Golfing in the cold? No problem. Avoid common mistakes with pro tips for staying warm on chilly days.
Golfing in autumn and winter is different from summer. The ball doesn’t fly as usual in the cold, lined clothing can restrict your swing, and footing on soon-to-be frozen ground leaves much to be desired. Yet, despite the winter temperatures, no one has to skip their round. Proper preparation and gear are essential.
Warming Up Is Key
Ralf Schwarz, a PGA professional and coach in Bavaria’s frosty Allgäu region, emphasizes the importance of a thorough warm-up of at least ten minutes in cold weather. Without warming muscles properly, injury risk rises, particularly strains. Activating the cardiovascular system by jogging in place and moving your arms warms the body and extremities. Schwarz advises to keep moving continuously to stay warm.
Top Winter Golf Tips
- Choose a softer ball. It compensates for the ball’s hardening shell in cold weather, enhancing feel. Keeping the ball briefly in your pocket between shots helps maintain warmth.
- Opt for a longer club when in doubt. For example, use a 6-iron instead of a 7-iron as the ball flies shorter in cold temperatures.
- Layer up with multiple clothing layers rather than one thick or too few layers.
- Bring a warm drink such as sweetened tea or broth to stay energized on the course.
- Use hand warmers in your pockets to keep fingers warm; they typically last about two hours.
- Carry your golf bag instead of pushing the trolley to keep your circulation active and body warm.
- Manage expectations. Balls don’t travel as far when cold, so focus on trying new things rather than score highlights.
Proper Gear: Layering and Wind Protection
Don’t let cold deter you—wear a warm hat as much body heat escapes through your head. Use light, thermal functional clothing like ski underwear and layer a windproof jacket instead of a bulky winter coat to retain warmth without restricting your swing.
Don’t Forget Nutrition
Thick gloves reduce feel and enjoyment; instead, use specialized winter golf gloves made of leather or fleece. If fingers still get cold, hand warmers for pockets help greatly. Also, winter energy demands are higher. Many players don’t eat enough before or during winter rounds, making it hard to maintain strength and focus for four hours. Proper nutrition is vital.
Ultimately, don’t expect too much from your winter round. Cold stiffens muscles and reduces equipment performance, so a low score is unlikely. Understanding this allows you to enjoy golf especially during the colder months.