Most of the Game Throughout the Year at Golden Oaks Golf Course
With a gradual drop in temperatures and winter approaching, most golfers hang their clubs over their heads and lock up the safe until spring. However, here at Golden Oaks Golf Course in Berks County, Pennsylvania, we believe that it is all-year-round golf. Cold weather golf poses a unique and exciting challenge to players who will brave the elements. With proper preparation and attitude, you can definitely continue to enjoy your favorite game even when the mercury falls. In this post, we’ll share with you some really valuable cold weather golf tips that will help you make the most of winter rounds at Golden Oaks.
How Cold Weather Golf Differs from Warm Weather Play
Golfing in cold weather is different, mostly, from teeing off in a warm summer day. The crisp air stiffens up the ball flight, decreasing distance and changing how it interacts with the course. The cold temperature may be stiffening your muscles, thus affecting your swing. Courses can also be wet or, in some conditions, frozen, where different ways of strategy are required. After all, however, the rewards of cold-weather golf rank pretty high: peaceful rounds and new ways to hone your skills.
10 Cold Weather Golf Tips to Get You Through Winter Play
- Dress in layers
- Use hand warmers
- Move to a lower compression ball
- Be cognizant of your club selection
- Walk versus ride
- Keep grips dry
- Do proper warm-up before playing
- Stay hydrated
- Protect your equipment
- Be flexible with your expectations
Explanations Behind Cold Weather Golf Tips
Clothing and Layering
The most essential cold weather golf tip pertains to dressing for the weather. In order to say comfortable throughout your round, layering is vital. Start with a base layer that draws the sweat away from your skin. Add a middle layer such as a fleece or sweater that will retain warmth, and finish with an outer layer that resists the wind. And don’t forget about warm socks and a hat or beanie that help to trap body heat. Proper layering lets you make the adjustments you need throughout your round in cold-weather golf.
Hand Warmers
Cold hands can definitely kill your grip and swing. Keep a handful of hand warmers in your golf bag and turn them on between shots. If you have a pocket, pop them in there, or if you are riding throw them in your golf cart. Warm hands mean better control and more pleasant cold weather golf.
Switch to a Lower Compression Ball
Something else to consider in colder temperatures is that the golf ball does not compress as easily, resulting in shorter distances. Make sure to take a lower compression ball with you into your cold weather rounds. These are designed to perform better in cooler conditions to help you maintain distance both off of the tee and with your irons.
Club Selection Changes
The cold air, in conjunction with softer course conditions, will most likely have you clubbing up during winter rounds. A shot that you could hit with a 7-iron in normal conditions might warrant a 6-iron or even a 5-iron in cold weather golf. Pay attention to how your ball is responding and expect to make changes throughout your round.
Walking the Course
But while tempting, there are some big advantages of walking the course on your day of cold weather golf. You keep your body warm and loose between shots. The mobility allows you to stay into your game better and make proper assessments of the course conditions. Here at Golden Oaks, we encourage walking when conditions allow so you can get the full feel of cold weather golf.
Keeping Grips Dry
Wet grips cause slips and bad shots. Extra towels for keeping your grips dry during cold weather golf; rain gloves if it’s raining or snowing to give you a better grip on being wet. Dry grips are one of the keys to control and consistency in your swing.
Warming Up Properly
A good warm-up before cold weather golf is very important. Come to Golden Oaks early so you have time to stretch and make practice swings. The key is to get loose with your muscles and the blood moving in your body ahead of time before hitting your first shot. This will help prevent injury and set you up for a successful round of cold-weather golf.
Staying Hydrated
It’s easy to forget to hydrate when it’s cooler outside, but it’s just as important as during summer. Take a thermos of warm water or tea with you and sip it during your round. Proper hydration maintains energy levels and keeps you focused throughout the cold weather golf.
Protecting Your Equipment
Cold weather is brutal on your golf equipment. Store your clubs in a climate-controlled environment when they are not in use. You can also head covers on all of your club to assist with keeping it dry from moisture and sudden changes in temperature. Take good care of your equipment to ensure that it will be ready for you the next time you go golfing in cold weather in Golden Oaks.
Being Flexible with Expectations
Keep in mind that cold weather golf is different from summer play. Be prepared to adjust your expectations about how well you score and just how far you hit the ball. Rather than trying to match your mid-season performance, enjoy the unique challenges and beauty of winter golf.
Discover Cold Weather Golf at Golden Oaks
Playing in cold weather at Golden Oaks Golf Course offers the chance to extend your playing season and present some new challenges. By following these cold weather golf tips, you will stay comfortable and retain your skill level so that you can enjoy the game throughout the year. After all, golf is supposed to be fun in any season. Take pleasure in the crisp air, the quiet course, and the satisfaction of playing when others have packed away their clubs. We look forward to seeing you at Golden Oaks for some invigorating cold weather golf this winter!
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