A GUIDE TO SURVIVE WINTER GOLF. WINTER GOLF IS NOT FOR SISSIES. BUT, WITH KNOWLEDGE AND PREPAREDNESS, IT CAN BE AN ENJOYABLE AND MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE FOR ALL WHO DARE BRAVE THE ELEMENTS
For most people, golf is just a game or a hobby. An opportunity to get away from work for an afternoon or a social gathering on a Saturday morning. To these people, golf is a diversion, nothing more, nothing less.
But for others, the thought of not being able to golf for months or even weeks is almost unbearable. When they can’t be on the course, they are working on their game in their home, office or hotel room. Their clubs are always in the trunk of their car just in case an opportunity arises. Wind, rain or even snow cannot stop these players from stepping onto the course and braving the elements to get their golf fix.
Below are 8 tips to help you get the most enjoyment throughout the winter golf season.
1. BE PREPARED
As the old boy scout motto suggests, be prepared for any and everything that you might run into on a golf course. Winter can bring unexpected changes that are quite unpleasant if not prepared. A potential downpour without an umbrella. Being stuck in sleet with nothing more than a polo and slacks. Mud covering your ball, clubs, shoes and pants. If you don’t come prepared, the weather will defeat you and hand you a miserable experience.
Hands
The biggest rule of winter golf is to dress appropriately to stay warm. When hitting a golf ball, nothing is more miserable than not having feeling in your fingers or hands during a typical golf swing. A great tip is to use hand warmers whenever possible. When not hitting, have winter gloves handy to keep your hands and fingers plenty warm. Placing hand warmers inside the gloves is a great way to keep them toasty.
Wet weather gloves are also a must-buy when playing in the rain. These will keep your grip solid no matter how wet it gets outside. In fact, the wetter these glove get, the firmer they grip, helping you to keep a hold of your clubs throughout the round. These gloves can be purchased at any online retailer.
Feet
Having cold, wet feet is a miserable feeling, especially on the course. Consider bringing multiple pairs of thick socks to change into. If the weather is cold but not wet, consider wearing two pairs at once.
Waterproof golf shoes are always recommended in winter weather as well.
Bring lots of layers but don't wear too much
I have played with too many golfers who attempt to play a round in a huge, monstrous winter coat. This poor decision takes away the ability to swing the club freely and with power. The key to staying warm is dressing in layers of tight (but comfortable) clothes. A base layer is essential; both top and bottoms, in keeping your core temperature up and will help you dispel the sweat so you don’t freeze when your body temperature drops. Still cold? Put on another layer. Too many layers will hamper your swing so stick to what makes you comfortable and warm.
Extras
Don’t forget to be prepared for various conditions. An umbrella to cover your clubs and your body is a must in rainy/wet conditions. Extra towels to clean off clubs, shoes and balls is always a good idea as well.
2. KEEP THE GOLF BALL WARM
I’m sure you’ve all heard the old urban golf legend; a warm ball flies further than a cold one. Well, science has proven this to be fact! The rule of thumb is that for every ten degrees that the temperature drops, a golf ball will carry two yards shorter. One of the easiest ways to keep that golf ball warm is to keep one (or two) in your pocket at all times with a hand warmer. After each hole, switch to a warm one. You’ll be surprised how big a difference this makes.
3. PLAY MORE CLUB
In Winter weather; cold, rain or wind will affect the distance of a golf ball. Cold air is heavier and won’t allow the ball to travel as far. Rain can beat on the ball and lessen it’s flight. Heavy head wind? Good luck getting it to the hole.
One of the biggest improvements that you can make for your winter golf game is to check your ego at the door. Too many players try and out tough the weather by using a summer time club but swinging twice as hard. This forces too many fat shots and does not allow you to play your style of golf.
For irons and wedges, it is generally expected that you will lose 5-10 yards. For woods and driver, expect a 10-20 yard drop. If you have an adjustable driver, it is recommended to put the loft up or slide a weight back to increase the launch angle. If you don’t have an adjustable driver, tee it up slightly higher and swing more on the up. This will allow you to gain more distance on softer fairways that don’t allow for much of a roll out.
