I’m in southern NJ and until last January I had played golf in NJ for something like 72 consecutive months. I played on February 1st and did not get out in January this year, so the streak was broken I suppose. A few simple guidelines seem to work for me, but again, this ain’t Chicago.
1. Layers are the key, and some of the new textiles, like Under Armor, really create a great base over which you can layer clothes without getting too bound.
2. Walking is an absolute must and a great way to generate body heat. You will be amazed at how warm you can get when walking and carrying, even in very cold temps.
3. Be sure to bring the clubs, shoes, and balls indoors the night before you play. Frozen shoes and frozen balls make for a tough start.
4. Match play is the way to go since frozen fairways and greens can make for some ridiculous shots that make the scorecard moot.
5. This is a good time to throw some of those low compression balls you found last summer into your bag.
6. I don’t use winter gloves, but I do buy a standard golf glove for my right hand (I am right handed). Two gloves is the way to go.
7. One of those pocket ball cleaners is good to have since there are no ball washers and the ball will get filthy. A wet towel will freeze and be of no use.
8. A nip o’ scotch can’t hurt.
Like Kalen, below 20* or too much wind can be a real drag. Playing in snow is interesting, but really only possible in freshly fallen (or falling) powder that barely covers the ground. One of my great golf moments was chipping in a ball for a par from just off the green, and an 89, in my lone and last attempt at breaking 90 in the snow. Chipping in is, of course, the only option since the ball cannot roll in snow for more than a foot or two. Yes, I played winter rules.
Winter golf is one of my true loves. I do not envy those in warmer climates because they do not get to enjoy the blissful solitude of having a course to yourself and your partners, having a match at whatever pace you wish, or even playing the course backwards.
