For half the country, the winter is upon us, which means golfers in these areas are once again confronted with an important question: How cold is too cold to play golf? It’s a question that pits a golfer’s love of the game against their disdain for being uncomfortably cold, and it’s a source of endless debate, too. Each golfers’ threshold is different.
The other day, I was wondering where on the hardcore-fairweather golfer spectrum I fell. The last round I played in the Northeast, where I live, was on November 18th, during an unseasonably warm 60 degree day, and haven’t touched the clubs since. I’d be tempted if a sunny day over about 50 degrees popped up, but it hasn’t, so I haven’t, which I suspect puts me on the fairweather end of the spectrum.
But again, I wasn’t sure, so I took a quick sample of GOLF.com staffers in various northern areas of the country to get their take
Josh Berhow, Minnesota
I feel like I’m more lenient on this topic than most people since I’ve spent my entire life in the north. Our season is very limited. That means we are getting out as much as we can as long as there’s no snow on the ground, and have no problem wearing warm layers and stocking hats in the early spring/late fall. So, how cold is too cold? Well, last Friday I walked 18 holes in glorious 42-degree sunshine. Twenty hours later it snowed. December golf in Minnesota! What a world.
Dylan Dethier, Washington
Pure temperature? There’s almost no lower limit. I’d say about 30 degrees. But that’s on a mild day. If there’s wind or rain that number creeps higher very fast.
Tim Reilly, New York
I’m a fair-weather golfer. If there’s a strong chance of rain in the forecast, there’s a strong chance I’m not showing up. When it comes to the cold, I’m not too much different. Look, if we’re talking about a Top 100 Course, I’ll toss on the long johns and buckle up my G-Tech heated pouch around my waist. I won’t let the cold stop me from an opportunity I might not get again. But if it’s a high of 40 and the tee time is at my local muni? I’ll see you in the Spring.
Zephyr Melton, New York
As long as the wind chill doesn’t dip into the 30s, I’m game to play through the winter. Throw on the proper clothing (and make sure you walk, not ride) and it’s no issue for me. I’m not willing to stow away the clubs for months at a time, so I’ll put up with harsh conditions if it means getting some hacks in. I might be from Texas, but I’m not quite the fair-weather diva that Tim is.
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