wearing layers in golf

Fall Golf – Are You Still Playing?

/ The Grateful Golfer / 2 Comments

As the cooler temperatures approach at a not so glacial pace, I already dusted off my outer layers so I that was prepared for all weather contingencies. It is something I normally do around the first week in September. This year, my prep started about three weeks later than abnormally warm temperatures in September this year. As an example, the first three weeks in September hovered around 22° C (72° F), however now, the temperature is only reaching a high of 13 degrees Celsius (56 degrees F), which is a bit cool if I do not have the right number of layers on. Playing fall golf can be fun only if we are wearing the proper attire.

I realize that this article is a bit late for playing golf in my region, however four hours south of my location will benefit from my past experiences. Yesterday’s article mention that I am losing interest in playing golf moving forward, however the information is still valid.

After digging out my warmer layers (an absolute must), I also dig out gloves, toques, long underwear, etc. for those very cool mornings. I am sure some of your readers do not really worry about these cold at this moment, but you might in the future. The trick to preparing is ensuring the proper layer is ready for the proper temperatures.

One of the aspects that I overlooked in the past was keeping dry in the cool weather. At this time of year, the ground is soaked with dew in the morning. I takes until noon to dry out (if we are lucky) and because of this getting wet is definitely going to happen. It does not seem like much, but my feet, hands and pockets have a tendency to dampen as the round continues. To alleviate this annoyance, I carry an extra towel (usually a smaller one) for wiping my ball and hands. I find that using this extra towel definitely helps keep my drier.

Lastly, I always bring my shoes in the house to dry. The temperatures are so cool at night that if my shoes are wet from previous rounds they never dry. Hence, I have three pairs I rotate through the mix to at least start with dry feet. I can get away with two pairs if I am not playing everyday (which I generally do not in the fall).

Playing golf in the fall is all about keeping warm and dry. A little forethought on our part will help decide on what attire we need to be wearing and or carrying. It is not a difficult thing to envision, but does take a bit of time. For now, I am not really interested in playing, however if a warm dry day happens to show up….who knows, I might hit the links one last time in 2023.

Hitting A Cold Golf Ball

/ The Grateful Golfer / 5 Comments

Hitting a cold golf ball is never fun. The vibrations continuously reverberate up the shaft of the club into our hands, wrists and elbows. After 60 or so swings, my joints become annoyed and they want a rest. Of course, this does not stop me from going out the next day in the cool temperatures, but it is something I am aware of and try to prevent. My efforts to reduce the impact of these vibrations are the main reason I rarely injure myself in the fall.

Continue reading →

There are Weather Limits to Golf

/ The Grateful Golfer / 3 Comments

As a golfer in northern climes, I think of myself as tough player who is willing to battle the elements at any time. I cannot think of any instance or weather pattern that I have avoided at one time or another. Of course as wet and below zero temperatures arrive, even I have limitations. However, looking at some of the Twitter feeds, I am not sure everyone got the memo! Continue reading →

Golfing In Cold Weather

/ The Grateful Golfer / 7 Comments

fall GolfGolfing in cold weather is a challenge for many of us living north of the 49th parallel. Our golfing season can last up to 8 months, but during 3 of those months, we had better be ready for turbulent weather. Excluding rain, cold weather is the greatest challenge for avid golfers in the north. It is not unusual to play golf in single digit (Celsius) conditions early and late in the northern golfing season.

Many players will shrug and say to dress in layers and lets hit the links. Well, that is the simple solution and works most of the time. However, dressing in layers is not as simple as one may think. Generally, I recommend three layers. A dry-fit long-sleeved turtleneck, a cotton golf shirt, and a gortex-type wind breaker for outer wear. I recommend single layer wind pants. As a player starts to walk the course, they will warm up. The trick to playing in cold weather is not to sweat, but stay warm enough to swing the club comfortably. Layers focuses on keeping most of your body warm, but for those who have played in cold weather, they know this is only a partial solution.

Here are some other things to consider when playing in cold weather.

  • A toque is a must. It will keep your head warm and as most of us cold weather dwellers know, your head is where you lose a large portion of your warmth.
  • Gloves are a benefit. Personally, I wear mittens in between shots. There are gloves a player can wear all the time, but I have never been able to comfortably swing a club wearing gloves. This is where mitts are a must for me!
  • Keeping hydrated is critical. Most players forget this important point. During cold weather, dehydration is a very distinct possibility. People forget to drink water and find they lack energy during the last 3 holes.
  • Choosing the correct golf ball! Balls with lower compression work better in the cooler temperatures. Higher compression golf balls feel like rocks. Lower compression balls with travel farther and not hurt your hands as your round progresses.
  • Lastly, avoid getting wet. This is an obvious statement, however being wet is not your friend. Whether a player gets wet through sweating too much, walking over dew covered grass, trudging through the snow or digging your ball out of a water hazard, the affect is the same. If you are wet, you get cold. I would recommend carrying an extra pair of socks and mittens just in case.

Playing golf in the cold poses a unique set of challenges. Keeping warm and dry is very important to enjoying a round of golf. Planning your attire, before the round, will help make sure your are comfortable and ready to shoot a low score.

Do you have any suggestions to having fun on the links in cold weather ?

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