How to keep warm playing golf in Winter

As summer becomes a mere memory and we start waking up to the frosts of winter – keeping warm while practicing your golfing game can be a real challenge.

Not only is it now much colder than in the summer, but it's much wetter, too - giving golfers looking to keep on top of their training real issues to overcome if they want to play at their best.

So, what are our top tips for staying warm this winter while playing golf?

1.      Wrap up

While it may seem obvious, we’ve all seen golfers out on the green trying to make do in completely inappropriate clothing once the seasons have changed.

To avoid icy hands and shivering from ruining your swing, you need to get wrapped up and dress for the weather!

Investing in a layering system is the simplest way to achieve this; we recommend 2 or 3 layers to keep you warm enough for hours of practice outside. This should include the following items.

For your head and neck:

·         A hat – some choose caps to keep the rain off and prefer a knitted hat for dry, cold days, but the glare of the lower winter sun can mean that caps are suitable for dry days, too.

·         A scarf – but remember to tuck it securely into your jacket so it doesn’t interfere with your swing – a snood is a great scarf alternative for those looking to avoid dangling fabric.

For your top half:

·         A base layer

·         A polo shirt

·         A jumper for dry days, or a warm rainproof jacket if the forecast is changeable

·         Waterproof gloves

For your bottom half:

·         Long johns or thermal leggings

·         Wind and water-resistant trousers

On your feet:

·         Layer up socks – wear a thin thermal pair, followed by thicker woollen socks

·         Waterproof shoes or golf boots

It is also good practice to pack a small extra towel for wiping down your clubs and it’s a great idea to invest in a waterproof bag to prevent damage and excess water collection.

2.      Invest in warming wearable technology

Thanks to recent advances, the market in wearable tech has exploded, providing instant warming on the go – perfect for keeping you snug while out on the green.

This currently includes self-warming:

·         Leggings

·         Jackets, gilets, and hoodies

·         Mittens and gloves

·         Socks

·         Vests

Which can be layered in conjunction with the winter gear outlined above.

However, with limited battery lives, a larger-than-expected starting cost, and the need to charge your clothes before you can use them properly – they may not be for everyone!

3.      Play indoors

If wrapping up or spending hundreds on wearable tech isn’t for you, then you could skip hours outside altogether and still enjoy your game without damaging your handicap.

By choosing an indoor golf simulator!

Considered a luxury by some, golf simulators actually offer excellent value for money and bring tangible benefits for golfers, which include:

·         Golf all year round

No matter the weather outside, you can play real golf without interruption.

This allows you to avoid heatwaves, thunderstorms, snow, and torrential rains – even if they all happen on the same day!

·         Increased practice time

If you are juggling working and running a busy household, it can be tricky to find time to for your hobbies, especially if you want to play the full 18 holes.

By opting for a golf simulator for your own home, there’s no commute, no travelling, and you can play any time of the day – even when the green might traditionally be closed.

·         Bespoke golf coaching

Whether you need to work on putting or your speed is the issue, a golf simulator can help you with it all!

The exclusive on-board tech monitors every facet of your game and gives you bespoke pointers to help you improve, all while you play at some of the most famous and exclusive greens across the world.

·         Increased sociability

Although designed for serious golfers who want to improve their game, the golf simulator manufacturers have also included a range of games, ideal for even the smallest pro-golfers.

This is an entertaining and exciting way to share your passion with family members who might otherwise be uninterested and allows for specific practice on key golfing skills – fun and educational!

It’s also great for hosting parties and playing along while you watch professional tournaments with your golf-enthusiast friends.

Shop golf simulators with Black Box Golf

With the weather taking a turn for the worse and temperatures dropping, there’s no need to go out dressed as the Michelin Man to brave the winds.

Instead, why not play in your lounge with your kids and enjoy the benefits of your modern, central-heated home while playing to improve your handicap?

For more information, fill in our contact form or create your own golf simulator set-up for your home – you’ll wish you did it years ago!