4. WALK THE COURSE
To play in the winter it is vital to stay warm. Ditching the golf cart will allow you to stay circulated and looser than sitting in a moving cart. Keeping your blood constantly flowing warms all your extremities and allows you to focus on each shot, not on your frozen face, neck, feet and fingers.
5. SPEND MORE TIME WARMING UP
I am as guilty as anyone of arriving minutes before my tee time, racing to grab a cart and sprinting to the tee box to take my first swing. This rush is never recommended before a round, but even more so during the winter season.
Your body and swing need time to get loose, warm and fluid. If possible, stretch and do light exercises to get a light sweat before arriving at the course. Once at the course, take time at the range and the practice green to slowly warm up your body and practice swinging with your winter gear on. It is always recommended to start with your wedges first and work your way up to the big stick.
6. UNDERSTAND WINTER GOLF RULES
Golf rules in the winter are much different than in the summer. The wet and sloppy conditions of winter allow for certain rules to make it easier for golfers.
Preferred Lies
Preferred lies, aka golf winter rules, allows you to lift, clean and place your ball. Winter conditions can make a mess of your ball, take advantage of this rule.
Make sure that you know the specifics to this rule if you are playing in any tournament or competition. Usually, after you clean the ball, you can move it within six inches, no closer to the hole and not moving it from the rough to the fairway. Or moving the ball from the fringe to the green.
Some events will allow you one full club length as long as it is no closer to the hole. Make sure to check with the event before teeing off to be familiar of their rules.
Casual Water
Certain courses will have a better drainage system than others. Those who don’t have any drainage will often encounter casual water on the course. If your ball lands in a puddle or your stance is affected by casual water; here is what you can do:
- Mark the ball with a tee and find the closest point of relief as long as it’s no closer to the hole
- Once you establish the point, drop the ball
- Then, you can go through the process of lifting, cleaning and placing your ball
Embedded Ball Rule
The embedded ball rule is not specific to just winter rules but can occur any time of the year. When conditions are wet, a ball is more likely to plug into the turf making it difficult or impossible to play. If this happens, you are entitled to free relief unless the ball is in a hazard.
If embedded, clean the ball and take relief one club length no closer to the hole.
7. ROAD TRIP
Utah golf courses are beautiful and diverse. From mountain ranges to red rock desert, the state offers a different environment for every type of golfer. Northern Utah winters can be brutal, with the majority of golf courses closing their tracks from December until March.
What is a diehard golfer supposed to do during this time of year? Head down south, of course. St. George, Utah is only 4 ½ hours south of Salt Lake City. The average temperature in January? A sunny 55 degrees (which is actually the ideal golfing weather if you ask me).
13 Golf courses surround the St. George area including the nearby towns of Washington and Hurricane. Not only is the weather perfect for winter golf but these are some of the most beautiful courses in the world, let alone the state.
8. CHANGE YOUR EXPECTATIONS - HAVE FUN
Winter golf is difficult. The ball doesn’t go as far, your swing is encumbered by winter clothes and the course conditions are less than ideal. DON’T GET FRUSTRATED!
This is a great time of year to focus on the mental aspects of golf. Be creative with your shots knowing that a shot that works in summer will not always be as effective in the winter time.
There’s no point getting frustrated with your scores or your driving distances in the winter. Make sure to factor in that the ball will not fly or roll as far, greens will be in poor shape and your body will not as flexible and capable of maintaining that smooth swing.
Don’t try and play the course the same way you would in the summer. You’ll need to plot a new plan and try different shots. Be creative. Take this time to try new shots.
Winter golf is a great time to work on your game and to have fun with it. Don’t get frustrated because you triple bogey the #17 handicap hole on the course. Enjoy playing the greatest game on earth in less than ideal conditions. If you use these 8 tips, winter golf can be an enjoyable time of year to prepare you for the upcoming season.