LOL I guess I'm just a fair weather golfer. I might play when its low-mid 50s if it is 1) sunny 2) windless 3) January if there's a course open. Anything below that or if I've already played recently or have reason to believe I will be able to play soon, no way. So there are some winters where I'm going over four months without touching a club. If I was hardier/crazier I could shorten that time, but I don't want to bother if I need to bundle up like Ralphie's brother in Christmas Story.
Not sure how you're able to play in the snow and ice in WNY, the only time a course opens around here in the winter is if the only snow left is in shadows or melting drifts in hollows, and then only if the ground isn't frozen. Does the course you visit get enough play even on those bad days to be worth staying open, or is the owner/manager out there to run the bar/restaurant that's always open anyway, so he might as well take your money even if you're the only guy out that day?
If it's mid-50s in January/February here, you may need to book a tee time to avoid getting shut-out!
Typically, there are only 2 courses in the Buffalo area that will stay open very late in the season (Terry Hills & Byrncliff). Thus, when the odd warm spell comes along, these two will be packed. Most of the other courses will shut down for the season at a semi-fixed date (one of my favorites closes based on hunting season for liability purposes). I believe there are some in Southern Ontario that stay open all year, but I believe they use temporary greens.
Terry Hills stays open because it has great drainage, and knows it has the reputation of being one of the first to open up. By virtue of supply & demand, they will get enough of the hearty crowd to make it worthwhile. Their restaurant / bar is open on weekends, so they can hope for some feeder business as well.
Byrncliff is a year-round resort which has golf, cross-country skiing, and snowmobile trails, so they'll take whatever feeder business they can get (the owner will be there daily). Honestly, they'd prefer more snow, since the snowmobilers / skiiers will provide a bigger population than the golfers who enjoy playing in the 30s/40s.
As for the hearty / crazy characterization, I guess I can't argue that too much (but being on a website like GCA.com increases the probability of crazy). Fortunately, I have found a group a similar-minded nuts in my area, so the camaraderie takes some of the sting away from a 38 degree day.
About 18 years ago, I received a nylon-lined windbreaker at a charity event that is, by far, the best golf-related acquisition of my lifetime. It's so light that I'm not restricted in the least, and it's black, so it maximizes the benefit of any solar energy. That windbreaker and a turtleneck is battle-proven down to 28 degrees (so no Christmas Story layering). Honestly, I'm just as comfortable playing in 40 degrees as I am when it's 80, so I don't give myself any "weather excuse."
And, if there's a little snow, just break out the fluorescent equipment, like these three nuts (JNC Lyon, myself, Ron Mon):
