Summer is a great season to play golf
We have three words for you – more daylight hours! That means more time and more chances to get out and play a round. Plus, you might be on holidays from your job, and will likely have more free time on your hands that you can spend at your favourite place – the golf course. As you transition into a more mellow mode, it’s a great time to be social with your friends and play more golf. There’s nothing like the feeling of knowing you have the whole day ahead of you to spend playing golf or doing whatever you like – so take advantage of those long daylight hours during the summer period and clock up as many rounds as you can.
However, summer golf can be tough
While summer golf can be exhilarating, it can also be challenging. You have to deal with extreme heat, humidity, harsh and burning sunshine and potentially heat stroke or exhaustion. As well, the course can get busy during the cooler hours, as everyone else has the same idea of avoiding the hottest parts of the day. That’s no reason why you can’t still enjoy a round (or many rounds) – you’ll just need to make a few extra preparations and plan your round well. So have a read of this handy guide to getting the most out of your summer golf.
Manage your environment
Choose early or late tee times
It’s not the most fun playing a round in the middle of the day, so book your tee times early and choose to play either earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon where possible. This will see you relaxing in the clubhouse well before the worst of the heat and humidity occurs, or finishing your round in the cooler dusk hours.
Use the shade
There’s always plenty of shady trees on the course to shelter under, which will drop the temperature at least ten degrees from sunny areas. While you’re waiting for your partners to play, find the nearest shady spot to hang out until it’s your turn. Take the opportunity to rest and recover a little, so that you can enjoy your round more.
Use a buggy
Avoid energy-sapping walking and use a golf buggy to get around the course in summer. Carrying your bag will use up a lot of the physical energy required to play 18 holes in the heat – and that’s energy you can’t afford to waste on a hot day. Instead, take the smart option and choose to use a golf buggy.
Parmaker has a great range of golf buggies that will keep you more comfortable in the summer months – have a look here.
Don’t forget your umbrella
Simply attach an umbrella to your ride-on or walker golf buggy and you can make your way around the course in shaded comfort. It will also protect you from those sudden summer showers.
Have a look at Parmaker’s selection of umbrella holders for both walker and ride-on buggies here.
Avoid storms
While it might cool you down nicely, it’s never a good idea to play in a storm. Get off the course quick smart if there’s lightning around – it’s not safe to shelter in your golf buggy or under a tree either. Just wait out the storm and continue once it’s over.
Find a shady park
While this one is not directly related to your game, it’s much more pleasant to climb into a shaded car after your round than one that’s been parked in the blazing sun – not to mention you’ll actually be able to touch your steering wheel1
Manage your gear
Dress for summer
Summer is a good time to abandon your strict dress code and opt for something cooler and more casual. Plenty of golf courses accept relaxed dress codes to accommodate for hotter weather, and now is not the time to be a stickler for tradition. Choose light-coloured, oose-fitting clothes and breathable fabrics that protect you from the sun without elevating your body temperature too much. Shorts and skirts are a good idea.
Pack a cooling towel
You’ll no doubt need a towel to mop up the sweat that’s likely to be pouring off you, but it’s a good idea to also take a cold, wet towel to drape around your neck. Pop the towel in the freezer for a little while before you set off for your round, and then re-soak it in the water hazards as it dries out. This will lower your body temperature and give you that little extra shot of enthusiasm and energy.
Pack extra gloves
Sweaty hands, even inside your gloves, means a slippery grip and a loose shot. Always have an extra pair handy to keep your grip firm, and dry your used gloves on the outside of your bag so that you can keep alternating.
Wear a hat and sunglasses
It’s a no-brainer, but a hat is essential on a hot summer’s day, to keep the sun and sweat out of your eyes, and protect your face from sunburn. Ditto for sunglasses – you’ll be able to see much better if you’re wearing them.
Reconsider your club selection
Keep in mind that the golf ball travels further in hot weather, so choose your club accordingly to account for this phenomenon.
Also, read – 8 good habits every golfer should develop.
Manage your health
Apply sunscreen liberally
Doesn’t matter if you’re wearing a hat – always apply a good dose of sunscreen too, on every exposed body part. Don’t forget lips, ears and hands – places that are easily forgotten and that will quickly burn.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
It can’t be repeated often enough – pumping the water through your body will help you cope with the heat and play your best. And it has to be water – drinks such as coffee, alcohol or soft drinks will only dehydrate your body. Step up your hydrating a few hours before you’re due to play, to keep your hydration levels steady and your body cooler. And take plenty of water with you on your round and sip it constantly, before you start to feel thirsty. A smart idea is to freeze a water bottle or two the night before to carry with you, so that you can drink icy cold water as it melts during your round.
Eat to maintain energy
Eating may feel like the last thing you want to do in the heat, but it’s important to consume some light, easily digestible snacks during your round. Think fruit, vegetables, crackers or nuts to keep your energy levels up without weighing you down.
Manage your emotions
There’s nothing like an overblown emotional rant to get you all hot and bothered, so try and avoid having an on-course meltdown. Take some deep breaths and focus on what you can control, not on your mistakes and missed opportunities.
Watch out for dehydration and heat stroke
Both of these can be common in summer’s heat, and can be very serious, so make sure you know the signs and keep an eye out for them in both your playing partners and yourself. Symptoms include:
- Light-headedness
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Rapid heartbeat
- Lack of sweating
- Tiredness and exhaustion
- Irritability
- Weakness
- Headaches
- Sticky, dry mouth
If anyone starts demonstrating these symptoms, or just seems “off”, get them treated quickly. Always take your phone with you in case you need to call for help urgently.
