There's something about the crisp air and quiet courses that makes golfing in the off-season so appealing. But let's be honest, playing golf when it's hovering around freezing can be a real challenge. I recently found myself facing just that – a round of golf with temperatures predicted to be in the 30s and 40s. I wanted to share what I learned so you can enjoy your next cold-weather round.
When I saw the forecast, my first thought was, "How am I going to do this?" I knew I needed to prepare differently than for a sunny summer day. The biggest concerns were staying warm enough to maintain my swing and keeping my hands from freezing. I started brainstorming solutions and gathering ideas.
I tried a few different things, and here’s what I discovered worked best for me:
Keeping your extremities warm is crucial. I found that a good winter hat made a world of difference. I layered a baseball cap underneath for extra protection. I recently purchased a FS New Fashion Beanie Cap and it was fantastic. It's thick and warm, perfect for keeping my head protected from the cold wind.
I also found that wearing rain gloves, even if it wasn't raining, helped to keep my hands warm and provide a good grip. Experiment with different gloves to find what works best for you. You could try work gloves with thin rubber palms for a better grip.
It might seem counterintuitive, but staying hydrated is just as important in cold weather as it is in the summer. I made sure to drink plenty of water throughout my round. And even though it was chilly, the sun was still out, so I applied sunscreen to protect my skin. Don't forget about suncream!
Like anything, golfing in cold weather has its ups and downs. Here’s my take:
Here’s a summary of my top tips for playing golf in 30-40 degree weather: