Winter is here!

Cold, wet and windy! Not the most appealing conditions in which to play golf and indeed I am not sure you should play in extreme conditions. The physical challenges are, in themselves, a significant challenge but the mental effort required to apply technique and process is beyond most club players. That said there is much that can be done to minimise the effects of bad weather and to ensure that what ever benefits that can be derived from a period of an enforced lack of play 1. Get fit for golf. Just a few short minutes, 3-4 times a week, increasing flexibility, improving static and dynamic stability will have huge benefits.   Many/most golfers lose length and accuracy because they lose the ability to turn and yet it’s a very simply process to maintain/improve the range of flexibility. Little more than a Swiss ball is required. As a qualified CHEK Institute Golf Conditioning Coach I am able to design programmes that will improve flexibility, static/dynamic stability and more which will definitely improve performance.   2. Clothing. It’s easier to remove clothing because one is too hot rather than try and increase layers because you are too cold. There’s the secret. Apply layers. Today’s clothing can be superb and need not be too restrictive. That’s not to say it’s cheap, the best gear isn’t, but it is effective. Have your golf mitts warm (use the hand warmer blocks),  make sure you wear insulated socks and, often over looked, don’t be afraid to wear a neck warmer/scarf these things don’t have to be bulky or overly restrictive and in any event you must be accepting of any physical restrictions.   3. Make extra preparations to keep equipment clean and dry. This obviously isn’t easy but with careful planning it can be better managed. Use a waterproof bag cover. Play in winter/wet gloves and have a couple of back up towels.   Above all have a process to remove, use and replace clubs. Putting back into the bag wet isn’t going to help.   4. Take a few extra minutes to acclimatise yourself to the conditions and accept the limits the conditions will place on performance. Jack Nicholas used to dismiss challengers on the practice ground who made negative comments about conditions. He always assumed that they were struggling before they had hit a ball. He was usually right. Set realistic expectations. If conditions mean certain holes play a shot, or two, longer then so be it. The par of your course is determined by the length of each hole. It makes no allowance for conditions. Set your own par based on your ability to manage conditions. It’s the same for everyone.   Finally, be prepared for the game to take longer. You decided to play, you can’t change the conditions but you can increase your chances of being in the process.  It’s not easy but can be rewarding. Just don’t get cold and wet!