Astra’s tips to survive a game of golf in the cold
Golf is a great sport to play year round, but playing in the winter weather can present many challenges. Golfers who want to stay in shape during the cold months have to adjust their game accordingly. Here are some tips for playing golf in the winter weather.
1. Invest in high-quality outerwear
The amount of technology in golf clothing is amazing and outerwear these days is much lighter, more breathable and comfortable than previously.
It’s also stretchier and thinner, so it’s much easier to play golf in. You really get what you pay for when it comes to outerwear and waterproofs, and good ones last for a long time, so it’s worth spending decent money on the best golf waterproofs that will prove to be more than worth the outlay.
2. Change out your spikes
Wearing shoes with poor traction can increase your chances of injury because the winter ground is harder and usually slicker. Swap out your spikeless shoes for a shoe that has replaceable cleats. Be sure to change out your spikes, so you have a fresh pair before you play your first round of fall golf.
3. Change your golf balls
Most of us like one particular model of ball, but it’s well worth considering changing that preference to suit winter conditions.
You will likely benefit from a firmer distance golf ball that carries further through the air because you want optimum carry when the fairways and greens are soft. Those softer and colder conditions also mean you can afford the slight drop-off in softness, feel and spin around the greens.
4. Tee it forward
Don’t be afraid to move up a tee box (or two). Playing the same tee box that you would during the summer is only going to make things more difficult. If you want to make birdies during the winter, you’re going to need to play a shorter course.
5. Stretch, stretch, stretch
It is important to stretch before playing golf anytime of the year; however, in the winter months it is imperative. On the first tee or at the practice range, spend a few minutes doing some golf stretches. An easy stretch to do to improve your shoulder turn is to put a golf club behind your back and between arms, bend from the waist slightly and slowly rotate your shoulders level as if you are making a backswing and a forward swing. This will make that first tee-shot much more comfortable!
6. Leave the cart behind
If you can, walk the golf course. Walking will keep you warm not only by the exercise you get, but also will reduce the chill of riding in a golf cart.
7. Practice your short game
It can be easy to neglect your short game in the winter, but you should practice it at least as much for two very good reasons. Firstly, courses are playing longer and often tougher, so you’ll probably need it more often.
Secondly, you’ll be playing different kinds of short game shots from all sorts of lies and the ball will react differently on wetter and softer greens. Make sure you vary the lie when you practice and use the same model of ball you intend to use out on the course to make it more realistic.
8. Adjust your driver
Adjustable clubs are fantastic and heading into winter is the ideal time to take advantage of this versatility. Softer ground conditions mean you’re going to need more carry to achieve your optimal total distance.
You can get this by increasing loft to launch the ball higher and moving weight back to increase the spin - most of the best golf drivers will allow you to do this using a standard wrench tool.
You don’t want to go too far and start ballooning it, so it’s definitely worth consulting your coach or a PGA pro to find the best set-up for you in the winter.
9. Steady Tempo is Key
When swinging the golf club in cold weather, focus on maintaining a steady tempo throughout your swing and good balance. This will ensure that you are hitting solid shots that will fly farther and stay on line.
10. Warm your hands
Feel is a crucial part of golf, and it all starts in your hands, so you’ve got to keep them warm in the winter. Pack a pair of mittens to wear between shots or slip some hand warmers in your pockets. Whatever your preference, just remember to keep the blood flowing through your extremities.
