10 Things You Need to Play Golf This Winter

Like it or not, we are now in the grip of winter. Many of us have already seen snow and I have had my first round of golf cancelled because of the weather.

We have many bleak weeks and months ahead and the key is to be ready for it.

Here are 10 things you are going to need to play golf this winter:

Waterproofs

Do not even think about playing winter golf unless you have a decent set of waterproofs in your bag - and don’t skimp on the cost. You get what you pay for. The worst thing is to come off the final green and realise that you are soaked through. And don’t make the mistake of leaving wet waterproofs in your golf bag - make sure you dry them thoroughly when you get home.

Waterproof Shoes

Those slipper-like shoes you bought at the start of the season may be incredibly comfortable but I am willing to wager a decent sum of money that they are not waterproof. I have a good reason for knowing this. I bought some in August and found out to my cost that they are most definitely not waterproof. Make sure you have sturdy, waterproofs shoes for the winter season.

(Image Credit: Kevin Diss Photography)

Shoe Bag

With the best will in the world, there are times when you are going to come off the course with your shoes caked in mud. You really don’t want to be putting them straight into the boot of your car. Treat yourself to a shoe bag. Your car will thank you for it.

Boot Liner

It is not just your shoes that are going to attract mud and filth. No matter how hard you may try to clean the wheels of your trolley when you come off the 18th green, it is going to be impossible to get it clean. So get yourself a boot liner or an old bed sheet and make sure it covers every inch of the boot of your car. It will save you having to constantly dig out the car hoover to clear the rubbish that has fallen off your wheels - and other parts of your trolley.

Winter Trolley Wheels/Winter Bag

If your course does not drain well there are going to be times when you will be told that you can only use your trolley if it is fitted with winter wheels that will not leave tracks on wet fairways. While you are at it, buy yourself a pencil bag, just in case you turn up and are told that trolleys are banned completely. Better to carry a small, lightweight bag than having to lug around your tournament bag, surely?

Spare Glove

Your golf glove is going to get wet and a wet golf glove is as much use as an 80-year-old in the White House. So make sure you carry at least one spare so that you can change gloves during the round.

Long Johns

They may look ridiculous but winter golf is all about comfort and keeping yourself warm. I have two pairs of long johns and I absolutely love them. When others around me are struggling with the cold, I am as warm as toast. And I don’t care who knows it!

Umbrella

This may seem pretty obvious but I am constantly amazed at just how many club golfers buy umbrellas from bargain bins. We play golf in a country where it not only rains a lot during the winter but the wind also blows. And it blows hard. Buy a decent umbrella. When your playing partner has to dump his brolly in the bin halfway round you will be able to feel smug - and dry!

Thermal Gloves & Socks

Keeping your extremities warm is key to being able to play winter golf and enjoying it. If your hands and feet are cold then you are doomed. There is a perception that thermal gloves and socks need to be six inches thick. Technology has moved on. Decent thermal gloves and socks are now no thicker than normal socks and gloves. Go on, treat yourselves.

Change of Clothes

If there is even the remotest chance that it is going to rain, make sure you head to the course with a complete change of clothes. The problem with waterproofs is that no matter how efficient they are, the chances are that you are going to sweat. And that is not pleasant for anybody, most especially those you will be sharing a drink with afterwards. While you are at it, take some shower gel and a towel!

And there you have it. Follow these simple tips and I guarantee dry and warm golf in the months ahead.

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