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Golfing with Chris Henderson
Playing in cold weather
When you play golf in cold weather there are a couple
of things you can do to help yourself to make consistent swings and
hit solid shots under the difficult conditions.
Dress in layers
Wearing two or three thin layers will keep you warm
without restricting your swing. It will also allow you to take off
or put on those layers as the weather changes. You also want to keep
your hands warm so you don’t lose your feel of the club.
Don’t leave clubs in trunk
Keeping your clubs and golf balls warm before you
play is as important as keeping your body and hands warm while you
play. If you leave your golf bag in the trunk the night before you
play, the grips of your clubs will feel cold and slick and your golf
balls will feel like rocks.
Warm up your muscles
It is always important to warm up before you play.
But it is even more important when the weather is cold. If you don’t
have time to warm up on the range, at least do some stretches on the
tee.
Adjust the yardage
In cold temperatures, the ball won’t fly as far as it
does when it is warmer. To account for that, play one more club than
you normally would from the same distance (a 6 iron instead of a 7
iron), and focus on making a smooth swing where you keep your
balance.
Adjust your swing
 Cold
temperatures can make the ground hard, which can make it difficult
to make your normal swing with your irons, especially if you usually
take a divot. To compensate for this, move the ball forward in your
stance one or two inches, and focus on making a sweeping motion
where you just brush the grass instead of taking a divot.
To play well in cold weather, prepare by wearing the
proper clothing and keeping your equipment warm until you get to the
course. While playing, adjust your club selection since the ball
won’t fly as far, and adjust your swing to compensate for the hard
ground. Stay warm between shots so you can make a good turn and have
a good feel of the club. Doing these things will give you a much
better chance of making consistent swings when you play in difficult
conditions.
Chris Henderson, Director of
the Lake Lanier Islands Golf Academy.
has more than 15 years of teaching experience at clubs and resorts
including Walt Disney World, Lake Nona, and Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill
Club. For more information on academy programs, contact Chris at
706-380-1415 or
chenderson@pga.com, or visit
www.lakelanierislands.com.
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