1. Thermal Base Layers:

• The foundation of winter golf attire starts with thermal base layers. Seniors should invest in moisture-wicking, insulating base layers that trap body heat while keeping sweat away from the skin. Materials like merino wool or synthetic fabrics are ideal for maintaining warmth.

2. Insulated Golf Jackets:

• An insulated golf jacket is crucial for staying warm in chilly weather. Look for jackets with lightweight insulation and features like water resistance to protect against unexpected rain or snow. Adjustable cuffs and hems allow for a customized fit.

3. Vest or Sweater:

• A vest or sweater provides an additional layer of warmth without restricting movement. Seniors can choose between down-filled vests for lightweight insulation or thicker sweaters for added warmth.

4. Windproof and Waterproof Outer Layer:

• A windproof and waterproof outer layer is essential for protecting against the elements. Invest in a high-quality golf-specific jacket that shields against wind and precipitation, ensuring comfort and performance in adverse conditions.

5. Insulated Pants or Layered Bottoms:

• Extend the layering strategy to the lower body with insulated golf pants or layered bottoms. Seniors should prioritize flexibility in movement while ensuring protection from the cold.

6. Golf-Specific Winter Hats:

• Keep the head warm with golf-specific winter hats. Look for options that cover the ears and provide insulation without impeding visibility. Choose moisture-wicking materials to prevent discomfort.

1. Winter Golf Gloves:

• Traditional golf gloves may not provide sufficient warmth in winter. Opt for specialized winter golf gloves that offer insulation while maintaining grip and flexibility. Some gloves are designed with thermal linings and water-resistant materials.

2. Thermal Socks:

• Keeping feet warm is crucial for overall comfort. Thermal socks made from materials like merino wool provide insulation and moisture-wicking properties. Seniors should ensure their winter golf shoes accommodate slightly thicker socks.

3. Beanies and Ear Warmers:

• Protecting the head and ears is essential in cold weather. Seniors can choose between beanies and ear warmers to retain heat. Look for moisture-wicking materials to prevent sweat buildup.

4. Neck Gaiter or Scarf:

• A neck gaiter or scarf adds an extra layer of warmth and can be adjusted to cover the face in extreme cold. Choose a breathable, moisture-wicking fabric to avoid discomfort.

5. Hand Warmers:

• Disposable and rechargeable hand warmers can be a lifesaver in extremely cold conditions. Seniors can tuck them into pockets or gloves for instant warmth during breaks between shots.

1. Winter Golf Shoes:

• Winter golf shoes are designed with insulation and waterproofing to keep feet warm and dry. Look for models with spiked or spikeless options based on personal preference and course conditions and restrictions.

2. Overboot Traction Devices:

• In icy conditions, seniors can use overboot traction devices that slip over their regular golf shoes. These devices provide additional grip and stability on slippery surfaces.

1. Cold-Weather Golf Balls:

• Cold temperatures can affect the performance of golf balls. Seniors should consider using cold-weather golf balls designed to maintain optimal compression in colder conditions, ensuring consistent distance and feel.

1. Golf GPS or Rangefinder:

• Winter conditions may alter the way the golf ball reacts. Using a golf GPS or rangefinder becomes even more valuable in determining accurate distances and making informed club selections.

2. Rain Hood or Umbrella Holder:

• Seniors can be prepared for unexpected rain or snow by carrying a rain hood for their golf bag or an umbrella holder on their pushcart. This ensures that both clubs and accessories stay dry.

3. Golf Cart Enclosures:

• For seniors using golf carts, enclosures can provide protection from wind and cold. Consider installing a golf cart cover to shield against the elements during play.

2. Winter Tees and Greens:

• Some courses have designated winter tees and greens to accommodate play during colder months. Seniors can inquire about these features when selecting a course for winter golf.

Go Somewhere Warm

Heavy Rough

Rough borders fairways and greens; miss your golf shots and your ball will likely end up in it, if not worse. While certain courses feature rough that is barely penalizing, others use the rough to really punish and force golfers to work hard to recover and still hope to make par.

Use our tips to learn how to adjust to situations where the ball is buried in heavy rough or when it is against the grain.

Aim for the Front of the Green

Hitting from the rough – in contrast to hitting from the fairway – will make it harder to create some backspin into the ball.

This means that upon landing on the green, the ball will skid – or release – more than it would if you were hitting from the fairway.

Counter this effect by aiming in front of the flag and see the ball release upon landing.

Use One More Club

Depending on how tall the grass in the rough is you’ll need to adjust for it through your club selection.

The taller grass found in the rough will slow down your clubhead as it makes its way into contact with the ball.

This means that your club will strike the ball with less speed than it would if you were hitting from the fairway, and won’t travel as far.

For that reason, club up when you are in the rough, specifically when the rough is deep or the ball is against the grain.

Position the Ball Back in your Stance

In order to minimize the slowing effect of the grass on your club speed you can position the ball a little further back in your stance.

Hitting the ball sooner in the swing arc will translate into fewer grass blades catching your clubhead before it strikes the ball.

All in all, doing so should help in keeping your clubhead speed, or at least the speed reduction – if any – will occur after you strike the ball and after the ball is airborne.

Stand a Little Closer to the Ball

Standing closer to the ball than you normally would will position the shaft of your club in a more upright position. And a club that is more upright will be coming down towards the ball in a more vertical fashion.

Coming in vertically will reduce the amount of grass that will touch your clubhead, which would slow it down in the process.

Therefore, in order to reduce the slowing effect of the grass on your club speed, stand a little closer to the ball but not so close as to bring in shanks into play.

Open the Clubface a Little

Opening the clubface at address slightly will help counter the twisting effect the grass will have on your clubhead.

Indeed, grass will tend to grip the heel of your clubhead first, will twist it and put your club in a closed position.

Address this by opening the clubface a little and raise your chances that your club will be square when it hits the ball.

Grip your Club Tightly

Hitting from the deep rough is not the ideal time to practice hitting while holding your club lightly in your hands, as if you were holding a live bird.

Rather, the long blades of grass will grip into the clubface, slowing it down and twisting it.

In order to keep your clubface square through impact you should grip your club more tightly than you normally would. When you’ll be back into the fairway you can resume gripping your club lightly, which is preferred.

Keep your Shoulders Level at Address

Normally, your shoulders would be angled up where your front – left – shoulder is higher than your back – right – shoulder.

This happens because your right hand is lower on the grip than your left hand. However and again in order to promote a steeper angle of attack, position your shoulders so that they are level.

Doing so should reduce the amount of grass blades that come into contact with and potentially slow down your clubhead.

Fully Hinge your Wrists

Another way to promote a descending blow into the ball is to make sure your wrists fully hinge during your swing.

Indeed, passive wrists during the backswing – and downswing – translate into a flatter swing and a swing arc that will brush more of the taller grass.

A good wrist hinge will strike the ball in more a descending blow and will catch fewer grass blades as a result.