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For those of you who have to deal with cold-weather golf (my last sunset round was in the mid/low-40s), what are your tips for extending the season when it's in the 30s or 40s? Clothing, technique, swing adjustments, any of the things that keep playing golf tolerable (and keep the jealousy toward our Southern friends at bay)?

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Some of what I do: Move up to a shorter set of tees, play a lower-spin ball, avoid cloudy or windy days, play in the afternoons instead of mornings, wear a fleece vest or jacket that can be taken off if I get too warm, wear a winter-type knit hat, wear thick corduroy pants and thermal longjohns, put "hothands" hand warmers in my pockets, use the "leaf rule" in rounds that don't count for anything, store my clubs/balls overnight in a heated area, walk instead of ride. So long as I do these things, I don't mind playing down to the high 30s for temperature.

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I played yesterday morning at 830am. A hard frost is unbelievable on 1st October. Carry bag with only 10 clubs. Windproof walking trousers. Thermal polo neck. Under Armour mid-layer. Short sleeve waterproof top. Swapped to a softer ball and had to use to yellow tees as white tee boxes have been removed. On a positive lift, clean and place is now in force. An alternate hand glove is helpful. And use two balls. One on the hole you are playing and the other on the alternate holes so it is warmer.

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Played all of last winter in some cool North Mo conditions. Long johns under whatever pants you choose to play in, wool socks, layers up top with a fleece outer, stocking cap, and a set of winter gloves. I keep my actual glove in my pocket until I reach my ball and then switch back to the others as I'm walking. If you acknowledge that it's going to be cold and don't moan about it the whole round it really isn't that bad.

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For those of you who have to deal with cold-weather golf (my last sunset round was in the mid/low-40s), what are your tips for extending the season when it's in the 30s or 40s? Clothing, technique, swing adjustments, any of the things that keep playing golf tolerable (and keep the jealousy toward our Southern friends at bay)?

 

Cart cover and heater. Makes it so you don't have to wear 5 layers to play. I generally just wear undershirt, golf shirt, fleece outer layer. Plenty of warmth and can easily move.

 

I also use foot warmers (just like the hand warmers but they go into the insole of your shoe).

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Here in Michigan. Cart covers and heaters are a non-starter, because most courses here in the winter are walking only.. :)

 

Lots of great ideas above. A couple of other suggestions. Thermal lined jeans (A few different brands available). Keep a couple balls in you pocket and swap out between holes and between shots. Find a softer ball for the winter. My goto is the Bridgestone Treosoft. Wear winter gloves (footjoys are good), and if really cold, throw over the mitts while walking.

 

A windbreak type outer layer is a must. Any light wind can be pretty cold. My favorite thus far is the Footjoy sweater with inner lining. This with a thermal under layer is good down in the 30's F.

 

Don't let the cold keep you off the course. Golf on a sunny brisk day in January is spectacular. Only diehards on the course and you usually have it to yourself. But there is already thread somewhere about playing alone....I enjoy the relaxing solitude.

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Always think that walking is more beneficial in the cooler temps as the activity keeps the extremities warm. Layers are important for obvious reasons and I usually go to a softer compression ball. Haven't done the moving up a set of tees thing but that's probably something to try, too.

 

The one thing I watch for is wind. If's more than 10MPH or so, the sun better be out and the temps at least in the 40's.

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I play in cold down to 35* or so depending on conditions, wind , rain, ground conditions etc.... Other than proper clothing that works and is comfortable for you, Walking is the key. I wont ride a cart in the frigid temps, walking keeps you warm enough to where its tolerable etc.... Riding in a cart, forget it!! (unless have heated cart ^^^)

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Multiple very thin layers. We use a cart cover and two heaters when it’s winter and always play when the course allows. It’s a different kind of golf, fun just to be outdoors and out of the house. Our GHIN is suspended at a certain point so we play winter rules as well without fear of consequences. After many many years of winter golf I will add a little warning, pay attention to your body injury’s especially soft tissue can easy occur. It’s a good time to slow things down and pay attention to your tempo. The long ball should not be a priority. Also, I AVOID frozen range mats like the plague. Your elbows and joints will thank you later...BB

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I'm old so that takes care of the swing adjustments automatically, lol.

