How To Stay Cool Playing Golf

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Beat the Heat While Golfing In High Temperatures

Golfing in hot weather can be dangerous if you are not prepared. I learned a few Summers ago what that was like.

It was not fun as I came home with a parched mouth, a pounding headache, skin that was hot to the touch and some dizziness.

The key I have learned to staying cool and safe and being able to complete a round of golf as comfortably as possible (in 90 + degree heat) is preparation and awareness.

I am much more conscious of any heatwaves that are in the forecast. Crazy as this sounds, when the temperature looks like it will be in the 90 – 100+ degree range, I start a day before preparing.

Here are some tips to staying cool while golfing in a heatwave.

1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!

This is by far one of the most important things you can do when playing golf in hot weather.

If you know you are golfing and high temperatures are coming, start hydrating the day before with lots of water.

This provides a good base to start with.

Once you are dehydrated, especially out on the golf course in the heat, it is really hard for your body to catch up.

It is also extremely important to continue hydrating when you are out on the golf course.

In these hot temperatures, I drink at least 32 ounces of water just on the front 9 and refill my water bottle with ice-cold water at the turn.

2. Replenish with Electrolytes

When you sweat, you lose not only water but also salt and electrolytes.

These need to be replenished so your body can function properly. There are many sports drinks on the market like Gatorade that have electrolytes however, these contain a large amount of sugar. If you want to avoid the sugar load, try adding something like Nuun tablets or even as simple as a pinch of sea salt to your water bottle.

These are amazing and I'm not sure how I previously played golf or tennis in hot weather without these!

Nuun Tablets

3. Wear Golf Clothes & Accessories To Keep You Cool

Performance Tech Golf Clothes With UPF 50+

Who wants to be in sticky hot heavy clothing on a hot humid day. Um, no thank you – not me.

Golf clothes have come a long way since I started golfing. Back then I wore heavy cotton pleated khakis and heavy cotton polo shirts. The synthetic fabrics used today are so efficient at keeping golfers much cooler.

To combat the hot temperatures, you can now find loose-fitting, light-colored performance golf clothing. Look for clothing that mentions "wicking", or "wicks away moisture" or "quick drying". These are the fabrics that will help keep you dry in hot weather or if you sweat a lot.

I really like the feel of a wicking golf shirt as they are lightweight, really comfortable and is quick drying so sweat doesn't stick to my skin.

Make sure to select UPF clothing if you can to help with sun protection. Many brands are now offering UPF 30+ sun protection in most of their fabrics.

Golf Skorts and Shorts

A golf skort is such a wonderful addition to golf fashion today. Basically a "skort" is a skirt with built in lightweight or mesh shorts underneath.

You can wear shorts as well, although I personally prefer a skort versus shorts if you are choosing between the two. For me, shorter shorts tend to ride up a bit and longer shorts tend to stick to my skin and are not as breathable or airy as a skort can be.

Trust me, it makes a difference on a hot humid day.

I like the new fabrics on skorts for golfing in hot weather. This Golftini Pull-On Tech Skort is a great example.

If you want something more affordable and light, I wear these Ekouaer skorts on Amazon. In fact, I just purchased about 3 more in different patterns and colors as I love them.

Note: they look a little short here, but they actually fit nicely with enough coverage for golf.

I've even worn these skorts off the golf course running errands, going out to lunch and around the house!

Choosing the right skort material is important as these skorts have a nice cool fabric that are not clingy in the heat.

Sun Hats for Golf

Wearing a hat in golf is a must. For sun protection as well as shielding your eyes from the sun's rays when hitting a golf ball. There are many you can wear, just be sure that on a hot day, you find one that has good airflow.

I purchased a hat once that had a nice wide brim, but the airflow was terrible and my head felt like it was baking underneath. Here's more on Best Hats for Sun Protection.

Moisture Wicking Socks

Yes, even wearing the right socks can make a difference. Try the tech socks with moisture wicking so your feet stay dry and as cool as can be in your shoes.

Light Breathable Golf Shoes

Golf shoes have come a long way with the many different fabrics you can wear on your feet.

I have a pair of leather golf shoes I wear for wet weather and also a pair of athletic sneaker-type golf shoes from skechers that I love. And the great thing is they have a breathable mesh that keeps my feet a bit more cooler on a hot day.

Mesh or Cabretta Leather Golf Gloves

Wearing a golf glove or 2 golf gloves like I do gets pretty hot in the warmer temperatures.

