Okay, so let’s talk about actually playing golf when it’s cold, because for a long time, I just plain avoided it. I’d look outside, see the frost, and just nope right back to my coffee. My game suffered, obviously, because half the year I wasn’t practicing or playing.
My Early Disasters
When I first started trying to brave the cold, it was a mess. Seriously. I remember just piling on clothes. Think big, bulky sweaters, my regular autumn jacket, maybe two pairs of socks. I’d step onto the first tee feeling like a giant, fluffy marshmallow. And swinging? Forget about it. I couldn’t turn properly. My arms felt trapped. It was awful. I’d get so frustrated because my clothes were literally getting in the way of my game. One time, I wore this really thick wool sweater, and it started to lightly drizzle. That sweater soaked up water like a sponge and I was freezing and heavy for the rest of the round. Never again.
Figuring Things Out: The Layering Game
So, I had to rethink my whole approach. I started looking at what other, more seasoned players were wearing, especially the women who seemed comfortable and could still swing freely. It wasn’t about the amount of clothes, but the type of clothes. Layering became my new best friend.
Here’s what I started doing and what I found worked for me:
- Base Layer First: This was a game-changer. I invested in some good thermal base layers. You know, those thin, snug-fitting tops and sometimes leggings. The kind that wicks sweat away. That was key because even if it’s cold, you still sweat a bit when you’re walking and swinging. Cotton base layers? Terrible idea, they just hold the moisture and make you colder. So, I made sure to get synthetic ones.
- Mid-Layer for Warmth: Over the base layer, I’d add a fleece vest or a thin, long-sleeved quarter-zip. Something that provided warmth but wasn’t bulky. Vests are great because they keep your core warm but your arms are free. I found that a good quality fleece makes a huge difference without making me feel like I can’t move.
- The Outer Shell: This is your protection against wind and maybe a bit of rain. I got myself a proper golf jacket. These are usually windproof and water-resistant (not always fully waterproof, unless you go high-end, but good enough for most cold days). The important part is that they’re designed for movement. They have stretch panels, or are cut in a way that doesn’t restrict your swing. I learned to avoid anything too stiff or crinkly.
- Bottoms Up: For my legs, I started wearing thermal leggings under my regular golf pants on really cold days. Or, I bought a couple of pairs of winter golf pants – these are usually lined with fleece or a brushed material. So much warmer! And they often have a bit of stretch too.
- Don’t Forget Extremities: My hands used to be the first thing to go. I got a good pair of winter golf gloves. Sometimes I’d wear one on my non-glove hand between shots, or even those little hand warmer packets. A warm hat or a fleece-lined headband that covers your ears is essential. You lose so much heat through your head. And warm socks, of course! Not too thick to make your shoes tight, but definitely something warmer than your summer ankle socks.
My System Now
So now, before a cold weather round, I check the forecast carefully. I lay out my options. I always start with the base layer. Then I decide on the mid-layer based on how cold it actually is. Jacket always comes with me, even if I don’t start with it on. It’s easy enough to take off a layer if I get too warm. It’s much harder to get warm if you start out freezing and underdressed.
It took some trial and error, and yeah, I spent a bit of money over time building up the right wardrobe. But honestly, being able to comfortably play golf for more months of the year? Totally worth it. I don’t feel like a marshmallow anymore, and my swing is, well, it’s still my swing, but at least the clothes aren’t holding it back! It’s all about finding those pieces that keep you warm without making you feel like you’re wrapped in a duvet.
