Cold weather golf

[Chazb]

As I get older I am reluctant to play in cold weather,it has to be 40 + or more with no wind or very little wind to play now.When I was younger I played in the low thirties without giving it a second thought but I’m now 73 and won’t even consider playing in the low thirties.

I guess I will have to turn in my man card for being wimpy.

 

[Springsteennut]

Keep your man card. At 73 you’ve earned it. 

[lefthack]

I'm 49 and yesterday was almost too cold for me. I am playing tomorrow, but it's close. 48 is the high tomorrow.

 

I've got thermals on and a hoodie. I wouldn't feel comfortable playing in much more than that.

Edited December 3, 2020 by lefthack
Wouldn't

[LeftDaddy]

Depends a little bit on whether it is sunny or overcast. 45 and blue skies is totally fine with me...might even play high 30s with blue skies. But if it is dreary or overcast or cloudy or windy, 45 is my low limit period. 

[DArnie]

8 hours ago, Chazb said:

As I get older I am reluctant to play in cold weather,it has to be 40 + or more with no wind or very little wind to play now.When I was younger I played in the low thirties without giving it a second thought but I’m now 73 and won’t even consider playing in the low thirties.

I guess I will have to turn in my man card for being wimpy.

 

I'm with you and at 57 I don't enjoy the cold for playing anymore. We're not wimpy just wiser!

[MtlJeff]

40F is 4 celcius. That is not super pleasant for people of any age. 

 

I'll play in that just because our seasons are short. But i wouldn't say i "enjoy" playing golf in <5C weather

 

Mid to high 40's (Fahrenheit) starts getting a little better. Those extra degrees make a big difference. 

[Gsea]

For me it's all about if the sun is out.  If it is sunny that usually makes the colder temps bearable, with cloudy windy cold days that's a different story.

[VNutz]

Sun and wind tell the story for me. I've played rounds in the 40s with no wind and full sun that feel much better than those in the 50s that are cloudy and windy. Walking and carrying makes it far more tolerable.

 

Below 40 I really have to be desperate for my fix to get out there, but I'm sure I've done it at times during a "warm" stretch during the winter. With domes likely limited this winter I may have to revisit my stance. Kudos to you OP for doing it for so long.

[Naptime]

I'm an older guy and I've played on a windy 9 degree F day, and in falling snow.  It's a great experience because it's not crowded and the course plays differently when the water hazards are frozen over.  I find red or pink balls are easier to spot.

Edited December 3, 2020 by Naptime

[gripandrip]

2 minutes ago, VNutz said:

Sun and wind tell the story for me. I've played rounds in the 40s with no wind and full sun that feel much better than those in the 50s that are cloudy and windy. Walking and carrying makes it far more tolerable.

 

Below 40 I really have to be desperate for my fix to get out there, but I'm sure I've done it at times during a "warm" stretch during the winter. With domes likely limited this winter I may have to revisit my stance. Kudos to you OP for doing it for so long.

This. When the temperature drops it is all about sun and wind. A balmy 34 deg (F) day is fine if sunny and minimal wind, but 44 with no sun and 10-15 mph is pretty rough. I play in the 30's quite a bit, but you definitely need the right conditions.

[dennis4190]

I'm with you Chaz. When I was younger I would play almost anytime. I'm almost 68 now and I have a 50* rule. If it's much colder my back won't get loose and it's not fun trying to play. 

[Shankyouverymuch]

Its worse when you decide to play and get out there and realize you made a poor decision.  I have played where I had to put head covers on for mittens between shots.  A few times in flurries.  The cold really doesn't seem to affect my scores too much however.

[sunbeltgolfer]

I played in just about any weather imagineable for a long time, including a miserable snow storm on the Old Course at St. Andrews.  I'm 67 now with thoracic back issues that make it very uncomfortable to play below 50* unless the sun is out, air is dry and wind is down. Intense back spasms follow the round if I ignore the cold so I stay home on those days and find something else to occupy my time. Getting old sucks and I don't recommend it. I'm envious of those that can play in all weather conditions.

[codeman]

To me it is a balance of enjoying the golf and taking advantage of the opportunity to play. If its so cold i can't enjoy it, then it isnt worth it. Otherwise, if i have the opportunity to play and the weather is decent I'll try to get out there.

 

Personally, if the sun is shining and its over 45, give or take, I'll tough it out. I hate wasting the occasional day when I am free and can play. 

[Medson]

A few years ago, I found I had trouble turning (during the downswing) in cold weather. I had to be more selective on when I play and make sure I properly warm up. The price of getting old. 

