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what to golf in when it's cold

by Amina Kiehn Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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What To Wear Golfing In Cold Weather?

  • Thermal Base Layer. Personally I like to wear a thermal style base layer. They’re designed to keep you warm, comfortable and allow you to move.
  • Dry Second Layer. After you have a thermal base layer, you have plenty options to suit any golfer. ...
  • Water Proof Golf Shoes. Sounds pretty obvious I know, most golf shoes are waterproof. ...
  • Woolly Hat. Make sure you wear your woolly hat. You can pick some nice ones up pretty cheap that will keep you warm.
  • Wet Weather Glove. If you have ever played in the rain, you will know that holding the club can be a nightmare, especially if you have poor grips.
  • Winter Mitts. I don’t always wear winter mitts, but I always carry them in the golf bag. They are convenient when it’s bitterly cold. ...
  • Light Rain Gear. I nearly always wear my rain gear bottoms playing golf in winter? Well the ground is usually soft and mucky.

The key to winter golf is to wear layers and not big jackets or coats. Playing in a hoodie or big coat won't work. It's awkward and nearly impossible to swing a driver when you're wearing something big and loose fitting.

Full Answer

What is the best golf ball in cold weather?

Reviews of Our Top 12 Best Cold Weather Golf Ball

  1. Titleist Pro V1 Golf Balls. “The number one ball in golf,” the narrator has said many times on television during Titleist ads. ...
  2. Callaway Golf Supersoft. Because of its unique combination of distance, spin, and affordability, it has become the best cold weather golf ball and our editors choose this golf ball ...
  3. Callaway Golf Chrome Soft Golf Balls. ...

More items...

When is it too cold to golf?

Some golfers make a distinction between when it’s too cold to play golf and when it’s too cold to play well. Resolute players can be found on the green even if it’s below 45 degrees and raining, but the weather conditions can take a toll on your performance. First and foremost, consider your safety.

How cold is too cold to play golf?

The funny thing about cold weather is that 7 degrees on separate days could result in me golfing on one day and staying home drinking coffee another. There are no set rules, but for me I have some guidelines I follow when it is cold. First, it appears that most people do not put their clubs away at all.

How to practice golf in the Cold?

  • Long underwear/leggings – This is an absolute must in cold weather. ...
  • Thick socks – Although golf shoes are generally insulated pretty well, having thick socks is important on the course. ...
  • Long (and preferably thick) golf pants – Many golf pants are made for comfort, but on the same token, they are not meant for warmth. ...

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What to wear to play golf when it's cold?

BASE-LAYER Long sleeve or short sleeve base layers might include moisture-wicking thermal shirts or poly-pro golf shirts that are specifically designed to trap heat. Long underwear works great under long pants and there are various active brands on the market that are designed for comfort during activity.

How cold is too cold to golf?

There's almost no lower limit. I'd say about 30 degrees. But that's on a mild day. If there's wind or rain that number creeps higher very fast.

Can you golf in cold weather?

Winter golf is still golf, which means it can be great. It just requires a bit of savvy and some thoughtful preparation. Here are 7 keys to playing through the cold and ice and snow. If you really want to feel the wind-chill factor, hop onto a golf cart and whip around the course.

Is golfing in cold weather bad for clubs?

Can you store golf clubs in the cold? Even if you live in a region with cold weather, though lower temperatures aren't as damaging as heat, it can still cause grips to dry out and crack.

How do you stay warm in golf?

Your best 'playing in cold weather' golf tips | A Quick NineCarry hand warmers.Wear layers. ... Club up in the cold because the ball won't travel as far. ... Use a softer golf ball. ... Have a realistic goal and stick to it. ... Wear an extra pair of socks. ... Enjoy an adult beverage. ... Move someplace warm. ... More items...•

Can I microwave a golf ball?

0:421:55What Happens When You Microwave A Golf Balls - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd stuff but yeah it's very interesting though I'm really surprised about my microwave plate glueMoreAnd stuff but yeah it's very interesting though I'm really surprised about my microwave plate glue job it's still holding up.

How do people play golf in winter?

To stay warm in winter golf a good idea is to ditch the golf cart and switch to walking the course. You'll stay warmer and looser than freezing in the cart between shots. Plus, most courses are cart path only so walking should save you time instead of driving to your ball. Walking will make it easier to find your ball.

How do golfers keep warm in the winter?

When you wear extra layers on your legs, as well as a hat, heated gloves and thermal socks, you can keep upper body layers to a minimum. For me, a long sleeved base layer (i.e. Skins), followed by a polo t-shirt, followed by a loose-fitting sweater is ample even in freezing conditions.

