Playing Golf in Cold Weather: 7 Must-Know Tips to Stay Warm and Score Well
The golf season never feels as long as it should be. Squeezing in those extra golf days can make it so much easier to start your season strong and play golf all winter long.
Winter golf can be enjoyable. I’ve played a lot of it growing up, but it all comes down to preparation. You have to be prepared for what is to come when you are out on the course.
Here are the best tips that professionals use to shoot low scores in the winter, how to stay comfortable and warm, and be consistent.
Playing Golf in Cold Weather (Key Takeaways)
Playing golf in cold weather may need a slight adjustment in your mindset. Chances are, you will not shoot the lowest round you ever shot when the temperatures are less than ideal, but you can still enjoy a good round.
- Always ensure you have extra layers of clothing in your golf bag, ways to keep your hands warm, and a towel.
- Play with a lower-compression golf ball that allows you to get a few extra yards of distance when the weather isn’t great.
- Walk the golf course to create some extra warmth; taking a cart actually makes you colder.
- Choose the perfect time of the day to play golf and learn to control the ball flight of your shots to be a better player.
How to Play Golf in Cold Weather
Here are the only 7 tips you need to play golf in cold weather so you can still score great and have fun.
1. What do you want to improve in your full swing?
Dress in Layers
Layers are very important to wear on the golf course.
The interesting part about golf is that you are on the golf course for so long that you will have to deal with a variety of weather conditions. The temperatures may start in the high 30s and increase to the high 40s by the time you get to the 10th hole.
Having a wide variety of gear to wear will make all the difference.
Start with a long-sleeve underlayer that helps keep you warm. Layer on a long or short-sleeved golf shirt. Next, add something like a quarter zip or golf sweater. On top, wear a golf jacket of some sort.
You would be surprised how many layers you can add to your golf wardrobe and the impact it will have on your ability to stay comfortable on the course.
Grab Some Extra Time on the Range
Warming up in the cold takes a lot longer. Similar to your car, it’s important to give your body a little extra time to warm up on those cold days on the driving range.
Also, do some stretching before your round to ensure that you are not setting yourself up for injury.
When you head to the driving range, spend your first 20 shots on shorter half swings where you get yourself turning and rotating. Work your way up through the bag until you get to the driver.
Ripping the driver out of the bag and swinging for the fences won’t warm up your body, and it may injure you.
For an interactive guide on structuring your range session and drills to work on at the driving range, check out our driving range practice plan!
Change the Golf Ball
Play with a lower-compression golf ball in the cold weather.
Golf balls don’t fly as far in the cold; we have proven this through extensive testing with launch monitors and golf ball data. To hit the ball a long way, you need to be able to compress it more effectively.
- For higher swing speed players—Switch from a 4- or 3-piece golf ball down to a 2-piece golf ball.
- For lower swing speed players—Choose a softer feel two-piece distance golf ball.
Prepare the Golf Bag
Your golf bag must be packed with everything you need for a day out on the golf course in the cold.
Things to include are:
- An extra towel
- Gloves
- Handwarmers
- Low-compression golf balls
- Layers of clothes
- Hat
The clothing you choose needs to be warm, but it also has to allow you to swing your golf club with ease. The problem with your regular winter sweatshirts, hats, and sweaters is that they will restrict your swing.
Focus on a Good Strike
Making consistent contact with the golf ball is challenging in cold weather. Leading up to the cold-weather golf season, you will want to work on the consistency of your ball striking.
You won’t hit your longest drives in the cold, and you have to adjust to poor course conditions and a stiff body. However, if you learn to focus on hitting shots with a square clubface, you will be able to play some decent golf.
Use HackMotion to help you feel in real time what a square clubface at impact can do for your game.
Keep Your Tempo
The golf ball does not go as far when you play winter golf. Therefore, it makes sense to focus more on your tempo, timing, and even your fundamentals.
Don’t worry so much about hitting the longest shots of your life or shooting the best scores.
Golf course conditions won’t be nearly as good, and the course is going to beat you up a little. Instead, keep tempo at the forefront of your mind, make a good swing, strike the ball with a square clubface, and be happy you are spending time out on the course in the winter.
Know Your Limits
Sometimes, the weather is just too cold.
You have to find what temperature works for you, where it is cold but bearable out on the golf course. For many golfers, this is right around that 40-degree Fahrenheit temperature. If it gets colder than this, and then you factor in a little wind, the course conditions are harsh.
Also, look for days when the sun is shining, and be aware that on those days, you may be able to tolerate colder temperatures.
The thing to watch out for, if you ignore your limits, is sloppy golf, where you start making unnecessary swing changes.
1. What do you want to improve in your full swing?
FAQs
How much distance will I lose in cold weather, and how should I adjust for it?
Expect roughly 2-5% loss of carry for every 10°F drop below about 70°F, plus additional loss if you’re wearing more layers or the ground is soft. In 40–50°F weather, many players see one to two clubs less distance.
Club up, favor a smoother tempo, and prioritize solid contact. Consider a lower-compression ball and a slightly lower, penetrating flight.
What should I wear to stay warm without feeling restricted?
Use a light, layered system, starting with a thin base that offers moisture-wicking properties. Your mid-layer should be a stretchy fleece or a lightweight, insulated vest/jacket. The outer layer could be a windproof/water-resistant jacket or vest.
How do winter course conditions affect strategy and etiquette?
Expect firmer greens in the morning (with more release) and potentially softer later (with less roll). Bunkers may be crusty, so consider more bump-and-runs or putting from fringe lies.
Local “winter rules” (preferred lies) are common—check the scorecard or ask a shop attendant. Snow/natural ice may be treated as temporary water or a loose impediment (ask the staff/Committee for local guidance).
Final Thoughts
Don’t give up golf in the cold weather. You can extend your golf season by months on either end if you’re smart about preparing for the cold weather.
Even if you don’t want to play, you can get some good practice in using Hackmotion on the range. The system makes personalized suggestions to help all aspects of your game.
You may be surprised by how enjoyable cold-weather golf is, especially when you see how empty the golf courses and practice areas are.
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