Getting cold outside!

Strategy
#1

I live in New Hampshire and it is becoming that time of year when the leaf peepers show up, the greens and fairways are getting covered with pine needles and orange and red leaves. That also means that the weather is turning for the worse for golfers, and for the better for skiers. I have several tournaments coming up this month. Some of them are rescheduled from the spring for reasons I am tired of speaking of. Cold weather for me is inevitable and I embrace it because I choose to live here… for now haha.

With the golf game in mind I try to make sure that I show up to the course at least an hour early for a tournament. I like to stretch really well before starting. Running late and not getting in a stretch is a bad start to the day for me. The range is a good place to get the muscles moving and the putting green, as long as it is not off limits due to frost delay, I use to get some of the jitters and cold shakes off. Sometimes this is easier said than done though.

Wearing bulky winter items can mess with my head and restrict the swing, so I wear thermal underwear, Under Armour cold gear, and those types of items to not restrict my swing. I am sharing my thoughts and I wonder if anyone else has ideas that can help with shaking off a cold 40* tee time. I do walk and carry my clubs so as long as it is not a bitter day after a couple of holes it really doesn’t bother me. Happy fall golf everyone!

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#2

Try adding something in of a bit more moderate activity to get the heartrate up and the blood flowing, like 50 jumping jacks or something of the sort, and dynamic stretching movements like lunge twists.

#3

Also, I think a swing trainer like the SKLZ GoldFlex I have is a great way to get loose and warm. 10 swings from both sides with that and I’m feeling pretty much ready to go.

#4

Those are great ideas, I have the swing trainer in my truck but I don’t really use it much before rounds. I like getting the heart rate up idea. Dynamic movement stretching is part of my routine. The warmer mornings it seems to be enough. I am going to try jogging a lap around the parking lot, jumping jacks next week haha. I don’t always feel unready, but sometimes the cold is hard to shake. Thanks!

#5

Something else I meant to mention is loss of distance in the cold. I have trouble sometimes, maybe it is in my head? Or just the fact that the body isn’t fully warmed up. Thoughts?

#6

No that’s real. It’s science. It’s not just your body feeling less than optimal.

Also for keeping warm, as a Nebraskan who grew up in South Dakota, if I wanted to extend my season I had to get creative. I found ways of keeping heat pads at the ready. Mostly on my joints to keep the swing free flowing, but anywhere to retain any sort of heat.

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#7

The hot hands packs are pretty awesome. I have used them in boots for ice fishing.

#8

“ When the golf ball gets colder, it can lose a few miles per hour in ball speed, which can mean distance loss due to speed," said Snell. "[The] optimum temperature range is 70 to 90 degrees. At 40-degree temps the ball can slow down and be shorter by 5 to 10 yards

#9

Love fall golf when bent greens can thrive

#10

so a question about the golf balls. Is there a way to keep them warmed up while not using them, like a small pouch with one of the heating pads or something. Keep 2 of them warmed at all times and switch after each hole? Just curious.

#11

You could probably keep one of the hot hand packs in your bag’s ball pocket and that should keep the ball warm. Would be interesting to test if it made a difference or not. At the very least it couldn’t hurt!

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#12

Fall golf is the best! I love in upstate NY so getting the same season changes as you. I have some tight fitting under armor from back in my running days I’ll put on if I really need to, not bulky so the swing stays relatively true to form

#13

Keep those hands warm and I’m good. I bought this heated vest last year for hunting—I may break it out for golf this year.

#14

Never thought of it before, but I always play wearing pants with multiple pockets, and keep balls in them - I guess they would warm up a little at that…

#15

Fleece hoodie, with an oversized windbreaker on top of it all. And those insulated wind pants.

#16

I like playing in the cold, less people on the course. My attire:

  1. My sherpa beanie
  2. My footjoy winter gloves
  3. Two Hot Handz Body Packs (one on my chest, the other on my lower back)
  4. Under Armor Cold Gear Fleece
  5. North Face Fleece Vest
  6. Two Hot Handz in each front pocket (for my balls)
  7. Orange golf balls

I played the entire winter last year except for two light snow days.

#17

Sounds like you’re ready for golf in the arctic.

#18

Nothing like semi blading your first iron shot with cold fingers. Don’t know what it’s like to play in snow. Coldest mornings here are frosty before nice sunny days and coldest day this year was 10 degs Celsius with a really cold wind. Wore my usual polo, jumper, and pants plus possum fur neck warmer, beanie and my jacket unzipped. Play all year round here.

#19

Will check those out! You play in cold but not much snow area? My course last year didn’t allow play unless it was 42 degrees F or warmer outside.

#20

Warming balls while playing is a USGA Rules violation!

DQ and you’re out!

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