Tyler Clark - Backswing
Staying Warm on the Course
By
Jan 9, 2008 - 2:21:00 PM

 Playing year-round can be tough if the cold weather doesn’t suit you.  I grew up in Upstate New York where the rule was if there wasn’t snow on the ground, you played.
Remember two main things to keep warm, your hands and your head.  Use hand warmers in your pockets or buy some oversized cart mittens to wear in between shots.  Keeping your hands warm will keep the feeling in your hands and your game won’t suffer as much.  Most of your heat is lost through your head, so keep it covered.  A fleece cap will suffice and this will make the day more enjoyable. 

Dress in layers!  Start with long johns and keep layering depending on the temperature.  The most you should need is a turtleneck and a sweater over the first layer and a wind jacket for the outermost layer.  Layering will allow you to remove and then replace as the temperature of the day changes.  The main thing to pay attention to on cold days is the wind.  If it isn’t windy, it won’t feel as cold and vice versa.  

As you are playing, understand that you will hit the ball shorter for a couple reasons.  Cold air makes the ball fly shorter.  I didn’t pay attention enough in Physics to know the exact reasons why.  Also, the extra clothing will inhibit your swing, making you hit the ball with less force and therefore not as far.  Take one or two extra clubs and make an easy swing.  Just try to strike the ball solidly and you should have better results.  The main objective is to keep your game sharp through the cold periods and to be ready for the long summer.  

Remember that if the hat is ugly enough, you just might get a free bowl of soup with it.

Tyler Clark, PGA
Contact Tyler with any questions at 748-7770 or via email at tclark@ironbridgesportspark.com.

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