By Eric Flowers for River’s Edge Golf Course
If you’re like me, you spend most of the gray winter and early spring months dreaming of long summer days and emerald fairways. Eighteen hole twilight rounds and fresh dew on the grass at dawn. The reality though is that mid-summer golf can be a slog. Agonizingly slow rounds played under a scorching midday sun. A game where more beers are drained than putts. And the 19th hole isn’t so much a way to extend the round as it to escape it.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are five ways to help make mid-summer golf the realization of those winter dreams, by helping you cope with the inevitable heat.
1. Play around the heat.
There is a reason that early a.m. tee times are coveted this time of year and why more experienced players tend to gobble them up. Teeing off early allows you to work your way into the day, wrapping up your round before the heat has set in. Here in the high desert it can mean starting your round in long sleeves or a jacket and finishing in a tee shirt and sunglasses. Similarly, twilight rounds are great way to avoid the brunt of the summer sun. While you won’t always fit in a full eighteen, you’ll almost always get in nine holes, plus a few bonus holes and often at a discounted rate. Bonus: Amazing sunsets and light traffic around the fairways.
2. Hydrate.
It’s a simple and oft repeated mantra, but bringing along enough water for your round will keep you feeling fresh and playing well. Don’t assume that the golf course has water available around the tee boxes or that the coolers will be filled. Bring your own water bottle and remember to take a few good swigs on every hole — more if it’s hot. This isn’t the PGA. There are plenty of opportunities for pee breaks out here.
3. Dress for the heat.
The days of heavy cotton shirts are long gone. If you haven’t already, invest in a couple of performance fabric shirts that breath better than cotton and wick away sweat more effectively, allowing your body’s natural cooling system to do it’s job. Likewise, take a look at your footwear. If you see anything that resembles leather, it’s time to upgrade. There have been huge “strides” made in golf shoes over the last few years. Just look at the casual, sneaker style kicks donned by players like Tiger Woods and Fred Couples. These shoes aren’t just a fashion statement they are light and breathable. Look up top as well. If you’ve got the follicle fortitude, ditch that heavy hat for a lightweight visor. You’ll feel an immediate difference.
4. Grab a towel.
No I’m not suggesting that you jump in the nearest hazard. Rather use your aforementioned water supply or whatever is on the course to wet down your towel. Use it cool down your face or wrap it around the back of your neck as you move between shots. It will protect you from the sun while providing a nice evaporative cooling effect.
5. Don’t forget the sunscreen.
You can shake off a triple bogey in no time. But a nasty sunburn will stick around for days. So make sure to apply liberally at the start of your round and remember to reapply midway through. Sunscreen is only effective for a couple of hours. Not enough for an entire 18-hole round. The window of protection is narrowed further by perspiration. If you’re like me, you hate the feel of oily sunscreen on your hands as you grip a club. It’s a recipe for duffed shots or worse, the dreaded flying club. I like to apply at home before I get to the course, allowing time for the sunscreen to be absorbed. I also try to carry one can of spray on sunscreen that allows me to top of mid-round without caking my hands in slick sunscreen.
Bonus Tip: If you’re a walker, consider breaking form and grabbing a cart if you’re out midday, particularly on a course with lots of hills. Carts provide shade, a cooling breeze during travel and plenty of storage for water, sunscreen and other tools to cope with the heat. (read: ice cold beer).
Have fun out there and stay cool.
Eric Flowers is a Bend-based freelance journalist and the former editor of Bend’s Source Weekly. His work appeared in 1859 Magazine, Oregon Business, Central Oregon Visitors Association and the Drake. He spends his free time with his wife and two daughters, chasing trout, fresh snow, firm trails and an even-par round of golf.
Source: River’s Edge Golf Blog