As the cold weather approaches golf can be a lot less appealing. There’s no doubt it is nicer to play in warm weather but we can do a number of things to help make winter golf more enjoyable.
1.The Right Clothing
This is probably the most important one. Make sure you wear the right clothing. From base layers, thermal leggings, lined sweaters, lined trousers, good rainwear to the humble woolly hat, if you don’t have the right gear on it’s not going to be pleasant. Also,waterproof footwear is a must.
2.Warm Hands
It’s imperative to keep your hands warm. I suffer with cold hands and it’s not good for golf. Wear mitts and attach them to your trolley so you can put your hands straight in as you push.
Wear two gloves. Winter gloves have improved considerably in recent years, I use a pair of Mizuno winter gloves and find I still have good feel.
Carry some hand warmers in your pocket.
3.Warm Golf Balls
Cold golf balls don't fly as far as warm golf balls. Keep them in your pocket until needed. Use each ball on alternate holes, keeping the other in your pocket to keep them as warm as possible
4.Adjust Your Strategy & Expectation for Winter
Just because it says par 4 on the card and you easily hit the green in 2 in summer does not mean you should expect the same in winter. If you are not going to make it in 2 consider mentally adjusting it to a par 5. Play it as a 3 shotter with a strategy that leaves you a preferred lay up distance to the hole. This allows you to swing within yourself and maybe use a couple of mid irons to get in position.
5.Change to Metal Spikes
If your club allows it, change your soft spikes to the original metal spikes for the winter, or, at least make sure your shoes remain clear of grass. This gives much more stability mid swing but also will help to prevent injuries from slipping and falling. These type of mis-haps are all too common through the winter months.
6.Play the "Gimme2PuttRule"
If the winter greens are not the best, for non-competition rounds adopt the "Gimme2PuttRule". The rule allows you the option to pick up and 'take two putts' if your ball is anywhere on the putting surface. If you choose not to pick up then you must hole out. It's also a great way to speed up play when we don`t have as much light to play with.
7.Make the Most of Empty Courses
Get out there and you will most likely have the course to yourself. Play as fast as you like. Experiment with different strategies. Remember there are huge physical and social benefits to playing golf. Enjoy yourself and have a great golfing winter.
8. Use High Visibilty Golf Balls
· Sometimes it’s hard to see your golf ball this time of the year. Using a high visibility golf ball is proven to be must easier to see over longer distances. The good news is that a lot of the companies such as TaylorMade, Srixon and Titleist make premium quality golf balls in brighter colours.
9. Keep Practicing & Playing
Whether it’s getting to the range once a week or using an indoor facility such as the one here at Ballina Golf Club, there are ways to keep your game ticking over.
Enter the competitions at your local club, such as the Winter League. Often, we find the weather is not that bad when we get out there.
If you have any specific questions regarding this article or any other golf swing issues you can email me on info@eddietraceygolf.com and I will endeavour to answer them.