Winter golfing - what works for folks?

Historically I have avoided golfing in 'cold' weather, but this year I'm trying to power through. Wondering what products folks like. I gather a base thermal layer is fairly common, but what do folks wear on top of that? I typically prefer to not get bound up on my swing with jackets and clothes, so anything that seems to be free swinging would be great for me. I also try to walk if I can so I don't want to get so bundled that I start sweating while I'm walking (yes, I'm out of shape, but I'm trying ;> ).

BTW, in Atlanta metro. Also golf quite a bit in the mountains of NC.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, ideas, and experiences.

Mizuno Windlite is a staple in my cold weather gear. I haven't really found the need to even wear a base layer under it as it can actually get too warm so just a wicking golf polo underneath. They look great and do not restrict your swing at all, highly recommend one.

This thread has helped me a ton..

Winter Golf clothing help! http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/index.php?/topic/1076351-Winter-Golf-clothing-help%21

2-3 tight fitting under armour/breathable layers, a golf shirt and a windbreaker/fleece and of course, a fleece lined hat.
I also have the mits on my clicgear cart...well worth the $$
Played in 37 degrees yesterday and got a sweat on!

Mizuno Windlite sweaters are amazing. My go to combo is Under Armor base layers the real base line not the ones on a hanger at Golf Galaxy. These come in a box and you can pick your level of warmth 1 to 4 with 4 being arctic like insulation. Then a North Face fleece layer. I have had a hard time finding a warmer fleece that is still mobile.

If you need another layer go with a down filled vest that is wind proof or Footjoy or North Face soft shell.

Also, Zippo hand warmers those disposable packs don't do it for me.

I second the UA Base tops AND bottoms (if you can still find them!!). However, they have changed things a bit. I also like the Nike Hyperwarm. I prefer sweaters instead of windshirts because they tend to be less restrictive. UA also makes socks of which I have two pair. They're warm but won't give you sweaty feet. I also use FJ winter golf gloves (other brands work just as well), which are great once you get used to using them (which takes a considerable amount of time). Lastly, I play a low compression ball, typically one of the Wilsons.

I will play as long as there is no snow cover and they will allow it at the course.

BT

[quote name='Ri_Redneck' timestamp='1416258168' post='10462235']
I second the UA Base tops AND bottoms (if you can still find them!!). However, they have changed things a bit. I also like the Nike Hyperwarm. I prefer sweaters instead of windshirts because they tend to be less restrictive. UA also makes socks of which I have two pair. They're warm but won't give you sweaty feet. I also use FJ winter golf gloves (other brands work just as well), which are great once you get used to using them (which takes a considerable amount of time). Lastly, I play a low compression ball, typically one of the Wilsons.

I will play as long as there is no snow cover and they will allow it at the course.

BT
[/quote]

Tell me more about the golf ball. I play as long as the course is open, regardless of conditions, but this past year marked my first experience with winter golf. Found a nice propane cart heater, and some good "layers. Looking for a quality cart cover to keep the good propane heat in. My big remaining issues are the ball that won't compress and the soft conditions that are very prone to bad digging. What specific ball have you found to work well? Any thoughts on a winter iron and wedge set?

i usually go with a fleece quarter zip underneath my rain gear. Seems to work fine for me. I walk so that helps keep the blood flowing.

Here are some essentials
[list]
[*]Bodywarmers
[*]JLindeberg/Galvin Green fleeces
[*]Heavy weight tousers
[*]2 pairs of socks
[*]A woolly hat
[*]Winter Mits
[/list]

I go the cheap route. I get the walmart/target equivalent of a thermal base layer, put a polo over that then go with a half zip jacket over that. I also walk trying to keep warm. If I get warm I will just take off the top layer and put it in my bag. I also keep a beanie in my bag so my ears don't get cold and I buy a big box of hand warmers at costco in the fall and keep a few packets in my bag.

To me the Mizuno Windlite is mandatory if you're playing in the cold. I played last week and the high was maybe 42 and I had on an UA cold gear base layer, the Windlite, and a windbreaker. The bulk of the round it was probably high 30's. Also had on an UA cold gear beanie. I was fine. Prior to getting the Windlite I typically would need maybe two more layers to be comfortable but then I'd be cramped trying to swing.

A bottle of whiskey

I keep hearing/reading about the Mizuno, but it seems a lot of people think that it is actually too hot for walking. Usually in Atlanta it is high 30's to low 50's during a winter golf round. It gets colder than that here, but then us southerns stay home (with the previously mentioned bottle of wiskey).

Also, don't see this specific model listed anywhere but Amazon. Did they rename it or get rid of it?

Go to ebay an buy the Mizuno Windlite SWEATER. I don't mind buying used, so I've gotten all of mine, in great shape, for less than $40.

