Even though most golfers will pack up their gear for the winter time, modern cold weather golf gear has made it possible to enjoy the game year-round.
The crisp winter air, quiet courses, and picturesque snowy landscapes provide a different golfing experience, but one that can be fruitfully rewarding–if you’re prepared!
The right gear keeps you warm while also helping you maintain your swing mechanics and grip your club properly, even when the temperature drops.
Cold Weather Golf Gears
Waterproof Golf Bag
Most golf courses don’t provide carts in the winter, meaning that you’ll likely be walking the course more often than riding – and that’s actually a good thing, as the movement helps keep your body temperature up.
The last thing you want is to be lugging around a heavy bag that soaks up moisture, weighing you down and potentially damaging your clubs as well. Thus, choosing a lightweight but waterproof golf bag might make all the difference.
Thermal Shirt and Trousers
Smart winter golf dressing depends on your base layer, as it can make or break your body temperature during those chilly rounds. Grabbing yourself some thermal shirts and trousers to serve as your first line of defense against the cold is a pro move, especially as they actively wick away the sweat that can leave you feeling damp and cold throughout your round.
Make sure to look for thermal wear specifically designed for golf, as they usually offer the right balance of warmth and flexibility to help your swing mechanics. Thermal golf layers typically start at $40 per piece, but premium brands can reach all the way up to $100.
Golf Bag Rain Hood
It’s also important to protect your clubs from the elements with a well-fitted rain hood designed specifically for your bag.
Sunday Golf offers two options: the Magnum rain hood, perfectly sized for the standard Loma bag, and the Magnum XL rain hood for the Loma XL bag. With a secure fit and durable waterproof construction, these hoods will undoubtedly keep your clubs dry through rain showers.
Both the Magnum and Magnum XL hoods are available for $34.99, making them an affordable essential for winter golf.
Golf Quarter-Zips
After you’ve got your base layer down, a quality quarter-zip serves as the ideal mid-layer for your winter clothes setup. The beauty of a golf-specific quarter zip is in its insulation – whether fleece-lined or featuring modern synthetic materials, quarter-zips are crucial for maintaining warmth while being flexible enough to bomb your drive comfortably.
Quality golf quarter-zips average around $130.
Golf Gloves
Winter golf demands specialized gloves that can handle both cold temperatures and your club grip. A quality glove combines thermal insulation and water resistance while also allowing your fingers enough flexibility to change your grip as needed.
Winter golf gloves typically range from $20-35 per pair.
Waterproof and/or Windproof Jacket
When it comes to essential cold weather golf gear, your outer layer is your final defense against the cold. A golf-specific waterproof jacket pulls double duty by blocking wind and rain while also allowing your full range of motion.
Look for jackets with stretch panels/stretchy material, adjustable cuffs, and a tailored fit that won’t puff up in the wind or interfere with your game. Golf rain jackets cost $150.
Water-Resistant Golf Shoes
Golf courses in the winter are typically pretty damp, meaning that water-resistant golf shoes are an essential for your round. Having a dedicated water-resistant shoe bag like Sunday Golf’s Luxe Shoe Cube even helps to protect your investment between rounds, keeping your gear organized and protected during transport.
Water-resistant golf shoes typically range from $50-120, and the Sunday Golf Luxe Shoe Cube is available for $44.99.
Thermal Hats and Beanies
A thermal hat or beanie, crucial for retaining body heat, is an extremely useful piece of cold weather golf gear. Look for lightweight, breathable options that provide warmth without being bulky enough to interfere with your swing or putting stance.
Golf beanies and thermal hats range from $20 to $35.
Scarves
Not many golfers pay attention to their necks during their rounds, but it's actually one of the most exposed areas of your body. A lightweight golf scarf or neck gaiter can help to block wind and retain warmth without restricting your neck turn. Most golfers prefer neck gaiters, but traditional scarves offer versatility in adjusting coverage as temperatures change.
Golf scarves cost $35.
Insulated Socks
Thermal golf socks with moisture-wicking properties help keep your feet warm and dry during winter rounds, making early morning first feel much more bearable.
Pro tip: Look for merino wool blends or other synthetic materials that offer insulation without adding bulk that’ll fill up your shoe.
Quality thermal golf socks cost $25.
Umbrella
If you’re planning on heading out during the winter, a golf umbrella is necessary, offering protection from both rain and wind. Most even come with vented canopies to prevent turning inside out in gusty conditions. Make sure to get one with a comfortable grip, and one that fits in your push cart, if necessary.
Golf umbrellas start at $30.
Golf Balls
Cold temperatures can significantly affect how far your ball flies, so consider switching to low-compression golf balls during winter rounds for better feel and distance. These softer balls maintain more elasticity in cold weather compared to standard golf balls, helping you stretch your distance off the tee.
It all depends on the brand, but low-compression golf balls range typically cost $22 per dozen.
Cold Weather Golf Gear FAQs
Can cold weather damage golf clubs?
Cold weather itself won’t damage your golf clubs, but exposure to moisture and improper storage can definitely lead to rust and grip deterioration. Make sure to always dry your clubs after your round and store them in a consistent climate to keep them ready to go for your next round.
Can you play golf in a puffer jacket?
Why not? While you can play golf in a puffer jacket, it’s not ideal, as most are too bulky and can restrict your swing. Instead, opt for golf-specific winter wear that uses modern insulation technologies to provide warmth without compromising your range of motion.
What temperature should you not play golf?
There’s no strict temperature cutoff for golf, but most courses will close when frost is present to protect the turf. Playing typically becomes more difficult when it’s below freezing (32°F), but factors like wind chill and precipitation should always factor into your decision to play.
What do golfers wear when it's raining?
Golfers wear waterproof or water-resistant gear when it’s raining to stay dry and comfortable on the course. This typically includes a rain jacket, rain pants, and a wide-brimmed or waterproof hat. For cold weather, layering is key—pairing rain gear with thermal or insulated clothing ensures warmth without sacrificing mobility.
Does cold weather affect golf swing?
Yes, cold weather affects your golf swing in several ways. Cold muscles are less flexible, which can reduce your range of motion and swing speed. The cold also makes both your body and the ball less elastic, typically resulting in shorter distances. Hence, another reason why proper warm-up and cold weather golf gear are crucial for winter golf!
Have The Most Convenient Cold Weather Golfing Experience
Don’t let cold weather keep you from enjoying the game!
With the right cold weather golf gear and a bit of preparation, those chilly morning rounds can be just as enjoyable as summer play. Maybe even more so, with the satisfying crunch of frost under your feet, and the course to yourself!
Gear up, get out there, and keep playing! You never know–it could be your best round yet.
