Don't Let the Cold Ruin Your Round

Colder conditions can make a round of golf significantly harder, but proper preparation will ensure it's not ruined altogether!

Take a look at some handy kit for playing in the winter, as well as some general advice for cold-weather golfing.

Don't let the cold ruin your round

Golf, it is often said, is a good walk spoiled. While that may sometimes seem like the case, most golfers have spent many an enjoyable (if occasionally frustrating) hour striding around a course. Unfortunately, as with most outdoor pursuits, the thing which is actually most likely to spoil a good round - or a good walk - is inclement weather conditions.

There are of course a great many fair-weather golf enthusiasts - in the most literal sense of the term. But for the rest of us, it’s simply not an option to forgo a round because of the cold or the wet. Whether that’s because you don’t want to waste your membership fees, or because of the ongoing quest for perfection which renders 6 months spent going rusty out of the question. It may even be that you enjoy the company of those who you spend your weekends traipsing around the fairways (and likely beyond) with.

Whatever your reasoning, we fully support going for a round in less than perfect conditions - particularly in the UK where only playing in the warm could limit you to just a handful of front nines per year. Be safe out there, though; cold muscles and joints can lead to injury, or worse - bogeys.

Alfred Wainwright once said “There’s no such thing as bad weather; only unsuitable clothing.” A simple shift in mindset will mean you never play in bad conditions again - as long as your wardrobe contains the right gear for any eventuality.

ADIDAS GOLF SPORT PERFORMANCE RECYCLED CONTENT COLD.RDY BASELAYER

Layering is key when it comes to staying warm yet mobile on the golf course; this baselayer is thin and lightweight enough to be comfortable, with COLD.RDY design ensuring you stay warm and dry. A high neck maximises coverage and reduces exposure to the elements.

UNDER ARMOUR MENS HALFTIME CUFF BEANIE

Simple, stylish, warm. Myths about percentage of body-heat lost through the head aside, it can’t hurt to keep this often-exposed part of your anatomy covered during cooler rounds, particularly for those of us not blessed with, or not currently sporting, a thick head of hair to help with the job. 3 colours available for this product, all currently* reduced. *at time of writing

FOOTJOY MENS STASOF WINTER GOLF GLOVES PAIR

The combination of leather and fleece ensures an unrivalled level of warmth, grip, and durability without compromising on flexibility or feel. No more stiff, numb fingers and no need for the rest of your party to duck and cover as your wedge leaves your hands. Adjustable Velcro fastening ensures a perfect fit.

PROQUIP GOLF TEMPEST MENS WATERPROOF JACKET

It makes sense to invest in a decent waterproof jacket for the inevitable showers you will encounter should you play a round in the UK during our rainy season of January-December. “Silent-Swing” technology minimises noise and therefore distractions during your swing and this lightweight, breathable design is available in a wide range of colours and sizes all offering excellent value for money.

The above is a very small selection of what’s available in our online store; we’ve not even touched on socks or waterproof trousers, not to mention the array of similar alternatives to all of our featured products. There is something to fit all requirements, tastes, and budgets so be sure to have a good look. Beyond buying new gear, the age-old advice for playing in the cold still applies. Keep your ball as warm as possible for a few extra yards (put it in your pocket when not in use), use a coloured ball to contrast the grey skies and frosty fairways, and consider forgoing a buggy to stay warm, both through movement and by reducing the windchill factor!