Winter Golf

[Robster59]

Best I can say is my preparation for Winter (or anytime in Scotland to be fair)

• Good waterproofs (I have ProQuip which I've always found excellent)
• A waterproof bucket hat so that the rain doesn't run off your hat and down your neck but instead goes down the outside of the jacket. I don't use an umbrella. Too much faff. This does as an alternative.
• A wooly hat with a brim for those cold winter days where the low sun is shining
• Wet grip gloves designed to get grippier the wetter they get (MacWet is the big name but there are loads of alternatives out there)
• A good base layer. I find the ones from Lidl or Aldi at a bargain price serve me fine.
• Good waterproof shoes. Some even go for waterproof golf boots, I've never had any but often considered them.
• Metal spikes if your clubs allow them (I use Champ Pro Stingers as they are a hybrid metal/plastic spike). There are lots of potentially slippy areas on our course and you can't beat good metal spikes.
• Always take a spare set of all clothing with you, including socks and undies.
• A bag with at least one dry pocket in it to protect any valuables from the rain.
• Hi Vis balls (for when there is a bit of frost/snow on the ground or the light is fading)
• As above, if the course can't take my electric trolley, I have a carry bag for a half set I use for bounce games.
• An energy or chocolate bar and energy drink. The cold and rain can sap your energy.
• A hip flask of course (mine is a rusty nail combining Glayva and Whisky, somehow I'm always popular for this)

I think that's about it.

 

[ShankyBoy]

Good list Rob. As they say the weather is never the issue its the lack of proper clothing that's the problem!

 

[Three]

My advice for winter golf is put the clubs in the garage when the clocks go back, and get them out when the clocks go forward.

Hate it.

 

[Oddsocks]

I change very little over the winter.

* carry bag, I only ever buy waterproof bags , yes they are about 1lb heavier but for the sake of the waterproof material and waterproof zippers it's a no brainier. My h2no from sun mountain is just about to enter its third winter and is still as waterproof as the day it was purchased. Other recommended models seem Callaway Aqua , titieist stadry.
* I swap from normal trousers to the Nike and puma ones, these are thicker keeping the wind out and are also shower proof, idea for the unplanned shower. I also have a under armour top which is the same wetsuit style material which is fleeced lined, again shower proof / wind proof but the fleece keeps the wind chill out
* always have macwets in the bag in case of rain. Plus a spare or two normal glove.
* if the weather isn't due to rain I atleast carry a shower jacket.
* as someone said, the right hat, this may be a beanie, my Nike waterproof cap with beanie side, this is great for low sun days with a big wind chill or the bucket hat for the wetter days
* good waterproofs with decent waterproof shoes.

The biggest tip I was ever given was dress for the worse conditions due that day, not in hope for the best conditions due..... And club up/ shot for the back of the green. Damp greens will always hold, but damp fringes never release of you come up short. Play every distance as a carry distance not carry + roll.

Just enjoy the giggle

 

[virtuocity]

Check out Sealskinz- they do excellent waterproof hats.

 

[Craigg]

One word.....Snooker :thup:

 

[woody69]

Be prepared to accept the ball will go significantly less distance due to the colder air.

On the plus side, rough has usually died right down so new areas of the gold course become accessible (at least in the terms of being able to play your ball because you can find it)

 

[HomerJSimpson]

A good warm hat (and something with a visor if you wear glasses like me) and patience

 

[KenL]

Long Johns (or just wear your waterproof trousers over your trousers).
Quality golf mitts.
Wear layers, lots of them.
2 pairs of socks.
Others have mentioned wet gloves - these can freeze your hands in winter and it doesn't really rain more in winter than any other time of the year in the UK, well the east of Scotland at least.