Trevor Ng
Golfing in the cold can be uncomfortable, but there are ways to prepare for it. The cold weather can affect your flexibility, grip, and control of the club, so it's important to layer up with warm, compact clothing that doesn't restrict your movement. Walking the course is a great way to keep warm, but make sure to wear waterproof shoes with good traction to prevent slipping and injury. To maintain your grip, consider using golf gloves or mittens, and always pack an extra towel to keep your clubs and hands dry. The ball won't travel as far in cold weather, so you may need to adjust your club selection and swing technique. Remember to spend extra time warming up your body and hands, and stay hydrated with warm beverages. With the right preparation, you can still enjoy a great game of golf, even in the cold!
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What You'll Learn
Wear layers to stay warm and comfortable
When golfing in cold weather, wearing layers is essential to staying warm and comfortable. It is recommended to wear multiple layers of clothing to keep warm when playing golf in cold temperatures. This can help you regulate your body temperature and ensure you don't get too hot and start sweating.
Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, such as a short-sleeve polo shirt for milder days or a long-sleeve performance shirt for colder rounds. You can also opt for a turtleneck to keep your neck warm. The base layer should be snug-fitting and made from breathable fabric to help regulate your body temperature.
Next, add an insulating layer, such as a vest or a hoodie. These garments will help keep your core warm without restricting your swing. Vests, in particular, are great for keeping your body warm while allowing a full range of motion for your arms.
For your bottom half, consider wearing rain pants over your regular golf pants. They will protect you from the wind and rain, and you can easily remove them if you start to feel too warm.
Finally, top off your outfit with a waterproof and windproof outer layer, especially if it's snowy or rainy. Look for thin, lightweight materials that won't hinder your swing.
Don't forget to keep your head warm, too. Wear a beanie or a woollen ski cap to trap heat and protect your ears from the cold. You can also bring hand warmers or mittens to keep your hands warm between shots, as cold temperatures can affect your grip and control.
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Choose the right footwear
When golfing in cold weather, it's paramount that you have a good pair of golf shoes that will grip onto the different types of terrain on golf courses. The winter turf is often a little wet, so make sure your shoes are waterproof. They should also be comfortable and not overly heavy. Stay away from anything mesh and opt for leather or synthetic materials to ensure your feet are covered.
In addition, be mindful of the type of shoe you wear when the temperature dips below 59 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature, the winter ground is harder and usually slicker, so wearing shoes with poor traction can increase your chances of injury. Swap out spikeless shoes for shoes with replaceable cleats, and be sure to change out your spikes before playing your first round of fall golf.
If you're golfing in cold and wet weather, soft conditions underfoot can cause you to slip and slide. In this case, a good pair of golf shoes with a strong grip will help you maintain your footing on the course.
When choosing your footwear, it's also important to consider the temperature and conditions of the course. If the ground is expected to be frozen or particularly hard, you may need shoes with stronger traction to prevent slipping. Ultimately, the key is to keep your feet warm, dry, and stable as you navigate the course.
By choosing the right footwear, you can ensure that you stay safe, comfortable, and stable while golfing in cold weather.
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Keep your hands warm
When it comes to golfing in the cold, keeping your hands warm is crucial. Cold hands can make it difficult to get a good grip on your golf club, affecting your swing and overall performance. Here are some tips to ensure your hands stay warm while golfing in chilly weather:
Wear Gloves or Mittens
A good pair of gloves or mittens designed for golfing in cold weather can make a significant difference in keeping your hands warm. Look for gloves or mittens that are specifically designed for golfing, as they will offer a flexible and grippy texture, allowing you to maintain a firm grasp on your golf club even in wet and cold conditions. Some gloves are thicker than regular gloves, providing extra warmth for your hands.
Use Hand Warmers
Hand warmers are a popular solution to keep your hands warm while golfing in the cold. You can choose between disposable hand warmers that look like tea bags and reusable gel hand warmers. Place the hand warmers in your pockets or, if you're using gloves or mittens, slip them inside to keep your hands toasty. Football hand warmers that clip around your waist are also an option, providing a convenient way to keep your hands warm while walking between shots.
Layer Up
Wearing layers is essential for retaining body heat and keeping your hands warm. Opt for a thermal golf base layer that is skin-tight, as it increases blood circulation and helps maintain warmth. You can also wear base layer bottoms to provide extra warmth without restricting your swing. For your lower body, consider wearing long johns or thermal trousers with a chill-force outer layer to keep your legs warm and dry.
