Course Management · Tip
Playing Golf When It's Cold
Part of our course management programs for wind and weather. Build a program with it
Cold days need a few changes. Keep your hands warm between shots with mittens or winter gloves. Slip them off to swing. Dress in layers. Start a little cool, because you'll warm up walking. Too many clothes restrict your swing. Near the green, stay close to the ground with a putter or a bump-and-run. The ground will be firm, so expect more bounce and roll. Don't count on approach shots stopping. Land them short of the pin.
Step by step
- Wear mittens between shots.
- Layer up, starting slightly cool.
- Putt or bump-and-run near the green.
- Expect firm ground and extra roll.
- Land approaches short.
Why it works
Cold muscles and cold hands lose feel, so keeping your hands warm between shots protects your touch for the swing. Bulky clothing blocks your shoulder turn, so thin layers let you rotate freely and still stay warm. Cold ground is firm, so the ball bounces higher and rolls farther, and low shots that roll are easier to judge than high shots that must stop.
Common mistakes
- Wearing a thick jacket or too many layers that restrict your turn.Use thin layers and start slightly cool, then check that you can make a full shoulder turn before you play.
- Keeping your hands in your pockets or bare to the air between shots.Wear mittens or winter gloves between shots and slip them off only for the swing.
- Aiming approach shots at the pin and expecting them to stop.Pick a landing spot short of the pin and let the ball bounce and roll to the hole.
How you'll know it's working
- You can complete a full backswing and finish without your clothing pulling or catching.
- Your approach shots land short of the pin and roll out toward it instead of running past the green.
- Your hands still feel their grip and the club at address, even late in the round.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Use a putter from just off the green and treat the roll as the main part of the shot.
Harder: Play a bump-and-run from a tighter lie or a longer distance and pick the exact landing spot to control how far the ball rolls.
Common questions
Why does the ball go shorter in cold weather?
Cold air is denser and a cold ball compresses less, so the ball often flies a little shorter. Firm ground can still make it roll farther once it lands.
What should I wear to play golf in the cold?
Wear thin layers that let you turn freely, and start a little cool because you will warm up as you walk. Keep mittens or winter gloves on between shots.
