Last weekend, I was watching one of my long-time students absolutely implode on the back nine at our local muni. This kid normally shoots in the high 70s, right? But by hole 14, he’s out there looking like he’s never held a golf club before. The mercury hit 95, and his brain just…melted. He started aiming at water hazards, chunking wedges, the whole nine yards. Made me think about how many of us just aren’t ready for what summer golf throws at us.
Why Summer Changes Everything
Look, I’ve been doing this for 28 years now, and summer golf is an entirely different animal. It’s not just about being uncomfortable, though trust me, nobody enjoys feeling like they’re golfing in a sauna. The heat literally rewires how your body works out there.
Your muscles start working overtime just to keep you cool, which means they’re not firing the way they do on those perfect 72-degree spring mornings. That smooth tempo you spent all winter perfecting? Good luck finding it when you feel like you’re swinging through soup.
And here’s what kills me – I see the same guys every year thinking they can just power through it. They show up in dark polos, skip breakfast, forget to drink water until hole 6, then wonder why they’re seeing double by the turn.
What Actually Happens When It’s Hot
So here’s the deal. When temperatures spike, your body goes into survival mode. Blood gets redirected to your skin for cooling, which means your muscles aren’t getting their usual supply of oxygen-rich blood. Result? You fatigue faster, and your coordination goes to hell.
Even mild dehydration – and I’m talking just 2% fluid loss – messes with your head. Reading greens becomes harder. Distance control gets wonky. That confident game plan you had on the first tee? Forget about it.
Then there’s your equipment. Golf balls fly farther in hot, thin air, which sounds great until you’re flying greens all day. Your grips turn into slip-n-slides. I’ve literally seen players unable to hold onto their clubs because the metal got too hot to touch.
Flip the Script
But here’s my secret – once you know this stuff, summer becomes your weapon. While everyone else is melting down (literally), you can stay sharp and pick up easy shots. I’ve had students drop their handicaps in the summer just by being smarter than the elements.
Let me give you my top 10 strategies. These aren’t textbook theories – this is stuff that actually works when you’re dying out there.
10. Don’t Be a Hero with Tee Times
If you can swing it, avoid 11 AM to 4 PM tee times. I know, I know – sometimes you don’t have a choice. But early morning golf is a game-changer: cooler temps, less wind, better greens. Plus, you’re done before it gets brutal.
9. Baby Your Clubs
Keep your bag in the shade between shots. Seriously. I started doing this after burning my hand on a driver head one July here in Orlando, no joke. Also, wet towel on your grips – it’s not just for cleaning anymore.
8. Dress Like You Mean It
Light colors, people. I don’t care if your lucky polo is navy blue – save it for October. Moisture-wicking stuff actually works, and it’s not just marketing BS. Dark colors will cook you.
7. Start Cool, Stay Cool
This one’s weird, but it works: cold shower 30 minutes before you play. Or ice packs on your wrists and neck. Sounds crazy, but it gives your core temp a head start against the heat. Learned this from a guy who used to caddie for a living here in Central FL.
6. It’s Not Just Water
Sweating buckets means you’re losing more than just water. Sports drinks aren’t just for weekend warriors – when you’re losing that much salt and potassium, your muscles cramp up and quit on you. Found this out the hard way during a tournament in Dallas.
5. Slow Your Roll
Don’t rush between shots. Heat makes everything harder, so give yourself extra time. I tell my students: if you normally take 20 seconds over a putt, take 30 in summer. The heat’s not going anywhere.
4. Towel Magic
Wet towel around your neck during cart rides = instant relief. Sounds simple because it is. Don’t overthink it.
3. Hunt for Shade
Stand under trees while others hit. Position your cart strategically. I’ve seen too many guys just baking in the sun because they think it’s “tougher” or something. That’s not tough, that’s stupid.
2. Drink Before You’re Thirsty
By the time you feel thirsty, you’re already behind. Start hydrating the night before – seriously. Then keep sipping throughout. I tell people 6 ounces every couple holes, but honestly, just keep drinking.
1. Know When to Quit
This is the big one. If you stop sweating, feel dizzy, or get nauseous, you’re done. Game over. I don’t care if it’s the club championship. Heat stroke will mess you up permanently. I’ve seen it happen.
The Real Advantage
Players who dominate summer golf aren’t tougher – they’re smarter. They prep their bodies, adjust their expectations, and most importantly, they respect what 95-degree heat can do to you.
Next time you’re staring down a scorcher of a round, remember: everyone else is dealing with the same furnace. Difference is, now you’ve got a plan while they’re out there melting.
PGA Professional Brendon Elliott is an award-winning coach and golf writer. You can check out his writing work and learn more about him by visiting BEAGOLFER.golf and OneMoreRollGolf.com. Also, check out “The Starter” on RG.org each Monday.
Editor’s note: Brendon shares his nearly 30 years of experience in the game with GolfWRX readers through his ongoing tip series. He looks forward to providing valuable insights and advice to help golfers improve their game. Stay tuned for more Tuesday Tips!
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