Walk the Course
Instead of riding in a cart, consider walking the golf course. Walking helps keep your blood flowing and will naturally make you feel warmer. If you need to use a cart, you can invest in a cart cover and a propane golf cart heater to stay warm between shots.
Keep Your Golf Balls Warm
Believe it or not, a warm golf ball will fly further than a cold one. Keep your golf balls in your pocket to benefit from your body heat, and you might just gain a few extra yards on your shots.
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Adjust your club and ball choice
Golfing in cold weather can be challenging, but with a few adjustments, you can still enjoy a good round. One of the key things to consider is how the cold affects your clubs and balls, and how you can adapt your equipment choices to optimise your performance.
Firstly, let's talk about golf clubs. The cold can cause the metal in your clubs to contract and become more brittle, which can affect their performance and feel. Steel shafts, in particular, tend to feel stiffer in colder weather, resulting in a harsher impact feel. To compensate for this, some golfers prefer to use clubs with graphite shafts during the winter, as they offer a slightly softer feel. Additionally, the grips on your clubs may become slick or hard, making it harder to maintain a solid hold. Keeping your hands and club grips dry with a small towel can help prevent slipping.
Now, let's move on to choosing the right golf ball for cold weather. Golf balls react to colder temperatures by becoming firmer and less responsive, which impacts their compression and how they interact with the clubface. This results in reduced distance and a different roll on the greens. To counter this, it is recommended to use a softer, low-compression golf ball, as they tend to perform better in the cold by providing better spin and more control. Balls with mid-to-high compression, such as the OnCore ELIXR or VERO X1, can also be a good choice for golfers with higher swing speeds as they maximise distance and control. Additionally, using a high-launch ball can provide better carry and consistency in cooler conditions.
To optimise your ball's performance in the cold, it is also a good idea to store your golf balls in a warm place, such as in your pocket between holes or using hand warmers in your golf bag. This can help the ball retain some warmth and perform closer to its usual specifications.
Finally, when playing in cold weather, you may need to adjust your club selection to compensate for the reduced distance and increased resistance caused by the denser, colder air. Consider choosing a club with more loft or a longer distance potential than you would typically use for a particular shot. For example, if you usually use a 7-iron for a specific distance, try a 6-iron or even a 5-iron for a similar carry in cold conditions.
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Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated is important when playing golf in cold weather. While it may not feel like it, you can still get dehydrated when playing golf in the winter. It is important to drink plenty of water and consider bringing a warm beverage in a thermos to keep you extra cosy while you wait for your friends to finish the hole. A flask of tea or coffee is a great way to keep your body temperature up and prevent dehydration.
Walking the course is a great way to stay warm and get your steps in for the day. It is an easy way to keep your body temperature up between shots, and it is more comfortable than taking a cart on a cold day. Walking also helps to keep your muscles loose and warm, reducing the risk of injury and discomfort. It is important to spend extra time warming up before your round to maintain flexibility.
Golf is a great way to get some exercise and fresh air during the colder months, but it is important to take the necessary precautions to stay safe and comfortable. Staying hydrated is an important part of this, as it can be easy to forget to drink enough water when it is cold.
In addition to staying hydrated, it is important to dress in layers to stay warm. A good base layer should be moisture-wicking, followed by an insulating layer, and a waterproof and windproof outer layer if it is snowy or rainy. A vest or hoodie is a great option for the middle layer as it keeps your body warm without restricting your swing.
It is also a good idea to pack some extra items in your golf bag, such as an extra towel to keep your clubs and hands dry, and some golf gloves or mittens to keep your hands warm between shots.
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Frequently asked questions
Wear multiple layers of clothing to stay warm, but also ensure that you can swing your golf club with ease. You can start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add an insulating layer, and top it off with a waterproof and windproof outer layer. Avoid cotton as it allows cold wind to travel through the clothing. Wear a beanie or a woollen ski cap to prevent heat loss from your head.
Pack an extra towel to keep your clubs and hands dry. Include a pair of golf gloves to maintain your grip on the golf club. You can also carry mittens or hand warmers to keep your hands warm between shots.
Spend extra time warming up before your round to maintain flexibility and prevent injury and discomfort. Remember that the ball will not travel as far during the winter, so adjust your club selection and use a golf tee to add a few extra yards to your shot.
