By Eileen Klink
We Southern Californians can brag all we want about our great weather, but the reality is that many winter mornings are often near freezing. While some golfers won’t venture out for a round if they catch a glimpse of their breath in the air (spoiled Californian syndrome), I’m not going to skip the fun of a good golf match, team play or guest day during the cooler months. And you don’t have to miss out, either.
I am fortunate to have customers and golf buddies from colder parts of our country who happily contributed to this story. Yes, the same friends that snicker at our weather resistance are here to help! From them, I have discovered many cold weather products that Southern California golfers need to get up to speed on. Their secret is simple: be prepared.
The most obvious advice: Dress in layers to stay warm. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat away from your skin, add an insulating layer for warmth, and finish with a windproof and waterproof outer layer.
A good base is most important. My single-digit handicap customer, Doris, from Arizona, (who is not afraid of the cold), swears by the 32degrees.com website to find light, mid-weight and heavy weight tops and bottoms. Their offerings are value priced (love that) and are moisture wicking, 4-way stretch, anti-odor and anti-static.
If you prefer natural fibers, Tracey, a most knowledgeable blogger (TheWomanGolfer.com), suggests Merino Tech for wool base layers that regulate body temperature and are naturally odor-resistant. You can stay smelling fresh even after a grueling round. Go to Merino.tech or find them on Amazon.com.
Get creative with your insulating layers. My friend Carol, from Colorado, swears by stylish turtlenecks from Renwicksport.com.
For reasonably priced cashmere my friend Michelle from San Diego suggests visiting the Quince.com website. Check out the Mongolian Cashmere crewneck sweater offered in 17 colors.
For your laying finish, my Skorzie.com customers lap up anything from Sunice.com that shows up on my website. Their Performance Layer System offerings help golfers perform their very best in all weather conditions, and they look great too. Visit Sunice.com to see their entire line.
My golf buddy Nicole introduced me to Ororo Wear and their UL-rechargeable battery heated apparel. This company started in the mid-west, where they know what cold weather is. They offer vests, jackets, gloves and mittens that heat up at a press of a button and keep you warm for hours. I like that they stand by the heating elements with a three-year warranty. Heated apparel is a golf game changer, and you can find them at www.Ororowear.com.
Today I played in low 50-degree weather and my Southern California raised hands began to go numb. My bad. I forgot to bring my OCOOPA rechargeable portable hand warmers. They are one of the best golf gifts I have ever received (thanks Dori). Keep them charged and ready from November through February, then stash these nifty warmers in jacket pockets. They are less wasteful than disposables, charge quickly, heat up to 131 degrees and can be reused hundreds of times – and are reasonably priced.
I don’t golf with gloves, but when it’s seriously cold, just about all my buddies wear the thermal ones. They provide warmth and a secure grip in extreme cold, windy and wet conditions. Plus, many are sold as pairs. There are several good ones on the market. Polls of my playing partners say the I don’t golf with gloves, but when it’s seriously cold, just about all my buddies wear the thermal ones. They provide warmth and a secure grip in extreme cold, windy and wet conditions. Plus, many are sold as pairs. There are several good ones on the market. Polls of my playing partners say the Callaway Thermal Grip Gloves do the trick very well.
Make sure to top off your cold weather outfit with a beanie. The snug-fitting topper, which covers the top of the head and ears, traps heat close to the head, which will contribute to your warmth. I chose the beanies offered at Skorzie.com because they have a touch of warm cashmere and a removable pom-pom for easy care.
Maybe THE BEST warming tip I learned about this winter is from my member-member partner, Kim, from Bellevue, Wash. I thought I’d seen it all, but this long-ball hitter showed up to a particularly chilly round with Mr. Heater. And mister is a doozy. This heater (made for golf carts) warms up the space like a toasty fireplace. It requires a one-cylinder propane tank which provides heat for over 5 hours. On cold days we vie to ride in Kim’s cart. You can buy yours on Amazon.com.
For ultimate protection from cold and rain, you might want to invest in a golf cart cover. You slide it over the cart and clip or snap to attach. Side doors and windows use zippers or Velcro for access and visibility. Play a round in an enclosed cart and cold, rain and winds are limited to the number of swings you venture out of your cart to take. Tracey, from the Womangolfer.com has owned a few covers and highly recommends the Fairway Golf Cart Deluxe Enclosure from the Classic Accessories Store on Amazon.com.
Finally, my tip to warm you from the inside. Pick up a hot cup of coffee or tea at the turn and don’t forget your flask. Golf’s founding fathers from both Scotland and Ireland like to claim to have invented whiskey. There’s a reason for that….added to a warm drink or a quick swig is sure to heat up your game.