The weather’s warming up, and you don’t have to be out on the golf course for long to know that playing golf in the summer heat can be hazardous to your health. Not to mention your game. However, rather than resorting to jumping into the nearest water hazard, there are a few things you can do to make summer a happy and healthy season to enjoy golf.
#1 Tee off early to beat the heat
If you can, avoid venturing onto the fairways during the times of the day when the heat is fiercest. Choose an early tee time and you can be relaxing in the clubhouse before the worst of the heat and humidity hits, which will make for a much more enjoyable round.
This may not always be an option, however, so if you have to play during the heat of the day, try the following tips to get you through.
# 2 Keep hydrating
Water is the way to go in summer – and it’s worth starting to hydrate at least a few hours before your round if you can, to keep your body cooler and your hydration levels up. Avoid coffee, soft drinks, juice or alcohol before you play a round, as these will only dehydrate your body. Keep pumping the water through your body while you’re playing as well, to give your body the best chance of coping with the heat. Make sure you’re drinking before you get thirsty, so that dehydration doesn’t become a problem.
#3 Freeze a water bottle
Freeze an extra water bottle the night before you play. You can carry it in your golf bag and it will gradually melt throughout your round, giving you a constant supply of icy water right at hand.
#4 Wait in the shade
While you’re waiting for your next shot, do it in the shade of the nearest tree. It’s at least ten degrees cooler in the shade than the direct sun, so it’s well worth doing.
#5 Use an umbrella
If your local course doesn’t have much shade, or you’d prefer to spend the majority of your time on the course out of the sun, an umbrella may be the answer. You can simply attach one to your buggy and walk around the course in shady comfort. Parmaker has a selection of umbrella holders for both the walker and ride on buggies – click here.
#6 Use extra towels or a cooling towel
A cold, wet towel to the back of the neck might be just what you need to give you that little extra shot of energy and enthusiasm. Freeze your towel before you start your round, to keep it cooler for longer, and you can re-soak it in the water hazards once it starts to thaw out. Better yet, carry an ice chest in your golf bag and keep your cooling towel in there as you make your way around the course. Keep your water in there as well. Take extra towels to mop up the sweat that’s likely to be pouring off you.
For more tips on how to organise your golf bag, click here.
#7 Bring extra gloves
Your hands are going to perspire pretty quickly, which means the inside of your gloves can become slippery. Throw a backup pair or two into your bag so that your grip can stay firm. Let the used gloves air dry on the outside of your bag or in your buggy so you always have a supply of dry gloves.
#8 Wear appropriate clothing
Choose lightweight fabrics that wick away sweat, and make sure you’re wearing loose and comfortable rather than fitted clothing. Light coloured clothing reflects the heat better than dark coloured clothing, so choose lighter colours in breathable fabrics to stay cooler.
#9 Use sunscreen liberally
Although this won’t help improve your round, it will certainly help afterwards. Your skin can cop a flogging from the brutal summer sun, especially here in Australia, and severe sunburn is not something you want. Choose an oil-free sunscreen so your hands don’t get greasy, as well as one with a high SPF. Reapply to any exposed skin every hour or so if you’re going to be out on the course for a long time. Don’t forget lip balm either.
#10 Wear a hat or a cap
This seems like a no brainer, but it can be surprising how often people forget or choose not to wear this one little extremely important piece of clothing. A hat will protect your face from sunburn, keep the sweat out of your eyes and keep the bright sunshine off your face when you’re trying to hit that shot.
#11 Wear sunglasses
Glare-reducing eyewear will go a long way towards protecting your eyes from damaging rays, as well as allowing you to focus on your shots better.
#12 Maintain your energy
While the heat may suppress your appetite, it’s better to keep nibbling on light snacks on the course, as playing in the heat takes a lot out of your body. Choose easily digestible snacks such as nuts, crackers, fruit or veggies to maintain a steady level of fuel. Don’t eat a heavy meal before you play either, as this will just weigh you down.
#13 Stay steady
Maintain a steady pace throughout your round, and maintain steady emotions as well. A mid-course meltdown or rant will just make the heat worse, so try and take some deep breaths and keep your emotions in check if your round is not going well.
#14 Pay attention to how you feel
Know the signs of heat stroke and dehydration, and keep an eye on your golfing buddies as well as yourself. Symptoms include: headaches, weakness, light-headedness, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, tiredness and exhaustion, irritability, a dry and sticky mouth, lack of sweating and a rapid heartbeat. If anyone starts exhibiting these signs get them treated quickly, as heat stroke can be extremely serious. This is especially important for older people, who tend to feel the heat more than younger ones. For some more useful tips on playing golf as you get older, click here.
#15 Use a golf buggy
Whether it’s a walker or a ride-on, a golf buggy will help you conserve that all important energy as you make your way around the golf course in the sapping summer heat. Carrying a golf bag can seriously increase the physical effort needed to play 18 holes in the heat, so go easy on yourself and use a walker or ride-on golf buggy.
To see Parmaker’s range of quality golf buggies that will keep you playing through the summer months, click here.