Does a golf ball go farther in cold weather?

The Science behind Temperature Differences Cold air is denser than warm air and creates additional drag on the ball. More lift and drag makes the ball go higher and shorter. Tests show a loss of two yards of carry for every ten degrees below 75°. Not a significant loss unless you are playing in 40 degree weather.

Is golf harder in the winter?

There's no denying that winter golf can be tough. As the temperature dips, some things are inevitable when playing golf: the course becomes damp, you will need to wear umpteen layers of clothing and your hands will feel like ice blocks.

Can you play on a frozen golf course?

The reason the club should not allow play on greens that are covered with frost is that the turf will be damaged from walking on the frost. The ice crystals in the frost can puncture the leaves from foot pressure.

What is better for golf: wool or baseball?

A wool ski cap is preferred over a baseball cap (have to keep those ears warm and since heat escapes from the head, this type of headwear is preferable). On the hands winter gloves designed especially for golf or, at worse, rain gloves, will provide a slightly better grip and more warmth than a standard golf glove. Plus, they come in pairs.

Can you warm up golf balls?

Warming up golf balls beforehand is not prohibited, but there is a reason for that—it doesn’t work. Several years ago, Golf Laboratories performed a test that showed you could not get a ball warm enough to have any impact because the ball almost instantly adopts to the outside temperatures.

1. Layer up

Don’t wear a bulky coat out to the course. Instead, insulate your body heat with a series of layers. A vest is one of my favorite layering pieces as it keeps my body warm without restricting my swing. Hoodies are perfect for this, too.

2. Hoof it

I walk about 90 percent of the time I play, but in the winter it’s critical. Walking is an easy way to keep you warm between shots, plus you get your steps in for the day.

3. 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.

4. Pack a hat

Make sure to keep your head warm, too. Throw a knit cap in your bag and pull it out when the weather gets really bad. It’s about function over fashion during the winter.

5. Club up

The ball will not travel as far during the winter, so don’t be afraid to swallow your pride and club up. If you try to hit the same shots you’d hit during the middle of the summer, you’re in for a long day. Winter golf is a different game, and you should treat it as such.

6. 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.

7. Mix it up

Winter golf is a great opportunity to hone your shotmaking ability. The conditions will be tough, so your stock driving-range shots aren’t likely to be effective. Get creative with your shots as you battle the elements. Come spring, your game will be much more well-rounded.

How to dress in the cold

It may sound rather simplistic and intuitive trying to figure out what to wear in the cold to play golf.

What happens to your golf ball in cold weather?

Before I get started, here is a “ball flight effects” calculator that I made in Excel. It is based on Trackman data, so I’ve found it to be fairly accurate.

What happens to your body and the golf course in the cold

Beyond the ball flight effects calculator that you hopefully downloaded above, there are a few other factors that may not have been accounted for.

The shots you should probably avoid during a frigid round of golf

When playing golf in 35 degrees, there is a harsh reality (aside from the fact that it is 35 degrees!) that you must face:

Expectations

By now, it may be obvious to you that the scores will (on average) be higher in cold weather than in warm weather.

Conclusion

My intention with this post was to give you a unique viewpoint of playing golf in the cold. I’m sure that you’ve heard several of the strategies above previously, but I hope by reading this you’ve added a few new strategies to your winter golf game!

Why do you put a golf club up in the cold?

Club up in the cold because the ball won't travel as far. Your muscles are going to be tight. You're certainly not as loose as you are in warm, humid conditions. Your golf ball is experiencing the same characteristics. Take an extra club. If you hit 8-iron from 145 yards, hit a 7-iron instead.

What to bring to the links when it's cold?

Bring your umbrella and waterproof gear out to the links just to be safe. And if it's just cold and windy then you should bring your wind breakers. Long johns are sometimes necessary and your coffee, coco or tea. Sometimes when it's wet and soggy you should wear high top waterproof golf shoes.". -- Christopher Boland.

What does "hand warmer" mean in golf?

Also where gloves if driving cart. Helps keep hands warm." -- Paul Bouchie ( Editor's note: Just so you know, using a hand-warmer to warm your golf ball is a breach of the Rules of Golf. Decision 14-3/13.5 says that a ball purposely warmed during a round with an artificial device [in this case, a hand warmer] is a breach. You can, however, use the warmers for your hands according to decision 14-3/13 -- an artificial device used traditionally is accepted.)

Can you hit a golf ball in cold weather?

You may not hit the ball as far with a softer-covered golf ball, but you'll at least have a little more feel. Feel, by the way, is something you're never going to have much of playing in colder weather.

Can you use hand warmers on cold hands?

