It is official. Yesterday, I played my first full round of golf in 2026. It was a round of the goods, bads and the uglies! Osprey Links was dry and very playable. The temperatures hovered around 7° C (45° F) and there was a slight wind making it even colder. Overall, the conditions were expected and the results of my round were also expected. I did not play very well, but for the first round of the year there definitely were some positive areas with which I am grateful. Everything that happened yesterday is nothing new and therefore I am not disappointed with the overall results. I thought I would share a few successful areas that other golfers could use when playing for the first time in cold weather.

Although the picture on the left was from a few years ago, it hits my first point about dressing in layers. I had on three layers of warm clothes, plus I brought two other layers (as shell and warm pull over) just in case the weather was colder than expected. Additionally, I used my clic gear mittens that attach to my push cart to keep my hands warm. That was essential as if my hands get too cold, I am unable to hit the ball with any consistency.

Second, I used my Wilson 50 golf ball. This 50 compression ball is perfect for the cold weather. I did experiment with other balls, but the Wilson is my preference in the spring and fall. The ball was very cold and as such, using a higher compression ball is a challenge as I would not get the same performance as a lower compression ball. If you have not tried a lower compression ball in the cold, I suggest you give it a try, you might be surprised on the results.

Lower your expectations for your first couple of rounds of golf at the start of the season. Yesterday, I hit some good shots with all my clubs except the scoring ones. My wedges and putter were completely non-existent. I hacked and stubbed my way around the course regardless of my lie. Additionally, I found that my short game was so rusty that I wondered if I was going to find it later in the year. Of course I am being dramatic, but my chipping and putting was very bad. On a positive note, I have nowhere to go but up!

Lastly, I stayed hydrated. This might seem like a silly topic, however even in the cold when you walk 18 holes, hydration is important. I carried water around for found that takings a few sips every couple holes or so really helped keep my strength up for the last part of my round. Hydration is often overlooked my many golfers as beer and coffee do not provide the necessary hydration needed to stay strong throughout my round. I wrote about this previously and I think you should review this important issue: https://thegratefulgolfer.com/2023/06/01/golf-psa-stay-hydrated-on-the-golf-course-2/

Well, my 2026 season has started. My first round was with my friend Blair and as we looped Osprey Links, it was where we picked up from last year. Overall, I had a fantastic time and I am grateful to be hitting the links agian.

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!