Highland LinksDon’t Let The Cold Weather Affect Your Game
It’s hard to stay focused swinging a club when you’re constantly fighting off the cold. Golf is a game of that requires your full concentration, so any variable that may cause a distraction, like the wind or cold, can lead to errant golf shots.
Another factor is that cold air is heavier than warm air. This creates more resistance to the flight of the ball than in warmer weather. Colder, heavier air naturally encourages golfers to swing harder, which in turn creates more bad swings.
Heavy or ill-fitting clothing, while designed to keep you warm, is often restrictive to the golf swing as well.
Whatever the reason may be, there are several things you can do to to reverse the trend of scores going up in the cold weather months.
Extend Your Warm-up & Stretch
It is important to stretch before playing golf anytime of the year; however in the winter months it is absolutely necessary. Spend a few extra minutes getting loose and generating blood flow to your muscles. An easy stretch to get prepared for the round is to put a golf club behind your back and between your arms, bend from the waist slightly and slowly rotate your shoulders as if you are making a backswing and a forward swing. This is a great way to get loose prior to the first tee shot.
Walk the Course
Walking helps you stay warm by increasing your cardiovascular effort. It also eliminates the chill you get riding in the golf cart. Walking the course will get your blood flowing, keep your muscles loose, and lead to better swings throughout the day.
Take More Club
The ball doesn’t travel as far in the cold. Period. If a 150 yard shot calls for an 7-iron in June, you may need to consider hitting a 6-iron in February. Rather than getting frustrated because you’re coming up short on shots, it’s best to swallow your pride and take one more club than you would in ideal weather conditions. As a result, your scores will be better and you’ll stay mentally engaged for more of the round.
Dress Appropriately
Your cold weather gear will have significant impact on your swing or stroke. Avoid wearing tight fitting, heavy outerwear. This will hamper your ability to create the proper motion and not allow your body and arms to swing freely. Your parka might keep you nice and toasty, but it will ruin your golf swing. When heading to the course on those chilly mornings, dress in several loose fitting layers that you can shed as the sun starts to come out.
Keep Your Hands Warm
Perhaps the single, most important tip for cold weather golf. Your hands are your only link to the club, and you need feel to play good golf. If your hands are frozen, you lose all your feel and your game will suffer, especially around the greens. Get yourself a nice pair of cold weather golf gloves and/or some hand warmers for your pockets. You’ll feel much more confident over a shot that requires a soft touch if your hands are nice and warm.
Take a Thermos With You
For added enjoyment, take along some hot chocolate, coffee, or tea in a thermos to take the chill off.
Video
Cold Weather Golfing Tips is a short video you will find informative on this topic.
Cold-weather golf doesn’t have to be a struggle. If you’re planning to play before the weather warms up, take a few moments to consider these tips. They could help you save a few strokes around the course as well as make your round much more enjoyable.
Get out and PLAY!
"The ardent golfer would play Mount Everest if somebody put a flagstick on top." -Pete Dye
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Jim Knowles
Golf Course Manager