Yes, the windlite and a baselayer can get too warm for walking. In "normal" Atlanta winter, which typical cold, playable days are about 45-50, you won't need the baselayer. Still, with an unimpeded swing, I'd rather be too warm on the course than too cold.

It's 18* and dark and dropping here in Minneapolis tonight. I'm again wearing my Windlite as my winter jacket with no baselayer. Just a cotton polo, then the windlite. It is that warm.

The key to the Windlite's warmth during a round of golf is when you walk the course. You heat up, and the windlite keeps that warmth in while keeping the cold wind out. So inside the Windlite, during a walking round, it just gets warmer an warmer.

There would be way more you would have to do to stay warm if you were going to ride during a cold weather round. But I'd like to add, Atlanta doesn't have any rounds that courses would be open that would actually be a "cold weather round". If the forecast was going to be for a mid-day high of 38 and sunny, I doubt they'd open that day. 38* and sunny in Minnesota is shorts weather.

Living in AZ helps a lot.

Actually starting now through Feb if you play early in the morning frost delays and temps hovering around 38-45 degrees are pretty common, The hard part here is by the back nine you usually end up wishing you were in shorts. For me it is about layers, I have a long sleeve compression FJ shirt similar to the UA ones that plus a polo and a lighter weight pullover or windbreaker if the wind is up will get me through the warm up and opening 5-6 holes. but it is still pretty chilly to start. I like the compression undershirts because they do not restrict my swing like a jacket or pullover does.

Not playing if the greens freeze.

Hand warmers

Rain pants to keep out the wind.

Winter golf in Atlanta? LOL

We will walk, with the dogs, when it is at least 40°, not too windy or cloudy. Mizuno windlite jacket over a polypro insulated top, long johns under windproof pants, wear trail running shoes. Carry lots of treats so the dogs don't go deaf, I think they enjoy it more than we do. Warm hat is a must, might wear a glove if real cold. Secret is to not get hot and start to sweat, then you will freeze.

+1 on WALKING and carrying if you're able. I like all cotton in the cold, too. The cart is not your friend in the cold, 45 and below.

[quote name='thbrewst' timestamp='1416266174' post='10462953']
I keep hearing/reading about the Mizuno, but it seems a lot of people think that it is actually too hot for walking. Usually in Atlanta it is high 30's to low 50's during a winter golf round. It gets colder than that here, but then us southerns stay home (with the previously mentioned bottle of wiskey).

Also, don't see this specific model listed anywhere but Amazon. Did they rename it or get rid of it?
[/quote]

I think they changed the name. Might be called the Warmalite now. I wear the full zip model so that I can unzip enough to keep from sweating.

[quote name='Ri_Redneck' timestamp='1416258168' post='10462235']
I second the UA Base tops AND bottoms (if you can still find them!!). However, they have changed things a bit. I also like the Nike Hyperwarm. I prefer sweaters instead of windshirts because they tend to be less restrictive. UA also makes socks of which I have two pair. They're warm but won't give you sweaty feet. I also use FJ winter golf gloves (other brands work just as well), which are great once you get used to using them (which takes a considerable amount of time). Lastly, I play a low compression ball, typically one of the Wilsons.

I will play as long as there is no snow cover and they will allow it at the course.

BT
[/quote]
Is the ColdGear ArmourVent the base layer?

I leave for three months in Thailand. Money games, warm weather and caddies! [size=4] [/size]

Thermos full of coffee (Irish if very cold), neckwarmer type thing that i normally wear for skiing, mittens and some sort of obnoxious bobble hat.

Clothes wise one of the fleecy lined UA compression tops, polo, 1/4 zip wind jumper (possibility for a second thin tracksuit top under that)

Fleece lined trousers are a godsend also

I live in WI so I have a pretty good regimen. This has been pretty good for me. Played last week at Whistling Straits with 20 mph winds, 38*, and snow flurries. I walked and stayed really warm.

-Under Armour Cold Gear Base Layer
-Short Sleeve Golf Shirt
-Footjoy Chillout Pullover
-Footjoy Tour XP Rain Jacket

-Under Armour Cold Gear Compression Pants
-Footjoy Tour XP Rain Pants

-Callaway Neck Warmer
-Nike VRS Fleece Winter Hat

-2 Pairs of Socks
-Titleist Cart Mits with Hand Warmers

I play until the courses close! Was about 29 degrees and windy saturday and I stayed warm. I always use a cart, I'm just too lazy to walk.

Base layer to wick sweat. Anything but cotton. Actually I would say don't wear any cotton when trying to stay warm. Polyester/spandex mix is my favorite. Brand doesn't matter, the material is all that matters.

Mid layer for insulation. A Thick fleece, wool sweater, or thin wool sweater and thin fleece. I like a snug fitting, thick fleece. Again, brand doesn't matter, but polartec is the best fleece.

Outer layer to block wind and rain. Anything not restrictive that blocks the wind/rain. Goretex is best, but there are a few other options.

