It’s hot out there! But no way that’s stopping us from golfing and if you are reading this, you plan on hitting the links all summer too. Growing up in Florida we are used to the heat but that doesn’t make it any less brutal when that sun is beating down on you in the middle of the day. As we have golfed in some tough conditions, including a summer trip to Scottsdale a couple years ago when the temperature was closing in on 120 degrees, we figured this is a great time to offer some tips for how to stay cool and not compromise a great round.
Now although some of these may be obvious, make sure you make sure to abide by these suggestions because they will work wonders for you. First thing first – HYDRATE! Drinking plenty of water is important for anybody, not just for someone active but literally every single person. It helps your body temperature, helps your joints, prevents infections, helps organs, the list keeps going. When the sun is scolding out there and the only protection you have is some sunblock and a hat, its imperative you drink plenty of water to keep yourself from heat stroke or just being plain miserable.
Another good tip would be to play as early or late as possible (early being the better option). The temperature rises throughout the day, so getting an early tee time is the best bet to beat the heat. I think we all used to hate getting up early for school, or currently hate it for work…but getting up at 6am for golf? Something about it is just exciting. Getting that first tee time of the day, hitting the ball into a sunrise, it’s a great feeling. And on top of that joy, you will finish before the blistering heat takes over!
When we went to Scottsdale, we made sure we took a cooler, filled it with ice, and had some towels stuffed in it. Ringing out a cold soaked towel over your head and neck feels amazing when its hot outside, so I highly recommend you consider doing the same.
Another tip, and probably quite obvious, is to stay in the shade as often as possible. Don’t park your cart in the sun while waiting for the group in front of you, or stand on the tee box baking when there is a nearby tree offering shade that is probably 10-15 degrees cooler than the non-shaded land. Do this consistently and you’ll feel much better as the round goes on – but don’t forget to wear sunblock!
Finally, there are plenty of gadgets that can help with the hot weather as well. We had portable fans that attached to the cart that helped a lot, and now they even make fans that attach to your neck, or belt that blow cool air up your shirt, pretty soon who knows? Maybe they’ll have little fans in your golf club! Just go online and search for key words like golfcart fan, cooling pads, whatever! There are plenty of cheap options that are perfect if you have a summer golf trip planned.
Hope this helps! It definitely helped us! One thing is for sure…keep golfing!
2 OFF THE TEE 