10 Essential Winter Golf Items

There's no denying that playing golf on a nice warm day, with the sun beaming down is idyllic, but there is something oddly satisfying about throwing on your best golf base layers, sweaters and waterproofs, to get out there and do battle against both the elements and the course during the winter months.

While there are multiple hazards and difficulties to navigate when playing in adverse weather conditions, having the right winter golf gear is going to help you play your best golf during the 'off-season' and get your game in tip-top shape for when the season reconvenes in the spring.

Below, we run you through the 10 winter essentials that will help elevate your game, so you can enjoy it more even when the air is crisp and there's a layer of morning frost.

So whether you're out there playing in winter stablefords, trying to take some money off your friends, or on the grind to ensure your game is in a better place upon the return of better weather, we believe the products listed below will give you the best chance of succeeding this winter.

Waterproof Jacket

A waterproof jacket may seem like an excessively expensive financial outlay but, in truth, it is a long-term investment in your game that provides reassurance that, whatever the British weather throws at you, you will still be in a position to perform to your best.

If you’ve not purchased a set of waterproofs for a while, you may well be surprised to see how the designs have improved in recent times, with manufacturers understanding the frustrations of playing golf in a jacket. Fabrics are thinner, lighter and have more stretch to allow you to swing borderline unrestricted. What's more, there are a number of customizable fit options that ensure the jacket stays in position and doesn’t create unnecessary distractions. If you find a full rain jacket is a little obstructing, some of the best lightweight jackets are made from water resistant materials that repel water exceptionally well.  

They come in a range of price points and, while generally you get what you pay for, especially when it comes to durability, there are some bargains to be had. When it comes to the best waterproof golf jackets you should always check the waterproof warranty and make a few swings to ensure it doesn’t feel bulky or tight.

Waterproof And Thermal Trousers

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A matching pair of waterproof slacks (or pants if you're stateside) is a must for winter golf. Not only will they keep you dry when it rains, but they will also stop mud from accumulating on your nice trousers underneath that you want to wear in the clubhouse afterwards. They will also provide an extra layer of warmth, something which you'll be happy about in the winter conditions.

Importantly, you need to make sure they’re long enough to cover your ankles and the top of your shoes, but not too long that they get caught up in your spikes. Some of the best waterproof golf trousers even have fleece-lined pockets to keep your hands warm and zipped ankles to make them easier to slide on and off.

We do understand however that some waterproof trousers can be a little obstructing and so it's worth looking at some of the best winter pants if you plan on working on your game this winter. These are often water resistant and feature thermal insulation to keep you warm without having to worry about carrying rain pants around.

Mid Layers

The mid layer is often the go-to garment on all but the coldest and hottest of days so it’s important to find one that suits your needs and your budget. This can be tricky, because the choice of the best golf jumpers and best golf tops seems endless.

Some will prioritize warmth, while others focus on protection from the rain or wind. Therefore, it might be the case that you stock up on different types from your favorite brands to cater for the different conditions you may face. However, some claim to be suitable for all but the most extreme weather.

Next up is the fit, which is arguably the most important aspect to consider. You need to feel comfortable in the way it looks, feels and moves with you as you swing and, ideally, it should feel snug to eliminate excess material that can get in the way without feeling overly tight. 

For milder days, there is also the option of the best golf vests, which will take the edge off the winter chill, but provide an airy feel that won't limit movement within your golf swing.

Base Layer

Along with a mid layer, there is the option of a base layer, which is is an important primary layer on particularly bitter days. Worn underneath a polo shirt, it hugs the skin and retains the warmth from the body to stop the cold taking hold.

Some provide a super-tight, compression fit, which is said to increase blood flow to the muscles, while others have a more relaxed feel. Some also adopt a roll-neck style for extra warmth, so think about what might work best for you.

With an array of the best golf base layers available on the market, make sure it’s definitely cold enough before you decide to wear one. This is because they can be difficult to take off during a round!

Gloves

Whether it’s wet weather gloves, all-weather gloves, some winter golf mittens or a combination of the ones listed, you can’t peg it up in winter without at least one pair of gloves.

Mittens provide that toasty feeling for your hands between shots and you can even put hand warmer packs inside them for extra warmth on really cold days. Away from mittens, there are also all-weather gloves, which can be worn on both hands and provide an alternative solution, as well as offering an element of warmth while staying on for hitting shots.

A specific glove that is always worth having in your bag is a rain glove. These usually provide more grip the wetter they get so, if the heavens open, you should still be able to maintain control of the club while others in your fourball struggle.

Winter Hats And Caps

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Hats are a bit like Marmite when it comes to wearing them on the golf course. Some enjoy wearing them, some despise wearing them. What can't be argued though is that they play an important part in maintaining body heat.

What's more, the best golf hats feature in a host of different styles. These range from beanie hats, bobble hats, waterproof caps or even insulated bucket hats. The material of a golf-specific woolly hat is usually much softer than those you might find on the high street, while bucket hats are useful in the rain if you don’t like to use an umbrella.

Snood

Perhaps one of the most underrated pieces of winter kit is the snood or neck warmer. The neck is generally quite exposed in a traditional outfit and, during winter, you want to try and keep as much of your skin covered up to stay as warm as possible.

They’re generally made of a very soft, fleece-like material to maximise comfort and, while you might think they look a little strange and unnecessary, we’re confident once you try it, it will be one of the pieces of kit you can’t leave the house without in winter and could help you play better golf during the off-season.

Umbrella

Predictably, during the winter, it rains a lot and so having one of the best golf umbrellas is the best first line of defence when it comes to staying as dry as possible. They’re useful for keeping other pieces of kit dry too, like your glove and towel, which you can hang over one of the spokes where you know it won’t be exposed to water. Using one of the best carry bags is an easy way of keeping your clubs dry as you can simply slide your umbrella down one of the dividers when taking your shot.

Winter Golf Shoes/Boots

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Most golf shoes are waterproof these days, but it remains an important point to enforce that you need a sturdy, reliable pair of shoes for the winter. Such is the demand for a pair of the best waterproof golf shoes, companies have even introduced spiked and spikeless pairs of their recognized models.

Personally though, we’d suggest opting for spiked shoes, as they provide the extra grip you’ll need on muddy lies and frozen mats. Another point is making sure the uppers are of a style that is easy to clean, as they’re likely to gather a lot of dirt during the course of a round.

Another bit of advice is that black shoes tend to hide dirt much better. It may be worth investing in a separate, less-expensive pair for winter, so that your favorite premium pair is pristine for the return of competitions in the spring. You could even opt for a winter golf boot for next-level stability and protection.

It's the same story in the golf bag department, with the majority of the best golf bags fully waterproof. Golfing in wet weather is challenging enough without having to deal with sodden grips and soggy gloves. Therefore, a waterproof golf bag will really help you cope better with tough conditions. 

Golf Balls

Sometimes, it can be the little things that make a big difference when playing through the winter months. One useful piece of advice is to consider a pair of winter wheels for your trolley for when it gets really muddy, or switching to a colored ball to make it easier to track in lower light conditions (or if it’s snowing!).

It might also be worth thinking about a change in ball, perhaps opting for a more durable distance model that should also mean less of a drop in yardage off the tee in the colder conditions.

You could also invest in a set of castle tees of the perfect height for your driver as they will be especially useful when hitting off mats. By collating the right set of essentials for your game, it could make all the difference, transforming your round from a slog to an enjoyable experience.