We all know golfing in winter isn't always ideal, with cold weather, shorter spans of daylight and a heightened chance of rain, sleet and snow.
That doesn’t mean we still can’t enjoy a few decent rounds, though! Try to keep your hands warm and wrap up with some quality base layers and golf outerwear and you’re good to go.
But what do we do when we arrive for a game early on a winter morning, only to find the fairways frozen solid?
When the thermometers are at their lowest, it’s a common problem. However, there are subtle yet important alterations we can make to our game to give ourselves the best shot at a low score, while also doing our part for golf courses themselves.
From choosing the right golf clubs from our golf bags to simple common sense, here are a few things you should look out for if you want to play golf on frozen fairways.
Elements to consider when playing on frozen fairways
Golf club selection
Playing golf when the ground is completely frozen is different from playing golf at any other time of year.
Not only is it a lot colder and feels different underfoot, but it also significantly impacts the distance our golf balls travel.
On standard fairways, your ball will benefit from considerable bounce after hitting the ground. The grass usually offers a surprising amount of sponginess on impact.
When playing on frozen fairways? This sponginess is nowhere to be found and it often looks like your ball has landed on solid concrete.
This has its benefits, though, and can help your ball travel several yards further than expected, if desired.
Which is why, when playing on frozen ground, you may want to consider using different golf clubs than you're used to, just in case you hit the ball too far.
Were you looking at playing one of your fairway woods? Perhaps one of your long irons would be a better choice.
Or how about a short iron? You might get away with using one of your golf wedges.
The more winter golf you play and the more you analyse your distances, the better your club selection will be in frozen conditions.
Golf ball selection
You may also wish to consider which golf balls to use when playing on frozen fairways and greens.
Of course, if there is a layer of white frost or light snow on the ground, it’s a good idea to use a different coloured ball, like a yellow golf ball, to make it more visible and less likely to lose.
However, you may also want to consider the firmness of your ball.
Depending on their construction, golf balls are usually classed on the harder or softer side.
Harder golf balls will only amplify the effects of frozen ground, meaning the ball will likely travel further and, potentially, too far.
Softer golf balls, on the other hand, will compress slightly on impact with the ground, lessening the effects. So these may be a wise move depending on your playing style.
Pro tip: If you want your ball flight to be as long as possible and gain a few extra yards in winter weather, do your best to keep your golf balls warm – it makes all the difference!
Only play winter greens
Greens are the most delicate part of the golf course. Coincidentally, they’re also the area where players spend the most time on average!
When the ground is frozen, an icy winter green is far more susceptible to damage caused by golf shoes and even minor scrapes from putters.
The pressure of our feet can cause indentations and punctures that take hours for greenkeepers to fix. So, when the ground is in this condition, the usual greens are best avoided.
Thankfully, by the time of year, these conditions come around, winter golf rules are in effect and winter greens are usually open for business. These are secondary greens designed for use during the winter months, to preserve the original greens for as long as possible.
Explore winter golf clothing, equipment and more at Clarkes Golf
If you’re still in need of a few items to fill out your winter golfing wardrobe, we have everything you need for your next golf game and more here at Clarkes Golf.
From insulating golf scarves and hats to chic golf gilets and golf jackets, you’ll have all the right apparel to stay warm and comfy this winter golf season.
Take a look at our selection at the links above, or speak to a member of the Clarkes Golf team if you need a helping hand with your order.
And don’t forget about our price promise guarantee; if you find an item listed elsewhere for cheaper, simply let us know and we’ll be happy to match the price!