold Weather Golf

If you're one of those die-hard golfers suffering from cold-weather golf withdrawal we've prepared a few simple tips to help you brave the cold on the course.

1. Dress for success

Even if your just out for nine holes you'll want to wear warm clothes that minimize swing restriction. Bundling up in heavy winter-wear will surely kill your free flowing swing plane. So plan your garb with lightweight layers underneath finishing with outer layers of wind protection.

That's right... I said layers. Three or more layers can work wonders if they permit a free flowing swing. Don't worry, you can always peel off the outers if the afternoon temperature creeps up to a balmy forty-something degrees.

2. Acclimate before kick off

We've all know the kooky brother-in-law who never wears a coat when the temps fall below freezing. He's nuts! The key to surviving enjoying a cold weather round is to avoid extreme change in temperature.

Take 20-30 minutes for a cold weather pre-game warm up on the practice range. Use the time as you normally would for stretching, hitting balls and swing practice, but most importantly get used to being outside. Use the extra time to fine tune your outerwear and headgear before you step up to the first tee.

Be ever-vigilant with head and hand protection. Although the age old myth that "most body heat is lost through our heads" has been officially debunked, if you're outdoors for an extended period you'll want something to cover your noggin. Even a little wind-chill dip can wreak havoc on unprotected ears.

Gloves are a bit tricky in cold weather. And although there are lots of specialized "golf glove" products out there, the bottom line is this. If you keep your hands warm between shots you'll easily go the distance without discomfort.

So use regular gloves and keep your hands in your pockets in between shots. And if you need a little more insurance against cold hands throw a couple of these into your bag.

3. Club down to go the distance

Let's get real. You can suit up with the best cold weather gear money can buy and you'll still be using an abbreviated swing. Don't expect record breaking distances off the tee or massively long iron play. It's not gonna happen.

Add one to two clubs to your normal shot distances and all will be good with the world. Playing in frigid weather requires a slightly different set of expectations. Think of it as a golf adventure.

4. Have some new golf fun

Don't miss new betting opportunities that may arise, like closest to the pin from the snow-field. Or up and down snowys instead of sandies.

Avoid any temptation to venture out onto a frozen pond because you can see your ball sitting perfectly on the ice surface. Breaking through the ice is an absolute game over scenario.

Our final recommendation for a long and frigid day on the links is to get your head right with the cold weather game. And although your adventure may not require a St Bernard rescue dog complete with a keg barrel collar, you may want to pack a little rescue plan of your own.

 

PrintView Printer Friendly Version

EmailEmail Article to Friend

Reader Comments (7)

Great read! I'm one of the worst cold weather golfers there is. Once the temperature drops below 50, I become a mental wreck.

This year I started wearing a winter had to help and layering a bit more. I think finding the right clothing is important and club selection really does change!

Thanks for sharing!

Mike
Thats a great post. I played a game of golf last week in a torential down-pour - we were seriously the only 4-ball out on the golf course. It got so back that the hole on the 17th green was actually under water so we used a coffee cup lid as a temporary hole - wont do that again any time soon :-)
Very helpful and informative, great post. The most important thing is to embrace the cold weather - it's so much more fun than being sat behind a desk!
visit <a href="http://www.xclones.net/luxury-porsche-design-watches-clone-cb56.html"> hamilton replica</a>.cheaper and well.

Enjoy $15 savings at xclones.net with this coupon code S7D15U

Rules of the Code:

1. The coupon code is only applicable for $100+ full-price item(s) .
2. This coupon code is not applicable for promotional items or discount products.
It's really hard to play golf when it's cold. What I do is I somehow take a sip first before playing. Just a little sip is enough to make yourself warm.
I'm teeing off at 9am tomorrow and it's beyond freezing on mud island. I've taken your tips to heart and will put them to the test tomorrow. Thanks.

PostPost a New Comment

Enter your information below to add a new comment.

My response is on my own website »
Author Email (optional):
Author URL (optional):
Post:
 
All HTML will be escaped. Hyperlinks will be created for URLs automatically.