I like golf gloves that are light, soft, and not as heavy and restrictive. My go-to are gloves made of cabretta leather like these golf gloves by Nailed Golf. This brand also has tipless gloves which can be another way to add breathability.

I have also seen many ladies wearing mesh golf gloves. Here is a good quality mesh glove by Footjoy.

4. Take Shade

Be sure to take cover and find shade when you can. Usually it is when I am waiting for my partners to hit their ball that I look for shady areas nearby.

Shade can provide a nice break from the beating sun and can feel like it's 10 degrees cooler.

Ride in a Cart

Riding in a cart will provide you a lot of shade. If the temperatures are going to hit 95 or higher, I usually take a riding cart because my course has some hills and not much shade along the course. The breeze from riding in the cart is nice, not having to walk in the high heat, and that you can be partially shaded will help to keep you much cooler.

Carry a Golf Umbrella

If you are walking, try attaching a golf umbrella to your pushcart. It can make a huge difference. Many pushcart brands sell accessories like umbrella attachments. My clicgear brand has this umbrella attachment.

Here is my golf umbrella from Amazon fits well with my pushcart which I just added this year as I'm trying to also be more sun protective.

Having this coverage provides such relief from the sun and makes a huge difference!!

5. Use Cooling Golf Accessories

Cooling Towel

I love and swear by these cooling towels.

I used to live in the Washington DC area of the US, which can get really hot and humid in the summers.

When I discovered these amazing cooling towels, it was a game-changer for me. These are like magic for cooling you off!

I saw someone wearing it around their neck like a scarf on one of the hottest days and come to find out, it was actually cooling them off.

Be sure to soak them with water (the colder the better), wring it out and somehow the airflow with them creates a coolness that is much needed on any hot day.

Golf Coolers

If you are riding in a cart, you have the space to bring a small cooler with extra drinks and ice. The ice is great to have to dip your cooling towel in (above) and to keep your beverages and any snacks cool.

We have one of these cooler bags and it works great.

If you want a more heavy duty cooler that keeps everything cold and even the ice from melting for the whole day (maybe even a couple of days), try a Yeti cooler.

It will last a long time and you can use for other day long activities like camping, hunting, fishing, picnics and boating.

Golf Cart Fans

When you are riding in a cart or walking with a pushcart, bring a long a portable clip fan that you can clip on to your golf cart.

It provides instant air. On a hot humid still day, just a little air flow or slight breeze can have a wonderful cooling effect.

SkyGenius Clip Fan

Golf Cart Seat Covers

Let's talk about the hot seats of a golf cart. Ouch.

When I am wearing shorts or a skirt, the vinyl golf cart seats can get burning hot and can make you sweat as well.

Enter in golf cart seat covers. I saw a few ladies at the golf course I play using these and I thought "what a great idea". This particular seat cover one is light for a hot blazing day and is reversible as well for a colder wet day on the golf course.

Classic Accessories Golf Cart Seat Cover

I also recently read about something called "Chilly Cheeks" to help keep your bottom and tush cool. Anything goes when keeping you cool on the golf course!

Chilly Cheeks – Cooling Seat Cushion for a Motorized Riding Golf Cart

Insulated Water Bottle

Bring a water bottle that keeps your water ice cold. It is a great way to keep your body cooler and feeling good on those hot golf days. I swear by my Swell or Yeti water bottles. These are insulated that can keep water cold for your time on the golf course.

I like the Swell bottles when I am walking with a pushcart because they aren't too bulky or heavy and still keep the water ice cold.

Just put a few pieces of ice in the bottle before your round or during and it will stay that way for hours.

If I am riding in a cart, I take a larger Hydroflask, which is heavier and bulkier, but it holds more water in it. I purchased this for my daughter who was going hiking in Death Valley in 110+ degrees and she was really happy to have had it.

Kept her drink perfectly cold for the whole day.

6. Be Careful and Be Aware of Any Signs or Symptoms

The first time I was hit with heat exhaustion, I was not aware that it could be dangerous.

Be sure to know that if you start feeling the symptoms of heat-related illnesses like heat stroke and heat exhaustion, you need to stop playing and go to a cooler place preferably indoors with air conditioning.

Watch for symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, headache, or muscle cramps.

The CDC has a complete list here. It is always better to be on the safe side and to be aware and prepared.

Related Posts:

Best Golf Hats for Sun Protection

Best Golf Shoes for Women

Practice Tips You Can Do At Home

Golfing in Hot Weather

How To Stay Cool Playing Golf

Source: https://lynnonthelinks.com/golfing-in-hot-weather/

Posted by: dunnyourron.blogspot.com

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