With the thermometer plunging below freezing in most parts of the country, golf season has come to a screeching halt. But maybe you are one of those brave souls for whom temperature is just a number. If you’re going to brave the elements then it is important to be prepared. Here are five tips to help you stay warm and have fun during your winter round.
Lower Your Expectations
The simple fact of the matter is, when the temperatures dip, your scores will rise and that’s fine. There is no reason to get frustrated on the course because your game is not what it was in the summer. Use this as an opportunity to practice a new pre-shot routine or something else you’ve wanted to tweak. These rounds should be all about having fun and enjoying the game you love. There will be plenty of time to lament your handicap when summer comes. For now, just focus on having a good time.
Photo cred: http://gpgolfreport.com/
Use a Softer Golf Ball
When it comes to the distance golf balls travel, the name of the game is compression and the colder it is, the harder it becomes. Moving to a softer ball than what you normally play will help make compressing the ball easier and allow you to squeeze a little extra distance out of every shot. Choosing a ball in a bright color like yellow or orange will also help you see it easier against a cloudy winter sky or in any snow that might be on the course.
Club Up
There’s not much more frustrating than watching every shot land 10 yards short of where you expect it to. No matter how much you warm up before your round, your muscles will be stiffer than normal in the winter. When coupled with the loss of compression from your golf ball, shots will travel less distance than you may be used to. Taking an extra club will help ensure you move around the course a little easier and have more fun.
Wear Layers
This is going to seem like a no-brainer, but this is advice that is always worth repeating. The varied topography of golf courses means that temperatures can vary drastically from one hole to another and layering can allow you to adjust as things change. You can always take a jacket off, but you can’t put one on if you don’t have it with you.
Ditch the Cart and Walk
If you are able to walk the course in the winter, then you should. The extra effort is going to be one of the best ways to get your blood flowing and keep yourself warm on those cold days. That blood flow will also help prevent stiffness from setting in which will keep your swing fluid throughout the round, thus leading to fewer injuries and better golf.
Photo cred: http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/images/2007/01/24/snow_golf_450x300.jpg
Without a doubt, weather plays a significant part in the ability to get out on the course. However, golf season can last just a little bit longer and winter golf can be a little bit more enjoyable if you follow these tips. Have any advice for those who want to brave the elements to squeeze in another round? Let us know in the comment section below and as always, head to LostGolfBalls.com for all of your golf ball needs.
