Winter Golf
By Bob Croll, PGA
Playing golf in the Mid-Atlantic region during the winter is very different from teeing it up in the warmer seasons. When the temperature just drops about every aspect of the game changes. Below are a few tips to help you adjust to the change in conditions.
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Clothing. It is very important to be comfortable when playing the game at any time of the year. The cooler the weather the more thought you should to put into what to wear. You need to be warm but avoid bulky clothing. Layers are good but make sure shirts, sweaters and wind shirts are not too tight or too loose. A wind shirt or garment that breaks the wind is almost a necessity and should be kept in the bag if not worn to the course. A winter hat or toboggan may not be the most fashionable part of your outfit but will make a huge difference especially when the temperatures drop into the 40’s. Winter gloves and hand warmers are also great to have in the bag.
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Ball. Use a softer or lower compression ball. The ball will not compress as easily in colder temperatures reducing the distance it will travel. You will not make up all of the distance lost in the cold air but will get more with the softer ball.
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Tees. Play the white tees instead of the blues. Playing a shorter course will make up for the loss in distance off the tee. Making this adjustment will most likely put you in the same position for your approach to the green as in the warmer months.
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Club Selection. Use a longer club for your approach shots. The combination of the extra clothing restricting your swing and the shortened ball flight will require more stick to get the ball to the hole.
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Mental thoughts. Always keep in mind scoring in the winter months is much more difficult. An 18-hole score of 3 to 5 strokes higher should be expected.
Enjoy the change of season and the extra challenge presented by Old Man Winter. Good preparation and the proper game plan will make your winter rounds more fun. Golf can be played year ‘round in our region so don’t put those sticks away just yet!
