We get it, winter is probably not your favourite time to get out onto the golf course. But don't let that stop you from playing during the colder months.
5 NOT SO OBVIOUS ESSENTIALS
for winter golf.
We get it, winter is probably not your favourite time to get out onto the golf course. But don't let that stop you from playing during the colder months.
We are lucky here in Australia that although the weather can get quite cold and wet, most of our golf courses are playable 12 months a year, unlike some areas in the US and Europe, where snow plays a major factor in the cold periods.
Everyone knows the basics when it comes to winter golf… your umbrella, rain jacket etc. But here are our top 5 essential items for winter golf that you may not think about, counting down from 5.
5. Towels
Towels are handy for various purposes, such as after a shower or when drying dishes. But they’re also convenient for golfers, too. Because of their unique purposes, golf towels can seriously enhance your gameplay, especially in winter.
A golf towel is used for cleaning and drying. A clean and dry golf club hits much better than a dirty wet one. Likewise, sweaty hands can ruin your grip and ultimately cause you to lose control of your shot.
4. Decent waterproof shoes with new spikes
Spikeless golf shoes are becoming more popular each year, and the grip on these shoes are also improving. But nothing beats a decent pair of golf shoes with spikes in wet weather on a slippery course. Proper golf spikes are important for several reasons. First, spikes provide traction and stability on the course, which is essential for maintaining balance and making accurate shots.
Without proper spikes, golfers may slip or loose their footing, which can lead to poor shots and even injury. Also, wearing proper golf spikes can improve a golfer’s overall comfort and performance on the course. With the right spikes, you can walk confidently and comfortably throughout your round, allowing you to focus on your game and make the most of your time on the course.
3. Rain pants
In the rain, normal golf pants just don’t do the trick. Not only will they stay wet after the rain has passed, but your legs will also become and stay extremely cold for your whole round. They may even weigh you down with the weight of the rain. To combat this, get yourself a high-quality set of rain pants to keep your lower half dry.
Golf rain pants are great because you can take them on and off as needed. When the rain stops, you can fold them up and put them in your golf bag. Or, if the course is very wet, they are a great way to keep your golf slacks in great condition.
2. Hand warmers
There’s nothing worse than a mis-hit shot just because of your frozen fingers. The rules of golf do allow a person to use a golf hand warmer during their round to keep their hands warm. It is considered a traditionally accepted use of equipment.
Disposable hand warmers last between five and eight hours. Basically, one pair should last a full round of golf. Simply shake the warmers and the oxidation process begins immediately, and you'll notice a gradual increase in the heat for about 20 minutes. However, you'll feel the warmth much sooner than that. You should put each pouch inside your pockets to keep your hands warm and dry, AND you can also slip some into your golf shoes on those extra cold days. .
1. Umbrella holder for your buggy
We all know to take an umbrella to the course with you if there’s any chance of rain. And sure, it’s easy enough to hold your umbrella, and simply put it down while you take each shot, and hope the wind doesn’t blow it to the next fairway. A simple umbrella holder that connects to your buggy can be an absolute hero. Not only does it give you shelter from the rain between your shots, it also covers your clubs and the majority of your bag during a downpour. And the drier you are on the course, the better you will perform.
At the end of the day, if you play golf in the rain, you need to not fight the elements, just embrace them. It’s raining. So stop trying to keep everything dry. The harder you try to keep yourself and your gear moisture-free, the more stress you’re going to add to your round and the less focused you’ll be on hitting shots and rolling putts. Hopefully, these 5 essentials will help you enjoy yourself on course, even in miserable conditions.