Winter Golf Tips

Do you golf 12 months of the year? Are you only a fair weather golfer, or do you head out and play in the rain too?

With the right gear and preparation there is no reason one cannot go out and enjoy a round of golf when mother nature is not in a good mood. In fact many times it can be one of the best times to go play 18 holes as many decide to stay indoors.

First off, invest in some good quality rain gear. There's a saying that you get what you pay for, and the saying couldn't be more true with rain gear for golfers. You want a jacket and pants that are 100% waterproof. Many of the higher end waterproof garments come with lifetime waterproof warranty, where as the more affordable, water resistant garments are either not gauranteed or it is for only a couple of years. Would you rather spend a few extra dollars that is gaurateed for life or every couple of years spend money on new rain gear because your old stuff leaks?

The rain gear should fit comfortably and allow you to swing the golf club freely. Enough room under the garment for you to be able to wear a sweater would be ideal as the rain gear is something that you would usually be wearing when the weather is cooler and gray. The same rules apply to rain pants - leave some room to be able to layer up underneath with your slacks and long underwear if necessary.

Toques, mittens and handwarmers are also good items to keep you and your hands warm, which is vital to be able to play golf in the cold. A good idea is to keep a couple of extra golf balls in your pockets or mittens with the handwarmers and rotate the balls every hole. A warm golf ball travels farther than a frozen one! Cold or frozen golf balls won't compress completely on impact.

Waterproof shoes are a necessity as well, and even if the shoes say they're waterproof some plastic grocery bags slipped inside will aid even more in your feet staying dry and therefore warm.

A good golf umbrella, golf bag cover and an extra towel hanging underneath your umbrella, ensuring it stays dry are the last things I recommend you take with you out on the golf course.

When you get out on the golf course I also suggest considering playing a set of tees forward from the ones you usually play, unless you want to practise on your US Open qualifying skills. In the Pacific Northwest the golf ball already doesn't travel very far, couple that with wet course conditions where no or very little roll is happening so do yourself and others on the golf course a favour and swallow your ego and play forward (at least a bit). Golf is hard enough as is.

This preparation will make your experience out on the links this winter season that much more enjoyable. I look forward to seeing you out there!