Winter Golf

[Airlie_Andy]

Having previously been the very definition of a fair weather golfer I've decided to play through the winter in order to try and keep improving. So what have I got to look forward to? Any tips for keeping warm/dry? Any rules I should be aware of? For instance I think once winter rules kick in its prefered lies so you can lift and clean your ball and place it within a cards length?

 

[bigfoot1985]

as far as preferred lies you can pick up and place within 6 inches as far as im aware, no closer to the hole!

 

[Youngy]

Some tips I've aquiried over the years

1. Keep your Balls warm they do fly further.

2. Make sure you kit yourself out with correct Clothing and waterproofs as if you get cold and wet its hard
when your out there to get warm and dry again. Golf Mittens are a great way to keep you hands warm and worth the money.

3. Always play a 1/2 to a club more as ball wont travel as far.

4. Practise punch shots to keep it low for those cold windy conditions.

5. Find out local rules for plugged lie some clubs have there own rules also standing water on the course.

6. Most importantly Always play for something you want to win be it a competition or just a friendly game
for a £5 as you need something to play for to keep you going out there when it gets tough as there will be
at least one occasion when you will get to the stage were you want to walk off.

If I think of any more Il add to the post

Hope they help

Youngy

 

[AmandaJR]

Winter rules tend to apply only when on the fairway and a free drop within 6" no nearer the hole. Our club has local rules about a plugged ball which can be picked and dropped if off the fairway.

Clothing - decent quality waterproofs and I always wear my waterproof trousers even if dry as it keeps me warm but also they're easier to clean the mud off. Layering with fabrics that don't restrict movement - so for me that's an under armour compression, long sleeve jumper and jacket. Also a decent wind and wateproof hat and hand warmers/mittens which all mean I'll play through winter and only tend to stop when the course is closed !

Mainly though see it as a way to work on aspects of your game which will reap rewards when conditions are more conducive to good scoring and don't get too focussed on the scorecard. I feel if I can play there or thereabouts through winter then I'll be in a good place come spring and the joy of discarding a layer or too!

Having said all that I'm still relatively new to golf and played through two winters so perhaps I haven't been worn down by the experience...

 

[rosecott]

Winter rules tend to apply only when on the fairway and a free drop within 6" no nearer the hole.

Winter rules - ball is placed within 6", not dropped.

 

[Smiffy]

Not really a winter golfer, but all of the above is good advice. If I do venture out, I'd rather wear my waterproof top to keep me warm than a jumper over the top of various other layers. I hate to feel too restricted. If you have got black shoes wear them. Much easier to keep clean than white!
I have a pair of black Footjoy AQL's that I wear exclusively in the winter as I have swapped out the softspikes for Stinger metal ones. Much better traction.
I will also try to head for a links course during the winter months. We have a couple of courses down this way that never use temporary greens or tees as they are on really great draining turf.
I hate wading through mud, and getting worm casts all over my irons as I take a practice swing!
And if the greens are frozen? I'll find something else to do, as that is a bloody lottery!

 

[AmandaJR]

Winter rules - ball is placed within 6", not dropped.

Ahhh yes - placed carefully - get it right first time as no second goes !!

 

[Mary]

All of the above is excellent advice. Last year was the first time I played at least once a week through the Winter, and my handicap dropped when the weather improved, so it was worth the slog.

 

[Imurg]

I almost prefer playing in the Winter - no crowds, course fairly clear and as long as you have the right clothing etc it's less stressful.
Not playing when it's frozen this year though. Have done that for the last few years and have finally woken up to the fact that it's a complete waste of time! If I want excercise I can go for a walk without carrying 20(or whatever it weighs) pounds of golf kit on my back.
Generally our only concession to Winter is mats on the par 3 tees. I've never played Winter Greens at mine and, seeing where they've been prepared this year, I hope not to.

 

[Wayman]

i agree pointless playing when grounds frozen solid. cant hit full shots incase you snap your wrist and even hitting a pitch shot 50 yards is a joke

 

[Airlie_Andy]

Thanks for the advice everyone, I better start doing some research into the best waterproofs etc.