I grew up in Western New York, which was it’s cold. Going south for college at Furman University in South Carolina was an improvement, but still not warm enough. Now that I live in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., I thought I’d finally found my happy place.
Turns out I was wrong. The past few weeks have proven me wrong. One morning recently, my car doors froze!
However, golf doesn’t stop just because the temperature drops. If you’re playing when it’s too cold to consider it, here are a few ways to succeed anyway.
1. Invest in the right gear
Playing in the cold is all about preparation, and having the right gear can make a big difference. You still need to be able to swing and move athletically, so smart layering is important.
Here is my short list for survival in really cold weather:
- Long underwear
- Gloves (rain gloves work well)
- Hand warmers
- Rain pants
- A hot vest
One of my favorite cold weather pieces is a vest. I’ve been wearing mine all over Scotland and it makes a huge difference – keeping me warm while still allowing me to move around freely. Check it out below!
Women’s Vancouver Quilted Vest
Effortlessly transition from morning meetings to afternoon activities with our Women’s Vancouver Quilted Vest. This versatile piece offers the perfect balance of warmth and sophistication, keeping you cozy without bulk whether you’re at school, the office, or enjoying a weekend getaway. With its comfortable fit and easy layering, it’s the go-to for easy style.
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When it’s cold, the ball just doesn’t come out. Expect that and plan to take an extra club every round. Cold weather often comes with wind, which only increases the effect.
Before you go, check this out on the range. Laser the distance, hit the club you normally use for that number, and see where it lands. That quick check will give you a sense of how much you’re losing and the roll.
3. Smaller swings, more clubs
In really cold conditions, it can be difficult to move freely, which can limit your ability to move fully. That doesn’t have to be a disadvantage.
Consider taking an extra club and making a smaller, controlled swing. Think wrap-style graphics: streamlined setups, reduced motion, and clean connections. Small swings often lead to small misses — big wins when the conditions aren’t right.
4. Green can be fast
Cold, dry conditions can lead to fast, hard vegetables. Pay attention to this, especially on approach shots where the ball may stop quickly.
Try to make the ball short and let it drop towards the target. On the green, consciously reduce your backstroke – a shorter stroke helps control distance on slippery surfaces. A good point of mind is to aim for short putts and let the speed of the green do the work.
5. Indoor golf
If all else fails, there’s always indoor golf – warm, fun, and no need to chase bad shots.
There are many great options, but one of my favorites is T-Squared Social in Manhattan. It offers a lively atmosphere, simulator golf, and excellent food and drinks.
