Winter Golf Wear

I have certain rules when playing golf in the Winter.  First, I won’t tee off if the temperature is below 40 degrees.  It’s just not worth it.  The risk of injury is too high. Second, I won’t play in the winter if there is any rain in the forecast.  No way.  I don’t like playing in the rain anyway, and being cold and wet is simply miserable.  I look at like this: if I’m paying money to play golf, I want to enjoy it.

Winter golf is actually a lot of fun, and the lower temperatures shouldn’t be a deterrent to getting outside for 18 holes.  The key is to remain comfortable without sacrificing too many shots.  I usually give myself a +3 from my average score and not look at the round as a total loss.  It’s a fact that you have to wear more clothes than normal, and with that comes some unwanted bulk.  Still, golf is golf, and I can’t be away for months at a time.  The key is layering.  There are so many good and playable options out there…here’s how I do golf in the winter:

From top left:

1. Penfield Sanford Pom Beanie:  Put the visor on the shelf until the Masters…you need to keep all that head from leaving through your head, so beanie up.
2. Patagonia Capilene 3 Midweight Zip Neck:  Back to layering – start your round with long underwear (along with #8), and take it off at the turn.  Get something lightweight and close fitting so it doesn’t get in the way of your swing.
3. Criquet Shirts Long Sleeve Player’s Shirt:  It doesn’t get any cooler than Criquet, but cool isn’t what we’re going for this time of year.  A Player’s Shirt with long sleeves is where it’s at.
4. Linksoul Half-zip Golf Sweater:  A good piece of outerwear that allows for movement is paramount.  This option from Linksoul is perfect: higher arm holes and pockets for #6.
5. 10th Tee Back Nine Golf Enery Bar:  You’ve got to keep your energy up during the round, so stock your bag with these energy bars.
6. Heat Factory Hand Warmers:  Don’t lose feeling in your hands, as it’s the second quickest way to hit a bad shot (first is pulling your head, and the weather has nothing to do with that).  Keep these in the pockets of your sweater (or pants) and grab hold between shots.
7. G/FORE Leather Golf Glove:  A good, clean, dry glove is as important as any piece of golf equipment.  G/FORE gloves are the best on the market…good colors, and they last forever…even with full cord grips.
8. Patagonia Capilene 3 Midweight Bottoms:  See #2.
9. Mason’s Torino Skinny Corduroy Pants:  Corduroy is a great this time of year.  It’s thick enough to provide warmth, but go with a slimmer cut to cut down on bulk.
10. Kentwool Tour Standard Socks:  Get on board with Kentwool, folks.  GREAT stuff.
11. Adidas Golf PURE 360 LTD Golf Shoes:  Next time you play in the winter, try walking 18, or at least nine.  It’ll keep you warm, and your heart rate up.  Be sure to sport a good pair of walking kicks…
12. Nike Golf Thermal Mapping Vest:  The ultimate layering piece…keep this in your golf bag just in case.

What did I miss?  Do you have any cold weather golf tricks?