Tips for staying on top of your golf game during winter |
Posted: December 16, 2014 |
The thought of playing a round of golf on a cold and windy winter’s day doesn’t fill many players with much excitement. But the mild temperatures and long evenings of summer are long gone, so the only options you’ve got is to wait for the weather to improve or embrace Mother Nature’s changing seasons. If you’re the impatient type and simply can’t resist getting out on the course, there are various ways to brave the elements and stay on top of your game during winter. Dress appropriately Not only does wearing a polo shirt and peaked cap during winter look a bit stupid, it won’t do your game any good either.So, from Under Armour base layers to Callaway sweaters and Nike golf trousers, make sure you dress appropriately for the conditions. While keeping your whole body warm is important, your hands require special attention, as they can get cold very quickly. Think about attaching mitts to your trolley or wearing gloves on both hands while playing. Always walk around the course It may well be tempting to seek shelter in a golf buggy, but this will allow your body and muscles to cool down. When it comes to taking a shot, your swing won’t be as smooth and your rhythm will be disrupted. In addition to playing a poor shot, you’ll be risking injury too, as cold muscles are more susceptible to damage. Therefore, try to keep moving and walk round the course in winter. You’ll no doubt warm up too. Adjust your strategy and expectations Seeing as the distances you can achieve with each club will be significantly less in cold winter weather, it is a good idea to adjust your strategy and expectations accordingly. Little ground run and soft greens may affect the way you play certain holes, so consider shorter drives in order to improve your approach and increase the chances of a successful putt. By being forced into using different clubs for holes you’re used to, your game may even get better. Warm and clean your ball It may sound a bit unbelievable, but cold golf balls don’t fly as far as warm ones. Hence, warming golf balls on a radiator before you leave the house or keeping them in your pocket until they’re needed isn’t as strange as it sounds. The R&A’s Winter Rules/Preferred Lies also enables you to lift and clean your ball during play. Even if the ball appears to be lying well, mud on the bottom will affect its flight, so make sure it is clean before taking your next shot. But don’t wipe it on the green, as this can be construed as “testing the surface.” Capitalise on the weather In winter, less people play golf and you’ll be given free reign of the course. But you can also capitalise on the weather with your game, as playing with the wind makes certain shots easier. Nike Golf trousers and certain other top Brands put a lot of emphasis on comfort, practically and style which can help your game, especially in poor weather conditions. There is no reason why you can’t enjoy golf in the wintertime. Just make sure you stay warm and adjust your style to the conditions.
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