Why You Lose 15 Yards In Winter (And How to Get It Back)

Are you stepping up to the first tee in December and instantly realising you’ve lost two clubs of distance? While temperature plays a role in how far the ball flies, and there are clever ways you can adapt your golf bag for winter, how you dress for those cooler days on the course is likely the main reason.

Below are some of the most simple ways you can prepare yourself properly, so you can claim those lost yards back when you head out onto the golf course this winter.

A Cold Body Means Slower Swings

The secret to winter golf is smart heat retention, and that starts from the top down. Firstly, you’ve got to stop letting heat escape from your head, and a high-quality bobble hat should be your first method of defence.

I’d always opt for a fleece-lined option for extra warmth and comfort so you don’t have to deal with that itchy feeling you can sometimes get from a wool and cotton blend.

From there, we move on to the upper half. While a thick, woollen sweater may seem like a good idea to combat the cold and it may well do a solid job away from the golf course, you’ll want to ditch that and opt for something thin and stretchy.

The best golf hoodies provide a modern-classic look, giving you the warmth of a traditional golf sweater and exceptional mobility as the cleverly designed fabric is engineered to give you complete freedom throughout the swing. They also pair just as well with a pair of jeans and trainers away from the course.

While the hoodie is a lovely layering piece, a purpose-built winter golf jacket is where you’re going to want to turn if it’s a particularly cold morning. The soft, thick linings offer so much comfort and warmth that you could actually just wear this alongside a polo shirt.

The bonus of a couple of zipped pockets means you can always keep your hands warm while you stroll on the course, but throw a couple of hand warmers in there, and you’re set to tackle the coldest of days.

Keeping Dry Is A Necessity

Having a reliable set of waterproofs that are lightweight, easily stowable, and provide plenty of stretch is an absolute must when tackling the winter months.

Purpose-built waterproof jackets and rain trousers are the perfect set to keep you dry without restricting mobility, meaning you’re not leaving any yards on the table that you may do with other, less technical waterproof garments.

Lots of golfers neglect breathability and mobility when it comes to waterproofs, and end up overheating or simply having to nudge the ball around the course, making ¾ swings.

Having golf waterproofs that offer that freedom of movement means you’re simply making performance gains over anyone who isn’t investing in solid waterproofs when the weather turns for the worse.

Create Power From The Ground Up

The last step in minimising distance loss during the winter is choosing the correct footwear. Power in the golf swing is largely created through ground reaction forces. Being able to push properly off the ground to propel the rest of your body is vital to getting the most speed out of the club and therefore sending the ball further - something that’s vital when the ground is soft, and the ball isn’t traveling quite as far.

Because of the soft, wet, and often muddy ground, wearing the correct footwear that creates traction is massively important. You’ll want to opt for spiked golf shoes over spikeless shoes you may choose to wear in the summer.

The best waterproof shoes also have the practicality of keeping your feet as dry and comfortable as possible, even if you have no choice but to brave the elements on the course. The last thing you need is footwear that offers no stability when making a swing and having to trudge round with wet feet for 18 holes.

Cleated soles provide a serious amount of traction, regardless of how soft the ground gets, and to negate any drop-off in distance in inclement weather, you’ll want to push off the ground throughout the swing to maintain solid swing speed.

Hopefully these quick tips will help you plan, stay dry and comfortable, and most importantly, gain those 15 yards back off the tee that you may have been sacrificing before!