It cannot possibly have escaped your notice that the nights are fast drawing in. There is now a chill in the air first thing in the morning. When I get up at 6am it is now pitch black outside. The clocks change. The days of going for a quick 18 holes after work are gone.
Before we know where we are, winter will be here. Many golfers choose to put their golf clubs away but are the rest of us ready for what lies ahead?
Here is my winter golf checklist to help you stay warm, plan the right golf gear to use, set your winter golf targets and keep playing golf during winter.
Check Your Golf Shoes
During the salad days of summer we have experienced this year the furthest thing from our minds has been keeping our feet dry. That is going to change. Last year I found out to my cost that my expensive lightweight shoes were not up to the job when it was wet underfoot. I now have two pairs of shoes – and one pair is 100% waterproof. I recommend that you find out if yours are sooner rather than later. It might also be an idea to invest in a pair of waterproof shoes that are a size too big as you may be wearing thick socks.
Are Your Waterproofs Still Waterproof
If you are a winter golfer you know as well as I do that at some point you are going to be playing in driving rain.
You may not have had to don your waterproofs this year. Before it’s too late, you should check that they still keep the rain out.
I recently discovered that a fantastic waterproof suit I have been wearing for more than 10 years has finally given up the ghost. I discovered this on a golf weekend when it rained from start to finish. It was not a pleasant experience. I came off the 18th green on both days soaked to the skin.
Don’t skimp on waterproofs – remember that you get what you pay for.
Invest in a Windproof Umbrella
Is your umbrella fit for purpose? Remember that apart from rain you are also likely to be playing in windy weather. What you don’t want is a brolly that will blow inside at the first sign on any kind of a breeze. Like everything else, you get what you pay for.
And do you have an umbrella holder that will attach your umbrella to your trolley? This will keep both you and your clubs dry. There is also the added bonus that it a brolly holder means you can put one hand in your pocket to keep it warm and dry.
Keep Your Grips & Hands Dry
You can now buy gloves that are specifically designed for use in wet weather. Invest in at least a couple of pairs.
Having at least one towel in your bag is an absolute must at this time of year. If it rains one of the biggest challenges is keeping your grips dry. And please remember to put your towel inside your golf bag rather having it hanging outside!
Make Sure You Keep Warm Thermal Socks
Keeping your extremities warm and dry is key to being able to enjoy winter golf so go and buy yourself some thermal socks. I have several pairs and they keep my toes as warm as toast.
Thermal Gloves
For me, these are an absolute must. I have a pair of lightweight thermal gloves and I have also invested in a pair of thermal mitts that I can attach to my trolley and they will be coming out of hibernation very soon!
Heated Gilet
I laughed out loud last winter when one of our number turned up at the first tee sporting a heated gilet. I wasn’t laughing for long. The rest of us were freezing. He wasn’t! I have now invested in one and cannot wait to try it out!
Long Johns
For me, winter golf is all about keeping myself as warm as possible. Long johns may not be the most attractive fashion accessory but they are incredibly effective at keeping the cold out and the heat in. Helpful hint – make sure nobody is watching when you put them on!
Warm Up Between Shots
Standing around in the cold waiting for your next shot is when the chill really sets in. Keep your body moving — take a few practice swings, walk briskly between shots, or stretch your shoulders while your playing partners hit.
Maintain Your Equipment
It is going to be wet underfoot so this is the time to make sure that the wheels on your trolley have sufficient tread to ensure you will not be slipping and sliding your way around the course.
Ensure that your golf bag is 100% waterproof. I have recently invested in a new bag after discovering that mine was not! After playing in a downpour I found that everything inside my bag was wet through.
Accessories & Winter Tips
From the beginning of November a hip flask finds its way into my golf bag. It contains piping hot coffee with a touch of whisky. There is NOTHING better for keeping the chill out.
You might be playing with some frost on the ground and that means investing in some coloured golf balls which are easier to spot than white balls – for obvious reasons!
Your greens are going to be wet – and that means that anything coming in from height is going to leave a huge pitchmark. Make sure you have a pitchmark repairer – and make sure that you use it! Your greenkeeper and your fellow golfers will thank you for it.
Winter Golf Rules
Don’t forget that winter golf isn’t quite the same game as summer. Many clubs introduce “winter rules” to protect the course – preferred lies, mats on fairways, and maybe even a few temporary greens. It’s all part of the fun! Just make sure you know what’s in play before you start marking those scorecards and what to do when the bad weather kicks in.
So don’t let winter keep you off the course. Winter golf can be a rewarding time of the year – crisp mornings, quiet fairways, and the satisfaction of keeping your swing sharp and there are still amazing golf courses worth playing in the winter. If you are still thinking about hibernation then maybe this is the year you chase the sun and book a winter golf getaway?
Derek Clements is a seasoned sports journalist and regular Golfshake contributor, specialising in tour coverage, opinion pieces, and feature writing. With a long career in national newspapers and golf media, he has reported on the game across Europe, the United States and Australia. A passionate golfer, he has played and reviewed numerous renowned courses, with personal favourites including Pebble Beach, Kingsbarns, Aldeburgh, Old Thorns and the K Club. His love of the game informs his thoughtful commentary on both professional golf and the wider golfing community.
