A Golfer’s Guide to Staying Cool on Hot Summer Days

Stay cool and safe on the golf course this scorching Australian summer with essential tips to beat the heat, including a critical aspect often overlooked by golfers.

As the Australian summer approaches with the scorching heat of the El Niño weather pattern, golfers need to prepare for the challenges of playing under the blazing sun.

Below are a few tips and practical strategies to help golfers beat the heat and enjoy their rounds while staying safe and comfortable. While all the advice is valuable, our final point deserves special attention, often overlooked yet crucial for your health.

Choose the Right Tee Times: When dealing with the summer heat, timing is crucial. Opt for early morning or late afternoon tee times to avoid the peak temperatures of the day, ensuring a more pleasant golfing experience.

Dress to Stay Cool: The days of enduring sweaty 100% cotton shorts in the heat are long gone. Instead, embrace anti-wicking, athletic-style material golf shirts, now widely available. Some brands excel in creating moisture-wicking golf attire, and investing in such clothing is well worth it to stay cool on the golf course. Additionally, consider lightweight, full-arm-length UV protective sleeves for added sun protection for your forearms.

Stay Hydrated: Dehydration is a golfer’s worst enemy in the heat. Consume plenty of water before, during, and after your round. Carrying a refillable water bottle in your golf bag ensures that you stay adequately hydrated throughout the game.

Apply Sunscreen: Many golfers diligently apply sunscreen before a round but forget to re-apply after nine holes. A recent study highlighted that skin cancer is a higher risk for Australian golfers so don’t be complacent. While we understand the challenge of applying sunscreen with greasy hands, there’s no excuse now – apply before the round and reapply mid-round. Opt for non-greasy sunscreen options, even though they may cost a bit more, as they ensure the club won’t slip in your hands during the round.

Use Cooling Accessories: Embrace cooling accessories like specialized towels, umbrellas, and wide-brimmed hats. These items can provide instant relief from the heat and help you maintain your focus during the round. And unlike a decade ago, most of these accessories look good too. Keep en eye out for golf bags that feature a cooler pocket designed to keep drinks and food cool during a day on the golf course.

Plan Snack Breaks: Staying hydrated is the obvious tactic to avoid overheating, but making sure you’re eating the right snacks can sustain your energy levels and prevent heat-related fatigue. Choose light and hydrating options such as fresh fruit, trail mix, or energy bars at regular intervals during your round. Similar to reapplying the suncream, don’t forget to snack up during a round. The pros do it, so you should too.

Monitor Your Health: Recognizing the signs of heat-related illnesses is essential. Be vigilant for symptoms like dizziness, nausea, excessive sweating, or a rapid heartbeat. If you or your playing partners experience these signs, seek shade, drink water, and take a break to cool down.

Know When to Call It a Day: In extreme heat, knowing your limits is crucial. Don’t hesitate to cut your round short if the conditions become unbearable. Your safety and well-being should always take precedence over your scorecard.