The layering system is the exact same for your legs. Three layers, but the insulation layer can be much lighter for your legs. I use under armour heat gear underwear, fleece pajama pants, and wind/rain proof pants over that.

I wear a typical winter hat, and a neck warmer, both fleece. The neck warmer really helps, but make sure it's loose fitting.

I wear a regular golf glove on each hand, but have winter gloves I will throw on if my hands get cold.

That is all you need.

I recently started using the disposable back warmers that are used for muscle strains. You wrap it around your body underneath the base layer and you are good for eight hours. I recently played 27 in upper thirty degree weather and only had the base layer on. I was actually hot.

[quote name='BCULAW' timestamp='1416259411' post='10462343']
[quote name='Ri_Redneck' timestamp='1416258168' post='10462235']
I second the UA Base tops AND bottoms (if you can still find them!!). However, they have changed things a bit. I also like the Nike Hyperwarm. I prefer sweaters instead of windshirts because they tend to be less restrictive. UA also makes socks of which I have two pair. They're warm but won't give you sweaty feet. I also use FJ winter golf gloves (other brands work just as well), which are great once you get used to using them (which takes a considerable amount of time). Lastly, I play a low compression ball, typically one of the Wilsons.

I will play as long as there is no snow cover and they will allow it at the course.

BT
[/quote]

Tell me more about the golf ball. I play as long as the course is open, regardless of conditions, but this past year marked my first experience with winter golf. Found a nice propane cart heater, and some good "layers. Looking for a quality cart cover to keep the good propane heat in. My big remaining issues are the ball that won't compress and the soft conditions that are very prone to bad digging. What specific ball have you found to work well? Any thoughts on a winter iron and wedge set?
[/quote]

Wilson makes some really low compression balls that, I think, feel pretty good even close to freezing. The Duo, Zip (hard to find) and Elite Fifty are the ones I play. Elite Fifty can be had for around $13. Everything else seems to feel like a rock when it get really cold.

BTW, walking is the key to staying warm in really cold temps.

BT

[quote name='thbrewst' timestamp='1416242240' post='10460725']
Historically I have avoided golfing in 'cold' weather, but this year I'm trying to power through. Wondering what products folks like. I gather a base thermal layer is fairly common, but what do folks wear on top of that? I typically prefer to not get bound up on my swing with jackets and clothes, so anything that seems to be free swinging would be great for me. I also try to walk if I can so I don't want to get so bundled that I start sweating while I'm walking (yes, I'm out of shape, but I'm trying ;> ).

BTW, in Atlanta metro. Also golf quite a bit in the mountains of NC.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, ideas, and experiences.
[/quote]

I play through the winter here in Scotland and I wear an Under Armour cold gear base layer, a thin polo shirt then a waterproof jacket. Lined trousers are a big help.
I never bother with gloves but many do. The snood is a great invention keeping my neck warm and of course some kind of close knit hat that doesn't let the wind whip through it.
Usually the winter temp. is from around 0 to 10* and it is usually the wind chill that makes it feel coldest, that is why I prefer a wayerproof for warmth.

two bottles of whiskey

Atlanta!? Dang. I'd be playing in shorts all year round (I'm in PA).... But seriously.... I recommend:

1. Under Armour (or similar brand) base layer. Long tights and long sleeve turtleneck.
2. Normal golf pants
3. Two pairs of socks.
4. 1/4 zip with a fleece lining. I have a handful of UA ones that look normal from the outside but have a fleece inside. Fit nice so that there's not a lot of flapping material.
5. Beanie
6. FootJoy wintersof or FootJoy rain gloves. The rain gloves are a bit thinner but still pretty warm. I play the rain gloves if I can.

You wear that and you can play in any temperature at or above where the course turns in to a big green slab of asphalt.

[quote name='nicholasriehl' timestamp='1417179174' post='10513315']
Atlanta!? Dang. I'd be playing in shorts all year round (I'm in PA)....
[/quote]

I've spent a lot of time in PA, so I understand. But I play in North Atlanta and it can get pretty bad here sometimes- had to play a tournament in December last year when the temps never got above 38* and the wind was blowing 20 mph. I've played other events in sleet, etc. here. A few weeks ago my group was one of only two groups on the course on a Saturday morning with a high of 40* and wind gusts up to 35 mph.

I have some base layer stuff (Champion) that I bought at Target for the worst days. I don't like playing in it because I don't like swinging with tight clothing, but I wear it when I have to.
Base layer,
polo shirt
then either a Cutter & Buck wind jacket, or my rain gear jacket.
Wool socks (hiking socks are good for this),
A baseball cap with a wool cap pulled over it.

On days that aren't quite so bad, I can go with fleece half-zips instead of the wind jacket or rain jacket.

Oh, and chapstick. That's what I generally forget to bring, and I regret it every time I forget.