Playing a great round on a blistering summer day feels like a victory in itself, but letting the heat get the best of you can turn a beautiful walk into a grueling ordeal. Overheating doesn't just make you uncomfortable, it can drain your energy, cloud your judgment, and tank your score. This guide will walk you through the proven strategies I share with my players, covering everything from pre-round preparation to smart on-course tactics to keep you cool, focused, and playing your best when the temperature soars.
Success on a hot day begins long before your tee time. Just as you wouldn’t walk onto the first tee without stretching, you shouldn’t head out into the heat without a solid game plan. What you do in the hours - and even the day - before you play sets the stage for comfort and performance.
Your clothing is your first line of defense against the sun and heat. Forget that old, heavy cotton polo, modern golf apparel is engineered to help you battle the elements, and you should take full advantage of it.
If you wait until you feel thirsty on the course, you’re already behind. Dehydration begins subtly, and by the time your body sends that thirsty signal, your performance, both physical and mental, is already declining. Proper hydration is a process, not a last-minute action.
Getting a sunburn isn't just a long-term health risk, it directly impacts your round of golf. Your body treats a sunburn as an injury. It sends blood to the skin to heal it, pulling resources away from your muscles and increasing your body’s inflammatory response. This process raises your skin temperature and leads to dehydration and fatigue much faster.
Apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 about 20-30 minutes before you head out. Don’t forget commonly missed spots like the back of your neck, your ears, and the tops of your hands. The real secret, though, is reapplication. Throw that tube of sunscreen in your bag and reapply at the turn. Your energy levels on the back nine will thank you.
Once you’re out on the course, a few key adjustments in your routine and gear can make an enormous difference. Think of it as caddying for yourself in the heat.
A few simple items in your bag can feel like absolute luxuries on a stifling day:
What you eat and drink during the round has a major impact on your energy levels. A hot day is not the day for that greasy burger and fries at the turn.
Course management isn’t just about picking the right club, it’s about navigating the environment. The sun can be relentless, and finding shade is a skill.
Finally, the most important element of staying cool is awareness. Pay attention to how your body is feeling and be willing to adjust your mental expectations for the day.
As a coach, safety is my number one priority. You need to know the early signs of heat-related illness. Be on the lookout for:
If you or a playing partner start experiencing these symptoms, do not ignore them. Immediately find shade, drink water, apply a cold towel, and do not hesitate to stop playing if the symptoms persist. There is always another day to play golf.
Heat affects your body's ability to perform. Your swings might feel a little more tired, and your mental focus can wander. That’s normal. Don't go out on a 98-degree day expecting to shoot your career-low round. Adjust your goals. Focus on making smart decisions, managing your energy, and simply enjoying the challenge. A par made under oppressive heat can feel just as satisfying as a birdie on a perfect day.
Playing well in the heat is a skill built on smart preparation and deliberate on-course management. By focusing on your gear, hydration, nutrition, and pacing, you can turn a potentially miserable day into an enjoyable and successful round of golf.
Playing smart extends beyond just managing the weather, it's about making better decisions on every shot. For any tough situation on the course - from tricky lies to confusing strategies - we help simplify the game. If you're unsure of what to do, you can get instant, expert advice right in your pocket. Our goal is to give you the confidence that comes from knowing you've made the right play, so you can swing freely and enjoy the game no matter what the course throws at you with Caddie AI.
Thinking about hosting a golf tournament fundraiser is the first swing, executing it successfully is what gets the ball in the hole. This guide will walk you through the entire process, step-by-step, from laying the initial groundwork months in advance to watching your happy golfers tee off. We’ll cover everything from securing sponsors and setting your budget to planning the on-course fun that makes an event unforgettable.
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The compression of a Pinnacle Rush golf ball is one of its most defining features, engineered specifically to help a huge swath of golfers get more distance and enjoyment from their game. We'll break down exactly what its low compression means, who it's for, and how you can use that knowledge to shoot lower scores.
Figuring out which spikes go into your new (or old) pair of Puma golf shoes can feel like a puzzle, but it’s much simpler than you think. The key isn't the brand of the shoe, but the type of receptacle system they use. This guide will walk you through exactly how to identify your Puma's spike system, choose the perfect replacements for your game, and change them out like a pro.
The Golf Genius app is one of the best tools for managing and participating in competitive golf events, but figuring it out for the first time can feel like reading a new set of greens. This guide cuts through the confusion and shows you exactly how to use the app as a player. We’ll cover everything from logging into your tournament and entering scores to checking the live leaderboard so you can enjoy the competition without any tech headaches.
Walking onto the first tee with sweaty palms, worried you’ll be a good partner to paly wtih...or even asked back again ...We’ve all been there - trust me! The real trick of feeling confortable... is about how you handle you’re ready to plsy. THIS guide explains the simple rules of the rode to show you hnow t play golf while staying calm relaxed and focused... an having much morse fun while you,',re aat it? You'll also play with confidence a dn make fiendsa while you're at i
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