Top tips for playing golf in winter
Just because it’s winter, you don’t have to stow away the clubs and stop playing golf. With quieter courses and fresh, clear winter mornings, the ‘offseason’ is a great time to practice your game with less pressure and keep up the momentum, ready for spring.
When conditions are tougher, you’ll be faced with more challenges and perhaps some trickier shots, providing the opportunity to improve your skills and boost confidence.
Playing in winter does require a little preparation (and patience!).
Read on for our top tips on how to keep up your game when the temperature drops.
Don warm winter clothing
Wear a few layers so that you can remove or add clothing if needed throughout the round. A thin base layer will reduce heat loss from your core and many are skin-tight to increase blood circulation. Avoid wearing bulky coats or jackets because they will get in the way of your swing.
Golf snoods will keep your neck warm and you can pull them up around your face if it gets really chilly. Wear long johns to warm up your legs in cold winds and a thick pair of socks, or double them up if you have room.
Wet weather gloves will improve your grip of the club when they get wet and they tend to be thicker than traditional gloves, keeping your hands nice and toasty.
Warm up for longer
During winter, it’s a good idea to take the time to stretch and exercise before playing because muscles tighten in the cold. Golf requires a lot of bending and twisting, so by stretching beforehand you can avoid injury.
Keep your golf balls warm
Did you know that for every ten degrees the temperature drops, a golf ball will carry two yards shorter? Keep your balls in your pocket as much as possible and pop in a hand warmer for extra measure. You can also buy balls which are designed for distance and cold weather use.
Make sure you have appropriate equipment for winter
A high-vis yellow ball will be much easier to find in dark winter evenings and poor weather conditions.
A waterproof bag will protect your equipment and personal belongings.
In winter, golf greens are softer and the grass isn’t cut as low, making them slower than in summer. Add weight to your putter for increased ball speed and a smoother pace to your stroke. Weight can be gained by adding lead tape to the sole. You could also try a larger design or use a putter with adjustable weight ports.
With softer greens, you should add loft to your driver to launch the ball higher and maximise distance.
Choose higher bounce wedges to help the leading edge stay up better on impact and ensure a precise and clean strike.
Take an extra towel to wipe off any excess mud from clubs and equipment and to dry grips if it rains.
Pop into our pro shop to stock up on winter equipment and clothing essentials.
Clean the soles of your shoes regularly
In winter, the soles of your shoes may get clogged with mud, leaves or even ice. Keep a pitchmark repairer or tee handy for cleaning out your cleats before every shot to maximise your grip.
Practice indoors
If the weather gets particularly bad, you don’t even need to leave the comfort of your home to continue improving your putting skills and practise your short game. Why not use a carpeted floor and a cup for a hole?
Why choose Came Down for winter golf?
At Came Down Golf Club, our free-draining downland course sits on a chalk base, meaning that we can offer an enjoyable golf experience all year round. Lovingly maintained with the greatest care and attention to detail by our experienced team of greenkeepers, we welcome visitors and societies seven days a week and host regular open competitions.
Nestled between Dorchester and Weymouth, we are also lucky to have breath-taking 360-degree views all year round – the Dorset countryside looks magical at this time of year.
If you have any further queries about playing golf at Came Down in winter or purchasing golf equipment, please get in touch with our friendly team who’ll be happy to help.