Perfect Golf-weather days are a rarity! Now with the onset of winters, there’s a nip in the air and it also means shorter days and colder temperatures.
During winters, only a few Golfers are able to effectively brace up with the colder temperature and exercise their Golfing skills. But if you give utmost importance to prepare appropriately, you can still take delight in your fave sport throughout the colder months.
Here’s how to give yourself the best chance to thrive when you're faced with a round in the cold.
If you thought walking just helps to shed that flab, think again. If you are an avid golfer, walking is the best option to keep yourself warm. So, if you have an option, choose to walk rather than ride. You’ll stay looser and the best part is your swing won’t suffer.
Yes, walking shall help keep your body warm, but it’s equally imperative to keep your hands warm. Consider wearing two gloves. You’ll want to be sure your hands stay warm so you don’t lose any control or finesse over the golf club.
Ensure even your Golf balls are warm!
The major challenge Golfers face during winters is with the Golf balls. The balls don’t travel as far in cold weather. It’s imperative to keep Golf balls warm to play your game effectively. In fact, you’ll lose about 3-5 yards, depending on air density, for every 10 degree drop in temperature. So, keep that ball in your pocket between holes. Easier said than done, but play smart! Don’t be afraid to hit an extra club – chances are you’ll need it.
Also, don’t leave your clubs in your car the night before you play. Keep them inside and warm to avoid the grips growing cold and hard. Cold hands on a cold, hard grip are tough to handle.
Wearing hand mittens between shots is good, and there are some new ones on the market that are easy to pull on and off.
Layer your clothing
Dress in layers. There are plenty of tight-fitting but light undergarments that are very good.
This is as important as anything – what you wear. You don’t want to bundle up so much (that you can’t even make a good, full swing. Consider wearing multiple layers. Depending on how cold the weather is, try a short/long sleeve golf shirt and then a sweater. And if it’s windy, you may even want to wear some sort of light-weight wind breaker. Don’t’ forget to wear a hat of some sort. I prefer wearing a toboggan, as keeping your ears and as much of your face as warm as possible will make a noticeable difference.
This one is indeed important. Have realistic Golf expectations as your scoring average will slightly enhance during the cold weather months: golf balls don’t go as far, it’s cold and your body is stiffer, and the innumerable other reasonable excuses you could make. What’s important is that you’re still playing golf.
You enjoy the game so much that little will keep you off the golf course. Consider playing from the tees up since you won’t be hitting the ball as far. Or it may be beneficial to play the same tees so you’ll have a chance to work on some different shots and club selections. Playing through the cold weather months will do wonders for your golf game.
To conclude, time away from the Golf Course is not a great idea, but preparing yourself for the greens properly in winters can certainly do wonders.