The days are getting shorter. It’s cold, wet and windy. And it’s only May.
Winter is coming. And playing golf in winter requires a different approach.
While you can’t control the weather, you can stay warm and dry while braving the elements.
Invest in some of these cool weather essentials to start enjoying the game in the winter months.
RAIN JACKETS
A high-quality rain jacket provides protection from the rain and wind while offering an extra layer to keep you warm.
The best rain jackets are completely waterproof but also breathable, which means they vent internal moisture so it doesn’t get too tropical within the inner sanctum.
Look for a rain jacket that is lightweight yet durable but stretchy enough to allow you to make a free-wheeling shoulder turn.
And choose one with plenty of zippered pockets, because you can never have too many dry storage options when the rain hits.
RAIN PANTS
Rain pants will keep your lower half warm and dry when the golf course isn’t.
Their lightweight and flexible fabric stretches as you walk and swing but there are a couple of options to consider: some rain pants are designed to be worn on their own; others are made for wearing over another pair of pants.
Standalone rain pants generally feature a more tapered fit while the slip-on ones are much baggier and feature zippers on the legs, which makes it quicker to get them on and off while wearing golf shoes.
Many rain jackets also have an accompanying rain pants if you’re keen to double up the style.
QUARTER ZIP PULLOVERS
The quarter zip pullover is a very versatile piece of golf clothing to own.
They are great for layering up on a cold day and most are made from a blend of polyester/elastane that makes them stretchy enough to facilitate a full shoulder turn.
They are also thin enough to comfortably wear under a rain jacket but still offer enough warmth to pair with a polo shirt on cooler and drier days.
BASE LAYERS
If you’re the kind of golfer who loves sweeping the dew off the greens at sunrise on a winter’s morning, you’ll appreciate the benefits of wearing a quality base layer.
Worn under a polo, a long-sleeved base layer is like an insulation blanket for your body.
Made from a highly flexible polyester/elastane fabric blend, a base layer traps heat against your skin to prevent the freezing morning air from giving you goosebumps.
Many premium base layers also feature wicking technology, which helps remove pent-up moisture away from the skin.
And that’ll keep you cosy and warm without feeling sweaty and gross.
RAIN GLOVES
Golf is hard. When it’s wet, it gets even harder.
And when you have wet hands, it’s nearly impossible.
Regular golf gloves simply don’t cut it when it’s hosing down. And there are only so many times you can wipe a grip down with a towel before the moisture level reaches critical mass.
In those conditions, wet weather rain gloves are your only option to get a secure grip.
They get grippier the wetter they are, come in a pair and are both flexible and breathable.
And when you’re swinging in the rain that’s the confidence booster you need to keep the club from slipping out of your hands.
UMBRELLAS
The humble brolly is your first stage of defence when the rain starts tumbling down.
Look for one that has a double canopy to prevent it getting blown inside out in gusty conditions and make sure it is lightweight and easy to stow in your bag when not in use.
Like most things you get what you pay for: premium umbrellas rarely fail when you really need them.
BEANIES
It’s a well-known fact that most of your body’s warmth escapes through your head.
So crowning your bonce with a beanie is a very effective way of keeping your entire body warm.
There are plenty of golf-branded beanies to choose from, including those ones with a pom pom on top.
But a word of warning about beanies: be careful about pairing them with Ugg boots off the course. If you do, you may be mistaken for a Port Adelaide supporter.
MITTENS
Mittens are a common sight on the ski slopes but keen winter golfers have been using them for years.
They are an essential item for keeping hands toasty warm for an early tee time.
And if you’re a regular dawn patrol golfer, they’ll keep your fingers limber in between shots.
Sure, you might have to put up with a few “where’s your snowboard?” jibes but it’s a small price to pay to make your mid-winter round enjoyable.
NECK WARMERS
Neck warmers are probably more associated with a lift pass than a green free.
But we promise you won’t regret wearing one on a wet and wild day at the golf course.
A neck warmer takes comfort to another level by providing an added layer of protection from the elements.
It blocks out wind while also stopping the drizzle of rain that can occasionally find its way down the collar of a rain jacket.
A neck warmer is also called a snood if you prefer to use that terminology. We won’t judge, we promise.
WATERPROOF GOLF SHOES
Is there anything worse than having cold, wet feet on the golf course?
Trampling through sodden fairways and saturated rough will test how “waterproof” your golf shoes really are.
And if your golf shoes aren’t waterproof, it’s time to sort yourself out before winter hits.
Waterproof golf shoes can be either leather and synthetic, but make sure you choose one that fits snugly to keep the rain from seeping in through any gaps around the heel.
Modern golf shoes are ultra-flexible and dry out incredibly quickly.
And whether you prefer wearing spiked or spikeless golf shoes, both options provide enough grip on wet grass to keep you stable.
RAIN COVERS
A rain cover is a cheap and effective way of keeping your clubs dry when you’re playing in the rain.
It’s like a raincoat for your bag and the best rain covers attach securely to your golf bag but are easy to put on and take off.
GOLF TOWELS
If the heavens are forecast to open, you’ll need towels… the more, the better.
Use them to wipe down your grips, golf balls, club faces and hands to keep everything dry and free from mud.
Pro tip: hang your towel on the inside of your umbrella. It might look like you’re doing the laundry but it’ll keep your towel dry.