quick coaching

Stay Cool and Beat The Heat This Summer

By Keith Stewart, PGA
Published on

The dog days of summer are upon us and when that happens, golf can get a little challenging if the temperature gets above 90 degrees. Most, if not all, of us has been affected in some way, shape or form by the heat on the golf course. So, we wanted to provide you a few keys to beating the heat, and staying as cool as possible, on the course this time of year. 

1. Start by drinking enough water.

It may sound obvious, but people get wrapped up in their round and forget to stay hydrated. It also doesn’t matter if you’re riding in a cart or walking the course. If it is that warm outside, your body is many times losing water faster than you can replenish it. A good rule of thumb I’ve found is to continue drinking water until you must go to the bathroom. 
2. Keep your grip dry.
When we start to perspire, our hands and body can get quite slippery. Make sure to keep those grips dry on your clubs. Before and after each shot, keep a towel nearby and clean the grip off. Grips are porous, and they fill up with fluid over time. On hot days, they fill up even faster. If you want to keep a sound hold on your club, keep them clean and dry. Don’t forget an extra glove. Once the first one gets soaked, you’ll need a backup. Gloves rip and wear out when we use them, and they are wet. Having a backup saves money and your game.
3. Check your distance.
The ball flies on hot humid days. Pay attention on the practice range while you are warming up. Heavy air carries the golf ball further. Hit a couple warm-up shots to a specific distance. See how your carry distances are affected by the heat. Adjust accordingly for the day.

4. Look for shade when possible.
Standing in the heat or riding in a cart without a cover keeps the sun on us 100% of the time. Try to get in the shade when you can. If you are waiting on the tee box for your turn and there is a nearby tree, use it. Every minute you spend out of the direct sunlight will keep your body temperature that much lower. Think of it as a contest, the more time you spend out of the sun, the less time you will need to care for your body after the round.

5. Be Safe. For your own safety, it’s important to know the telltale signs of being dehydrated. You will be thirsty, confused, have a dry mouth, bad breath, crave sugar, possibly dizzy or light-headed, feeling sluggish and maybe even a headache. It’s important to remember these warning signs not just for you, but also for your playing partners. If you are light-headed or confused, you may not be able to self-diagnose. Knowledge is power in this case, pay attention to any of these symptoms in you or those in your group.
Golf is an outdoor game that presents plenty of challenges even on a beautiful day. And much like the game itself, pay attention to the details listed above and have some fun out on the course this summer.