You can, however, use the warmers for your hands according to decision 14-3/13 -- an artificial device used traditionally is accepted.) "A very important part of your swing is your grip, and with cold hands it's hard to get a good grip, so I would have to go with hand warmers.". -- Bill Armstrong. 1.

How to get better at golf in the cold?

While golfing in the cold, take walks instead of rides if you have an alternative. You would be amazed how much good walking will do to you. Walking will help you respire better, loosen up your muscles and warm up your overall body system.

Why are gloves important in cold weather?

Gloves and covering for the hands are essential items of clothing during cold weathers. Wearing a glove helps to keep your hand warm and also support a firmer grip. Wet weather golf gloves are great for wet conditions, the wetter the better and the firmer the grips.

What is the mid layer of golf clothing?

They are generally designed to be soft breathable materials that provide a comfy fit for the golfer which invariably supports overall performance. In terms of breathability, the clothing material used should allow for easy movement of excess moisture and heat out of the body for evaporation. Examples of mid layer clothing include,

Do head warmers help with cold?

Just like other item of clothing that provide warmth, a head warmer will do you a lot of good in that stead. You can complement your outfit with a head warmer if you feel the cold is too much for you to bear. Face caps can also be used to prevent heat from escaping from you head but head warmers are more preferable in that they help to keep the ears and head warm.

Can you use sunglasses while golfing?

During cold seasons particularly in winter, you can use sunglasses to keep the sun’s rays from impairing your vision while golfing. A good sunglass should be able to block about 99% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays from entering your eyes directly.

Do you dry out your golf clothes after playing?

After use, do make sure to dry out your golf clothing and other apparel used during your session on the golf course. Irrespective of how the weather might appear, the cold weather might be one of the best times you would play on a golf course. Who knows…

Under Armour ColdGear base layer

I have had a white UA compression shirt for more than a decade and it is still as effective as when I first wore it. It's so tight that it can take a little effort to put on and take off, but it's so stretchy that it has no adverse effect on my swing.

Galvin Green Drake pullover

This Swedish brand is primarily known for its best-in-class rain gear, but I sing the praises of their Drake pullover ($129, 8 colors) to any shivering golfer who'll listen.

Galway Bay golf pants

This Michigan-based brand makes good rain jackets as well, but I'm most impressed by their pants, which they appropriately designate as "All-Weather" rather than just for rain. If temperatures are going to be below 50, I'll just wear them instead of a pair of golf khakis or chinos, especially if it's going to be breezy.

HotHands

Available in big-box, sporting goods stores and online for less than $10 per pack of 10 (five packs of two each), HotHands are air-activated and will stay as warm as 135 degrees for up to 10 hours, meaning you could even squeeze in 36 holes with one pair, especially since cold weather usually means fast rounds since it tends to chase golfers away.

FootJoy RainGrip Gloves

Even if it's not wet out, these are a must for any golfer, either as a backup when your main glove fails or to provide a bit of extra comfort if it's bone-chilling cold outside. Their utility in the rain needs no introduction - they're the best ($23).

Why do golf courses mow the greens?

This causes the speed of the greens to be slightly slower when putting. Most courses will have started the process of aerating the greens which will also slow down your putting speed.

Why won't my golf ball fly?

As mentioned above, your golf ball isn’t going to fly as far because of the compression of molecules as the weather gets colder. So to compensate, look into getting low compression golf balls. My choice is the Wilson Duo which has a very low compression rate of 29!

How many yards does 5mph of wind change golf ball distance?

We know that 5mph of wind causes a change in golf ball distance by about 5 yards. So wind is going across the hole, we need to adjust where we aim our shot.

Why is the golf course unplayable?

This usually means that the course is unplayable due to lightning in the area or excessive rain so you will need to head back to the pro shop. If you are playing a casual round, you can quit at any time and head back to the pro shop to receive a raincheck for the holes that you did not get to play.

Why does the ground come up faster in wet conditions?

Because of the wetness, the ground is going to come up faster than when it is dry. The most common fault that occurs in wet conditions are chunked (fat) golf shots because of a swing that is:

Can you put a golf ball on the green?

Most courses allow a Lift, Clean and Place rule if the conditions are very wet and your ball is “plugged.”This rule, however, is only allowed through the green. If your ball is on the green, you must first put a ball maker down and then repair the divot. To use the lift, clean and place rule:

Is driving in tailwind fun?

Driving in tailwind is always fun. If you can get the golf ball into the air, you can see substantial gains in your distance off the tee! Who wouldn’t want that? Before you hit though, determine how much landing room you have in the fairway and how many hazards are out on the hole. If there are few hazards or obstructions, follow these steps to get maximum distance!

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