Do you remember summer golf?
All winter long as the wind howls and the temps are below freezing youthink of one thing.Summer golf. The ball travels further in hot, humid air, and rolls out after landing in the firm fairways. Your game is finally coming around and the course conditions are outstanding.
Don’t let the forecast of temps in the 90s keep you from taking advantage of the conditions. A few simple things will help you maintain your energy level, hydration and concentration level so you can play your best golf when others may struggle.
Here are a few things you can do that will help your round:
- Stay hydrated
- Wear loose, light-colored clothing
- Use sunblock
- Wear a hat
- Have plenty of towels
- Have extra golf gloves
- Eat light
- Warm up lightly
- Find the shade
- Pace yourself
- Take a cart
1)Stay hydrated. This is NOT as simple as it sounds. Drinking plenty of fluids during your round is not enough. You need to actually begin prior to your round. Avoid caffeine and alcohol (save the fun drinks for after your round in The Grill Room).
Hot Tip: Try Nuun (available in the pro shop). What is Nuun? Nuun is Optimal Hydration. Nuun is an electrolyte enhanced drink tablet that dissolves in 16 oz of water to make a sugar-free, low calorie sports drink. (Widely utilized by the PGA Tour players)
2)Wear loose, light-colored clothing made of cotton or other breathable materials or moisture wicking material. The goal here is to keep the clothes breathable and not have it stick to you when you start to sweat. You’ll feel more comfortable, stay cooler and play better.
3)Use sunblock.
4)Wear a hat. Regular style caps are great; but they’re not perfect. A loose, light hat will do wonders in keeping the sun off of you. It’s not just about avoiding sunburn; it’s maintaining your energy level.
5)Have plenty of towels; bring at least 3. One towel will be just for cleaning your clubs. The second towel will be for getting the sweat off your face and hands. Take the third towel and run it thru ice cold water and use it to cool yourself down thru the round. Ever try putting a cold towel under the back of your knees? Sounds goofy, but it works.
6)Have extra golf gloves on hand; rotate them every hole to provide adequate time to dry (perhaps 3). This will help ensure a proper grip.
7)Eat light, but eat nonetheless. Again, if we want to maintain your concentration and energy levels, starving yourself is not going to help.
8)Warm up fully but lightly. You want to be prepared for your round, so hit balls on the range and roll a few putts on the putting green. But don’t overexert yourself. You’re going to sap your energy throughout the day. Don’t burn it all before you get to the first tee!
9)Find Shade. Although you’re probably aiming for the middle of the fairway, far from any shade, do your best to stay in the shade between shots. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s important to limit the amount of time you spend directly in the sun.
10) Make sure you pace yourself, relax and enjoy yourself.
11) And lastly, while we may like to walk, be smart and take a cart. Or at least use a push cart.
If you’re smart and prepared, you can enjoy some great times on the course when the day may be hot but your game is even hotter.