 

Layers and walk.

 

I'm kind of like DP4, I'll play if the temp starts with a 4 - was 48, overcast damp and pretty good breeze on a protected golf course Saturday, but I was toasty walking, but my clubs were on the cart my wife was driving, lol.

 

Gets down to lower 40s, I like sun and little wind.

 

Amazing how much difference just a stocking cap makes! But generally I've got some wool on in some form or another, whether long sleeved thin wool tee, or wool sweater. I've got an old cashmere turtleneck that looks pretty sporty, haha. Not nice enough anymore to wear to any "occasion", but looks great on the course, IMHO (wear it pheasant hunting as well sometimes).

 

Light, non bulky, proper material layers and have fun!

 

Edit: and some good smart wool socks (don't have to be thick) with or without a thin liner vs. cotton or cotton blend every day of the cold week! No cotton t shirts either, unless you want to freeze in your own sweat!

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Don't let the cold keep you off the course. Golf on a sunny brisk day in January is spectacular. Only diehards on the course and you usually have it to yourself. But there is already thread somewhere about playing alone....I enjoy the relaxing solitude.

 

I wish that was possible -- around here, courses shut down late October. I'm just trying to extend bearable play as long as possible.

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Layer up, especially upper body, wear a knit hat and winter golf gloves and wear sunglasses as much as possible as the glaring sun can be a problem. I use a push cart and add the winter mitts to keep hands warm and also put hand warmers inside for extra warmth. Make sure your top layer is windproof too as that's big issue in the fall and winter. And I'd suggest using a yellow golf ball too as it makes finding your ball much easier. I typically play all winter long, assuming there's no snow cover, and down into the 20s temperature too with no problem. Don't expect to shoot a great score but instead just enjoy working on your swing and the quiet of walking around the course.

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Bundle up. Long johns, thermal warming undershirt, layers, beanie hat, neck warmer, hand warmer (those football ones quarterbacks use work great), wool socks. Just do everything you can to stay warm given your own ability to take the temperature. As others have mentioned, layering up is important so you can remove a layer if you start to get warm from just being active.

 

Walk. Never take the cart. Moving will keep you warm.

 

This is optional, but use a lower compression ball that's really soft. Also consider a high-vis ball. Will be a bit easier to see.

 

Not as optional, but, keep the ball warm too when you aren't using it regardless if you change balls or not. Don't just toss it in your pocket, hold it in your hands in your handwarmer and make sure it doesn't get super cold.

 

Be careful warming up. Nothing will put the fear of god in you like mishitting a range ball that has been sitting out in 30 degree weather all night long.

 

Be willing to adjust your game, and keep your expectations low. Your yardages are going to be all f****d up. Not only because you'll be getting way less carry, but everything tends to die/go dormant but the greens. Just accept you'll be needing to pull a different club than you would in July, and maybe even play some different shots. Also, no shame in playing up a tee, because of everything I've explained here.

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Proper layering is needed, nice pair of winter gloves or even Mittens for in between shots. Warm Beenie, nice socks and pants. I also dont worry about score, just try to have fun.

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Your yardages are going to be all f****d up.

 

I was surprised how true this is even for short shots that don't rely on roll. Ended a short round on a par 3 the other day, where I normally hit center-green with a slightly choked-down PW. Flag was in the back of the rather deep green, so I figured I'd just do a full swing. Barely reached the front of the green! Thought it was a fluke, hit two more, all right on the front green.

 

So yes, clubbing up is not optional on any shot :)

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I usually play into November , when we tee off it can be about 2-3C (35-37F).

 

Honestly there's no special formula. Just wear a pullover or sweater , some pants....and stop overthinking it.

 

We're all grown men here, have we never been outside in the cold before LOL

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We're all grown men here, have we never been outside in the cold before LOL

 

I'm not really worried about the cold per se (it regularly gets down to -20/-30 wind chill here). But as someone new to _playing golf_ in the cold, things like softer ball, clubbing up, adjusted rules, or clothing that allows for full range of motion (I run in the cold, but full motion range is less important there) are helpful.

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