Winter golf is really not a option where I live. As I am writing this article, it is minus 17° Celsius (1° F), 2 feet of snow on the ground, but really sunny. This is typical weather for this time of year, so winter golf is really not an option. However, I found this article that fits perfectly for the early spring and late fall. All the tips hit are spot on and I thought it was worth sharing if you find yourself playing golf in in wet, cool conditions.
The video provides the reasoning as to why each tip is beneficial. I like that part of the video the most because understanding why I am performing a specific golf shot is important to future successes. Now for the video:
Several of the tips can be used at anytime there are wet conditions, but I think you can figure out those times for yourself.
I will add a point of caution when using the driver technique hitting into the wind. Moving the forward does work for me a bit and I use that technique when needed. Dropping my right shoulder never works. I guess if I practiced it more then maybe I could offer a different bit of advice. I cannot because it goes against my view of changing my swing during a round. I try to avoid this particular aspect of course management as much as possible because of the low percentage of success. Changing my set up or swing technique just never works for me, but alas others have been successful. Therefore, my suggestion for the driver technique is go to the range first and find what works for your game.
Playing winter golf in the UK, Scotland, or Ireland equates to our spring and fall golf. Therefore, the tips offered in the video apply to most of Canada. I recommend you look at them with a critical eye in order to glean which will work best for your game.
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 
Jim, I haven’t touched a club since Nov 1st but Saturday is supposed to be sunny and 56F. Might be time to kick off the 2021 season!
Thanks,
Brian
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Brian,
I hope you have an awesome day hitting the links. Let me know how it goes 😁
Cheers Jim
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I agree that the video applies more to spring and fall golf here in the great white north. I live in Southern Ontario and we have a few courses open all year as long as there is no snow covering. I have played seven rounds in December with conditions ranging from 1 to 7 degrees Celsius. Sometimes the ground is still frozen and the key is to be adaptable.
Dressing in layers and keeping warm is fundamental. Once you get used to the conditions, it can be a lot of fun. It is important to temper expectations given course conditions and the elements. I find winter golf exhilarating at this time of year and embrace the challenges.
I do disagree with the video on a couple points in particular. Chips in particular are more challenging and I find using the ground game much more predictable. Given extra layers of clothing, dialing back on the swing a bit works best for me and reduces slipping. Once you get used to playing in the conditions, you will be surprised at how well you can play. I would also suggest moving up 1 tee block from where you play in summer.
Winter golf for me is therapy at this time of year, especially this year. I find it hones my ability to scramble and results are relative to the conditions. We are snow covered at the moment and I haven’t played for a week. Looking forward to playing in a January thaw is something to look forward to.
Happy New Year.
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Lorne,
Great to hear from you! Yes, the challenges of winter (spring/fall) golf do improve our golf game. To be any kind of competitive player, it is important to learn how to maximize our game in all conditions. I hope you are staying safe; Happy New Year!
Cheers Jim
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Our right shoulder should already be lower. Calling it dropping the shoulder just confuses people. It’s really tilt your torso slightly right. I like my way better. I refer of course to where I train my eyes which is on the spot where I want the club to bottom out. If I want to hit higher or lower, I just train my eyes accordingly farther from or closer to the ball and set up to that point. My club will bottom out there and I hit the ball on the way up or down depending on the club and my needs. That is as long as I do everything else right of course. But I don’t have to do anything consciously different in the swing is the important part.
Almost holed out another one today from about 130. The ball stopped 4 feet from the hole but I found the divot 3 inches behind the hole. Since the holes are still raised here I couldn’t have missed landing on it’s back edge my more than a fraction of an inch. And not to rub it in or anything, but it was 81 degrees out with a really nice cool breeze coming in out of the northeast. Now that’s my idea of winter golf. 😎
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Kevin,
I think you are just bragging about your beautiful weather….haha! I love watching the shots that go in or almost do from the fairway. I adds a sense of excitement to the game whether it is my ball or my playing partners. Stay safe and Happy New Year!
Cheers Jim
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Bragging? Yep. Absolutely. lol
BTW, I saw some winter golf on youtube today.
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Jim:
I feel your pain. You need to move to Canada’s “South Coast”. How far up north are you?
Alex
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Alex,
I live in North Bay. We have about 2.5 feet of snow on the ground and it is snowing even more as I respond to your comment. The South Coast of Canada….nice, never heard that one before. Stay safe and Happy New Year!
Cheers Jim
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