Beat the heat: Your Guide to Keeping Cool Playing Summer Golf
Longer summer days mean more time to get outside and play golf. It also means higher temperatures and stifling humidity. Don’t let the heat & humidity hamper your round of golf. With the right strategies and gear, you can stay cool, comfortable and focused this summer.
Timing & Routing
Tee off early or late. Book sunrise tee times or twilight rounds when temperatures are at their coolest. The course may be less crowded at twilight, too.
If you usually walk, riding in a cart will be less strain on your body in the heat. You may catch a slight breeze riding in the golf cart which can offer some relief. Park that golf cart in the shade whenever you can.
Hydration
Drinking plenty of water regularly is very important. You don’t want to wait until you’re in the sun and feeling hot to start drinking water. Start hydrating the night before or the day of your round.
I like packing a sports drink packed with electrolytes for my round. My favorite brand is Body Armor Lyte, made with coconut water.
You can load your water with flavored electrolytes by adding them in a powder form. I like LMNT packets.
Clothing
Wear moisture wicking, light colored clothes. Dark colors are going to absorb the sunlight whereas light colors reflect them. Protect your arms from the sun with sun sleeves. It might seem weird to wear long sleeves in the hot summer, but the thin white material can actually keep you cooler & protect you from harmful UV rays.
Strongly consider wearing a hat. I prefer a baseball style cap, but a wide brimmed hat is best for getting that extra sun protection. Check out Fore The Girls bucket hat which features a magnet to store your ball marker.
Accessories
The right gear can make your hot summer round much more enjoyable. These are my must-have items for any round 85 degrees or hotter.
Cooling towels - these aren’t just marketing gimmicks. Cooling towels use evaporation technology to keep cold for hours. Wet them, wring them out and drape one around your neck between shots.
Portable rechargeable fans - having your own personal breeze blowing directly on you in the golf cart can make a big difference! These fans are battery powered and can be recharged. They clip directly onto the golf cart.
Cart seat cover - Keep your thighs from sticking to the seat with this slightly stretchy Terry cloth cover. I like this one because it can fit many different styles of golf cart seats.
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Takeaway
Pace yourself - your body will need those extra moments to regulate temperature. Seek shade between shots, making strategic use of the trees. After your round, replenish with the right foods - fruits, water, electrolyte drinks.
Know the signs of overheating. Heat exhaustion is no joke! If you or any of your playing partners is feeling dizzy, nauseous, or getting a headache, head to the clubhouse immediately. No round is worth risking your health.
Grab your cooling towel, fill up your water bottle (with electrolytes!) and get out there. The golf course is waiting, and with these tips, you’ll be confident no matter what the thermometer says. Here’s to hitting the links and staying cool all summer long!
