How to enjoy Golf during Winter
How to enjoy Golf during Winter is a short golf blog post outlining the best ways to stay warm and have fun on the golf course during winter.
I am the first to admit, I don’t care for the winter much. The weather is usually cold & wet and there can also be a bit of a nip in the air. Having cold hands, back or feet (or a combination of all of them) is not a nice feeling to have.
Having said that, if you can stay warm when it is cold outside, then a round of golf can be quite exhilarating.
I have highlighted below, my suggestions on keeping warm so that you can still enjoy your golf during the winter months.
Warm-Up Exercises
When I talk about warm-up exercises, I don’t just mean before the round. Warm-up exercises can be done whilst waiting for the group in front to clear. These can include light jogging on the spot. Rotating your arms. knee to chest stretches or jumping jacks to name but a few. Even continuous practice swings will keep the body moving and help to warm you up.
If you are unsure, ask your local PGA Professional or the staff at your local Gym. You may even want to use YouTube.
Extra Clothing
A pair of Long johns or a good set of base layers will really help on the cold days. You may want to wear your waterproofs even though it is not raining. They still create an extra shield from the harsh, cold wind.
A snood or a light scarf, even a roll neck shirt will help keep your neck warm.
You should also wear a beanie or a woolly hat because 10% of body heat loss is through the head and ears.
An extra pair of socks or just a pair of thick Merino Woolen socks will help keep your feet warm.
Wear a good pair of waterproof shoes too. There is nothing worse than cold, wet feet on the course.
When out in the cold, don’t forget your hands. The hands are essential for golfing. Make sure that you keep them warm by wearing winter mittens between shots. It might be a hassle at first but, trust me, you will be thanking me later on.
Food & Drink
This is the area that is often forgotten by golfers. It is important to eat the right things before you go golfing. A good bowl of hot porridge will keep the body warm for hours. Oats are great at warming you up. Red meats, Butternut Squash and Sweet Potatoes, Ginger and Brown Rice are also some of the leading foods that increase your body temperature.
Taking the correct food and drink with you on the course is a huge step to keeping warm during your winter rounds. It can be as simple as a flask of tea or coffee. A good vegetable soup is the best thing to take with you in a flask. Also, snacks can be really good at raising your body temperature such as peanuts or pieces of fresh ginger.
Extra Tips
Another great idea to take with you on the golf course are pocket warmers. You can buy these from most Pro-shops and outdoor shops. They look like tea bags that you have to shake up to get them heated. These will last between 6-8 hours.
Keeping your balls warm is very important! No… that is not what I mean. I meant, keep your golf balls warm. A warm golf ball flies further than a cold ball, That is a scientific fact that is noticeable on the course.
Take an extra club. The air is cold and that affects the ball flight. It is never a bad idea to take one more club.
Enjoy yourself. Don’t take winter golf seriously. Everybody needs a few extra shots in winter. Remember that It is more about exercise and being sociable that’s important.
What do you think about my suggestions?
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