WINTER GOLF: How to make the most of it
Lady Golfer Consulting Editor Mickey Walker offers 10 tips to enjoy your golfing winter and become a better player by spring...
MANY golfers dread the onset of British winters. I can empathise with all of you who hate winter golf, so I’ve put together a few ideas to help make it more enjoyable and productive.
I do hope it gives you food for thought as to how you can better enjoy your golf this winter. For some, it is a question of just keeping our games ticking over, but others see it as an opportunity to put in some serious work on improving our games.
Whatever your motivation remember to have fun!
Take some lessons
THE winter really is the best time to take lessons. You may well be playing in a winter knockout league or fun events, but the bulk of competitions are going to take place between spring and autumn. If an area of your technique needs changing, now is the time to do it when you have the time to work on it without the pressure of competing.
Also, many professionals offer discounts during the winter for buying a course of lessons.
Take a scarf with you
TAKE a thin towel or scarf with you to wear around your neck. No matter how good waterproofs are, in torrential rain, water inevitably runs down your neck, thus wetting you from inside out, so to speak!
By wearing something that absorbs moisture, your clothing under your waterproofs stays dry, and as a consequence you also stay warmer.
Invest in some decent waterproofs
IT’S best to be prepared. Nowadays waterproofs are stylish, designed to accommodate the swing, and can be lightweight or add warmth as well as dryness.
All reputable manufacturers offer guarantees so although waterproofs represent a significant investment, they are an absolute essential.
Remember they can also be used for other outdoor activities, so bear that in mind.
Waterproof gloves
THESE really do allow you to keep your grip on the club no matter how extreme the conditions. It is all very well recommending keeping a dry towel under your umbrella, but often this isn’t practical unless you have a caddy.
Invest in some thermal underwear, socks and gloves
SOME of us really suffer with the cold, especially our hands and feet. Thermal underwear, socks and gloves can make all the difference.
Another good way of keeping warm is to have a pair of mitts, large enough to easily slip your hands in between shots and put some handwarmers in them.
Analyse your game
NOW is the time to sit back and reflect on what areas of your game need attention. Often when we’re playing, we get emotional about our golf, and are unable to objectively look at which areas of our play are holding us back.
If you find it hard to be objective about your game, perhaps ask one of your golfing buddies to give you an honest appraisal.
A word of caution though if you do this – be prepared. Sometimes it can be hurtful to hear the truth!
Have fun!
WE all enjoy ourselves in different ways, so try to come up with ways that are right for you to keep swinging and for it to be a pleasure rather than a chore over the winter.
I’m competitive, so need an element of competition to keep myself motivated.
Join in the winter competitions, take advantage of some of the many winter offers that most clubs offer during the winter, get three of your friends and have a day out, or if your budget allows, plan a week away in Europe, where the courses are in good condition throughout the winter and the weather generally much better than here.
Get fitter
WORKING on fitness if you are overweight or aware that you don’t have much stamina is a no-brainer. I know that Madeleine Winnett struggles with working on her fitness, but it’s all about creating a programme that is compatible with your lifestyle and thinking.
Don’t, as I’ve done on several occasions, take out a costly gym membership and then give up after an initial surge of enthusiasm.
It may be that going out with a friend for a brisk walk several times a week is all you need, or join an aerobics class, or buy an exercise bike – this works for me, as I schedule using my bike to coincide with something I enjoy watching on TV.
Work on your thinking
I PLAY with very few amateurs (and pros!) who have an attitude that is conducive to producing their best golf. Most of us really can’t see how we sabotage ourselves by our thinking before, or reactions after a shot.
Gail Smirthwaite offers some excellent advice on how to improve your thinking.
If you recognise that your thinking could do with improvement I also recommend reading Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriott’s book Every Shot Must Have a Purpose and also Zen Golf: Mastering The Mental Game, by Dr Joseph Parent.
Visit your local driving range
SOME golfers hate driving ranges with a vengeance. I happen to think that, used sensibly, they are a godsend in winter. They tend to be warmer than practising in the open air and you haven’t got to collect your own balls.
Most ranges have some sort of catering, so why not go along with a few friends and reward yourself after your practice with a nice mug of something hot.
Have a putting competition and the loser buys the drinks.