For golfers, one of the first signs of winter is the stinging in your hands that accompanies a bladed iron. But chilly temps don’t have to be a barrier to playing. Invest in the right outerwear and tech from GlobalGolf and you can extend your season comfortably — no matter what kind of contact you make!
If you’re lucky enough to live in tropical climes, all you need is a few versatile layers and accessories for those crisp mornings on the first tee. If you live a little further north, you may have to take your off-season training indoors or invest in some serious warm weather gear. Either way, GlobalGolf has you covered.
Step 1: Buy warm — and practical — golf apparel
Similar to the fall apparel layering system GlobalGolf introduced, warm yet breathable golf outerwear is a must for the winter. Mixing and matching golf pullovers, 1/4 zip jackets and sweaters with light, warming base layers will keep your body temperature high enough for you to swing comfortably while also providing you the freedom you need to remove layers.
By keeping your golf clothes light and breathable, you’ll find that your sweat will be wicked away from your body and evaporate, which will help keep away the chill factor and maintain comfort throughout your round. Layers help regulate your body heat in the first place, though adding that extra breathable protection ensures you maintain your ideal body temperature without the sweat buildup.
Here’s a quick rundown of what you need:
— Base Layer: a solid foundation that releases moisture
— Golf Pullover: added warmth in a sporty look when you need it
— Wind Jacket: avoid the extra chill from strong gusts without sacrificing movement
At GlobalGolf, you can find every layer you need to play golf in chilly weather. For example, the Adidas UPF Solid Base layer is soft, moisture-wicking and compression-fitted to keep your blood circulating; the Nike Dry Vapor 1/2 Zip golf pullover is breathable in addition to its main purpose of keeping you warm; and the PUMA’s Riverwalk wind jacket protects you while maintaining a four-way stretch.
Step 2: Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize
Too many people skip winter golf accessories, and honestly, doing so probably costs them a considerable number of strokes per round. In addition to the classic hand warmers, your hands will thank you if you place those warmers in winter cart mitts. Compared to the time you actually spend hitting golf balls during a round, most of your time will be sitting in a cart or walking on a chilly day. Take care of your hands and keep them nimble for that next shot.
Along those same lines, coffee, tea and hot chocolate are solid beverage choices for the golf course (okay, maybe a hot toddy, too). Buying a YETI tumbler may keep your drinks cold in the summer, but they’ll also keep your beverages — and your body — warm.
No one enjoys a cold rain shower. To keep dry, make sure you always carry a golf umbrella and a packable rain jacket in your bag during your winter rounds. Whether you use it to protect yourself or your golf clubs, you’ll be thankful you’re not freezing hours after you get off the golf course.
One more tip: If you do happen to get caught in a light blizzard and the golf course miraculously remains open, make sure you have some colorful golf balls in your bag. Don’t make the game harder on yourself playing with a white ball in the snow.
Step 3: Play golf indoors with a launch monitor
There comes a point when even the hardiest golfers must come indoors. The snow fully blankets the course, and there’s no leaving the house to tee it up.
Just because courses are closed doesn’t mean you still can’t play a round in the winter. GlobalGolf offers a variety of launch monitors, hitting mats, golf nets and other fun training aids to bring your practice indoors. With certain launch monitors, like the SkyGolf SkyTrak, you can even play golf courses virtually; other models by Rapsodo and Swing Caddie are also great options
The best part is, you can continue to use all this golf tech year-round. Launch monitors are perfect for dialing in your irons (and for boasting about your long drives). You can even see how you match up against your favorite Tour players with GlobalGolf’s launch monitor numbers guide. Throw in a golf putting mat, and you have your own high-tech practice facility.
No matter your reason for playing golf outside this winter, make sure you head to the course prepared. Then, extend your season further with your own indoor golf facility (which will pay off again and again throughout the seasons). Everything you need to keep playing can be found on GlobalGolf.