Are you planning to enrol in a golf camp in Mississauga next spring? You may be worried that the winter months will negatively impact your game, which is why winter golf lessons are a good idea.
Golf is a year-round sport. So, even if your first few shots go a bit off-track, practicing in winter will help widen your knowledge of the game and improve your skills.
Furthermore, courses tend to be quieter in winter. So if you want to improve your game, we are here to give you our best winter golf survival guide. It will help get you through those colder days out on the course.
When winter comes around, many golfers put their clubs in the closet. However, winter can be the ideal season to practice, to implement swing changes, and to prepare for the upcoming competitive season. That is why we have shared a guide on how to keep your spirits up and make the most of winter.
1. Keep Your Body Warm
The first thing that you need to do when playing in the cold is to keep warm. Do not consume alcohol as it will lower your core and peripheral body temperatures. Instead, you can increase your metabolism by consuming food or drinks that stimulate the nervous system or get the body to work a bit harder.
Coffee or green tea increases your body temperature; they also help lower blood pressure. Coconut milk will help you stay energized by increasing your body temperature. (Consume 100 to 200 ml about an hour before your round.)
Protein can also help the body heat up. So, consume 150 grams of lean red meat, chicken, or pork, or a 30-gram protein shake – again, an hour prior to your round.
In addition, get yourself some warm gear like a long-sleeve thermal t-shirt, thermal underwear, a sweater, and a light windbreaker. You should also invest in some winter golf gloves to keep your hands warm, dry, and secure.
2. Opt for Nine Holes
It might be more harmful than beneficial to walk a cold course for long periods of time. So, instead of completing all 18 holes, plan to take a break after nine; then play it by ear.
3. Use a High-Visibility Golf Ball
Although golfers prefer white golf balls, they may blend in with winter frost. So, during the snowy season, yellow balls are ideal, as they are most visible.
Golf balls also don’t fly as far in cold weather. To solve this problem, use two balls. Use each on alternate holes, keeping the other in your pocket to keep it warm.
4. Update Your Equipment
This is the best time to update your equipment, before the golf tournament season starts in spring. Look at clubs that may need to be replaced; then have them fitted. You can ask your instructor for help.
If you are getting new equipment, it is best to get it customized according to your body and swing.
The cold can reduce the elasticity of the metal in your clubs, which may result in less efficient energy transfer to the ball. You may see your ball going shorter distances because of the cold; if it is wet, you won’t be getting much roll. You can adjust your club to have more loft to achieve a higher carry and more distance.
5. Take Advantage of Winter Rules
In winter, golf rules are far more flexible. Learn how to use them to your advantage. Issues like preferred lies, embedded balls, cleaning the ball, and casual water are all encompassed within these winter rules.
For example, during the regular season, you can’t free relief when your ball is embedded in the rough. However, under winter rules, clubs can extend free relief to anywhere through the green, including the rough, in extremely poor conditions.
Another example: during winter, balls tend to pick up dirt due to both the cold and wet snow. Winter rules allow you to lift your ball and clean it before playing your next shot. However, all balls have to be marked before being lifted and replaced in the exact same spot after cleaning.
6. Take Winter Golf Lessons in Mississauga
Don’t let winter get in the way of your golf game. Follow this winter golf lesson guide to boost your skills. For further information regarding winter golf classes, talk with the golf experts.