[jordan2240]

I'm 60, and still play in pretty much anything above freezing, though if it's windy, low 40s is about what I can take.  Played yesterday in low 40s with very windy conditions, and I was literally the only golfer on the course.  I put on enough layers that I don't get cold, and I also walk, rather briskly, to generate body heat.  Will probably do it as long as I can, as I love being out there with the course practically to myself.

[Roody]

The past couple of weeks I've played in low 40's a few times. As long as there's little-to-no wind, and I'm walking, it's really not bad at all. 

I even got my wife to come walk 18 with me on one of the days it was in the 40's. If you had asked me 10 years ago if she'd be on a golf course when the temps were less than 70, I'd have laughed at you. 

[Sean2]

You play the game for enjoyment. If you don't enjoy playing in colder weather then don't play, there is nothing wrong with that, and it has nothing to do with your "man card". 

[jimb6golf]

Still playing in any weather down into the 20s usually but without wind.  Getting more reluctant though as I get older though (just turned 60).  Holding my breath it doesn't snow where I live outside of Boston tomorrow so I can play on Sunday this weekend (30s though). At the very least I'll be at the range or I'll start having withdrawal symptoms.  Especially in these crazy times I need golf to reduce my stress level.  Layer up and carry a few hand warmers and you're usually fine too.

[vernon]

Man card my a**.  I used to do that stuff too and now I look out the window at guys going by in open carts when it's in the 30's and I just shake my head.

 

I'm 68 but have my own cart with a Door Works full enclosure and a propane heater and I STILL ain't goin' out there no more if it ain't at least 45 and not blowin'.

 

Plus, I ride alone so I can take several wardrobe changes in order to adapt to the conditions as the round progresses.  I've been around long enough now to know how to keep myself comfortable "Man Card" be damned!

 

And if all that ain't enough I just say sayonara and drive home to a hot tub and warm house!

 

Gettin' old ain't ALL bad......

[8602081]

Playing (walking) tomorrow at 9:30 am in Cincinnati area..  it's going to be around 31 degrees starting out, which might mean frost delay..  High of 40 Saturday..  

 

 

Wish me luck..

 

 

[Cwing]

12 minutes ago, 8602081 said:

Playing (walking) tomorrow at 9:30 am in Cincinnati area..  it's going to be around 31 degrees starting out, which might mean frost delay..  High of 40 Saturday..  

 

 

Wish me luck..

 

 

What course? 

[Hateto3Putt]

Santa is bringing me this heated vest. LINK

 

If the course is open me and 6-20 other idiots will play a skins game on Sunday.

 

Every Sunday.

 

I'm hoping this vest performs like the reviews state..

 

One thing about foul weather golf..it really makes you appreciate sunny and mild rounds.

[rwc356]

Age 68 and play a course along the lakefront in Chicago. Last winter we played several times where the ground was too hard to use a tee - we brought along a couple of the rubber mat tees from the driving range. My decision matrix is based on how many layers of clothes are necessary to stay warm. Once I get up the doughboy look I just can't swing and then it's time to stay inside and watch old golf tournaments on the Internet. Mid-30's low wind and dry is about my limit

[Moonlightgrm]

My wife bought me a pair of lined wind pants. They are terrific! I wear a quilted shirt with a wind jacket (pullover), a golf hat, and a pair of earmuffs. That’s it! Truly, no layering is necessary. I am plenty warm and my golf swing doesn’t feel restricted. I’ve played when the ponds are iced over. As long as the air temperature is 35*F or warmer, I am good to go. The lined wind pants are the game changer for me. The quilted shirt is a little big on me, which allows freedom of movement. Don’t let the cooler weather and wind, keep you from getting out there! 

[8602081]

21 hours ago, Cwing said:

What course? 

 

Pleasant Hill..

 

The tee time got pushed back to 10 am because of Frost..

 

It was a good day.. very little wind, mostly sunny.. Bundled up for winter golf.. went down to 2 layers by 10th hole..

 

 

[MPAndreassi]

On 12/3/2020 at 11:22 AM, Shankyouverymuch said:

Its worse when you decide to play and get out there and realize you made a poor decision.  I have played where I had to put head covers on for mittens between shots.  A few times in flurries.  The cold really doesn't seem to affect my scores too much however.

That happened to me this week. I played 12 holes one day, and it was nice out. Next day was the same temp, but more cloudy and a bit more windy and decided it was best to finish the 7 holes I didn’t finish the day before and go home. 

[pktaske]

I get cold weather golf but I see tons of guys with winter coats that look like the Michelin Man. If you'll buy an $1800 set of irons and $1300 fitted driver, invest in some thin ultra heat conserving outerwear.

Edited December 6, 2020 by pktaske

[Dr. Block]

The golf often suffers, but at least the walk is always beneficial. 

[elwhippy]

Very cold and damp underfoot today. Not a lot of fun to be honest.