Is it safe to play golf in hot weather?

How do you play golf in hot weather?

Summer is almost here and when you are a new golfer, your biggest question is how do you play golf in hot weather? High temperatures should never be a reason as to why you should keep off the golf course. All you need to do is to arm yourself with the right golfing equipment and essentials to make golfing easier and better.

Playing golf in hot weather can be uncomfortable and tiring, but with a few adjustments to your game you can make it through a round without too much trouble. Here are some tips for playing golf in the heat:

  • Drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after your round.
  • Wear light clothing that will allow your skin to breathe.
  • Use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking sports drinks or juice boxes on the course.
  • Take frequent breaks between shots to drink water and cool down.
  • Play early in the morning or late in the afternoon when it’s cooler outdoors.

Wear light clothing that will allow your skin to breathe.

The type of golfing clothes you wear to play golf in hot weather matters a lot. You have to pick clothes that keep you cool while still looking your best and maintaining the ease to play golf. Ensure the golf shirts or golf shorts you pick are extremely breathable thus allowing air to move in and moisture to move out.

In humid conditions, this is very important; the air movement keeps the sweat evaporating which is important in keeping the body cool.

When you are picking your golf pants or shorts and golf shirts, ensure you pick breathable and light weight fabrics. When picking the best golf shirts or shorts to play golf in hot weather, you can never go wrong with Adidas, Nike, Callaway, Under Armour or Hanes. These brands have golf shirts and golf shorts for every golfer. Also ensure you pick a golf shirt that has inbuilt UV protection to keep harmful rays from reaching your skin.

Once you are sure you are fully dressed, ensure you put on a good golf hat to keep the harmful sun rays from your face and neck. If possible, a bucket golf hat is the best as it covers both your face and your neck. The other bets golf hat is a Dorfman Pacific Soaker which you can dip in cold water right before you put it on to ensure maximum coolness.

Use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher

After ensuring you are fully armed in terms of breathable golf shirts, golf shorts and protective golf hats, ensure you get a good quality sunscreen.

While getting a tan is nice, it’s even better to avoid sunburn and skin cancer. There’s no such thing as a “safe tan”, since exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes damage that can’t be undone, but using sunscreen will help protect against UVA and UVB rays.

Sunlight reflects off sand and water, so don’t forget to apply sunscreen before you leave home! Look for the words “broad-spectrum” in the ingredient list—this indicates effective protection from both kinds of UV radiation.

Sunscreen is not only important when you are out there in the sun, it is also important when you are indoors. The best sunscreen for golfers should be SPF 30 and above to give you maximum protection.

Should Golfers Wear Sunscreen?

tips for golfing in hot weather

Yes! Golfers should always wear sunscreen, even on cloudy days. The sun’s UV rays can cause skin cancer, and sunscreen can help protect against these harmful rays.

Sunscreen is also important for preventing premature aging and wrinkles. So make sure to apply sunscreen liberally before hitting the golf course, and be sure to reapply often, especially if you’re playing a long round.

Look for a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection against both UVB and UVA rays, with an SPF of 30 or higher.

Hydrate Early

tips for golfing in hot weather

Golfers are advised to hydrate throughout the golfing rounds but starting a day prior is the best thing. By starting 12-18 hours prior will have gotten your body prepped and well hydrated with the good old WATER. You are also advised to have reduced your caffeine drinks intake as well as alcohol intake for soberness and clarity.

During the round, drink at least one glass of water every two holes. In addition to this, drink any extra fluids at regular intervals (every 3-5 holes) to make sure that you stay hydrated throughout the entire game. Keeping yourself well hydrated will prevent your muscles from tightening up, which could lead to joint pain and discomfort. It will also reduce your heart rate so that you can play at the best of your abilities for longer stretches of time without getting tired.

The final rule is to drink plenty of fluids after you play as well. This will help to hydrate your body and replenish the things that were lost during the round. If you aren’t sure what else to do then just go home, eat a big meal, go straight into bed, and wake up about three hours later feeling fresh enough to run another 18-holes.

The best fluids to drink when playing golf in hot weather are water and sports drinks. These will help to keep you hydrated and help to prevent dehydration. Avoid drinking caffeinated or alcoholic beverages. These drinks will dehydrate you and prevent your body from cooling itself off

Even as you take your water, do not neglect your electrolytes; you can also have a supplement you can put in your water bottle. Golf is a strenuous game and it can become twice as hard when it is extremely hot. One of the best supplements you can put in your water bottle is Nuun.

A lot of golfers don’t like the taste of water but if you add an electrolyte replacement powder to your water, its flavor will improve significantly for around 5 cents per beverage. The powder is available at most sporting goods stores or online. If this isn’t available, dilute some lemon juice or even kool-aid in your water — make sure there are no calories added though!

Frequently Asked Questions

What temperature is too hot for golf?

Anything above 100 degrees Fahrenheit is too hot to play in. In fact, PGA Tour players are prohibited from playing in temperatures over 105 degrees.

However, there isn’t a definitive answer to this question since it depends on a number of factors, including the type of course, the weather conditions, and the golfer’s ability.

Different golfers have different comfort levels when it comes to playing in hot weather. Generally speaking, temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit can be uncomfortable for most golfers, and temps above 90 degrees Fahrenheit can be downright dangerous.

That said, there are some very hardy souls out there who don’t mind playing in extreme heat, and some courses even offer play-throughs when the mercury climbs too high. So it really depends on the individual golfer and the conditions they are willing to play in.

The main concern when it comes to playing golf in hot weather is the risk of heat stroke or heat exhaustion. Both conditions can cause dizziness, nausea, and vomiting, as well as headaches and muscle cramps. And if left untreated, both conditions can be fatal. So it’s important to take precautions when playing in hot weather conditions by drinking plenty of fluids and taking breaks in the shade.

Further, playing in extremely hot weather can cause problems to the golf clubs and the golfer’s body. Extreme heat causes metals to expand rapidly which can lead to damage to drivers and irons.

Heat also causes asphalt on golf courses that is used for teeing off pads to become soft, leading to hard-to-control drives because the ball tends to bounce sideways. The high temperatures combined with humidity levels means that swinging a club can easily lead to overheating or dehydration so it is advisable not only for safety but also for maintaining good game performance by remaining hydrated even when you’re not thirsty.

What to wear golfing in hot weather?

Loose, lightweight clothing is the best way to go when golfing in hot weather. Opt for natural fabrics such as cotton or linen, which will help to keep you cool and comfortable on the course.

It’s also important to make sure that you’re wearing shoes that are appropriate for playing golf in warm weather, as sneakers or sandals are not ideal.

Some other tips to consider when dressing for golf in the summer: skip the thick, heavy socks; bring a hat and sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s rays; and drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to stay hydrated.

About The Author
Patrick Mahinge is a golf enthusiast and the chief editor of Golf Pitches, a website that delivers innovative and data-driven golf product reviews. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for the sport, Patrick has transformed Golf Pitches into a trusted source of information for golfers worldwide. Patrick's expertise lies in his ability to dissect complex golf equipment and present his findings in an engaging, easy-to-understand manner. His reviews are not just informative, but they are also backed by rigorous data-driven methodologies, making them a trusted resource for golf enthusiasts and professionals alike.