Winter golf tips from the pros: 15 ways to flourish
Leading coaches reveal some of their top winter golf secrets.
Golf is tough enough at the best of times, but add in winter conditions and the challenges mount up.
It's enough to make some pack up until spring, but for the hardy souls out there, we've collated 15 winter tips from leading coaches to help you make the most of the winter months.
Duncan Woolger, Master Professional at World of Golf New Malden.
Tip 1 - Use two balls. Warm balls travel further so keep one in your pocket and alternate between holes. As long as you do not artificially heat the balls during the round you are within the rules.
Tip 2 - Widen your stance for a more solid base. When hitting off mats, don't assume they're lined up correctly so choose your target and set up properly.
Tip 3 - Practise putting indoors. Winter greens can be poor so head inside to practise on a mat. In a friendly game, and for quicker rounds, why not give automatic two-putts?
Tip 4 - Read golf books. Learn more about the swing and the psychology behind the game - talk to your pro and they will be able to recommend something.
Tip 5 - Take lessons. Sign up to a winter programme and get value for your money.
Carl Watts, teaching professional at Mannings Heath Golf Club.
Tip 6 - Scrap the course and go through your processes and routines at home. Remember, boring golf = exciting scores.
Tip 7 - Take 1-2 extra clubs.We lose one yard on average for every degree below 25 degrees.
Tip 8 - Handicap par is a great score. Don't beat yourself up if you can't go low when the conditions are poor.
Brian Lee, teaching professional at World of Golf New Malden.
Tip 9 - Move the ball forward in your stance when putting to combat soft greens. This promotes an upward strike which gets the ball rolling better.
Tip 10 - When around the greens, opt for a club with more bounce - if possible use a hybrid or putt. Using a sand wedge or 60 degree wedge with a small bounce can lead to the club digging into the surface and producing a fat or chunky shot.
Tip 11 - Buy a winter hat. We lose up to 55% of our body heat through our head.
Grant Guerin, teaching professional at World of Golf New Malden.
Tip 12 - Take your glove off after each shot and put it in a pocket to keep it dry.
Tip 13 - Get a pair of winter mittens for the colder months. Keeping your hands warm is just as important as keeping your hands dry.
Tip 14 - Wear some winter thermal base layers.These will keep you warm and allow for more mobility in your swing.
Tip 15 - Use two towels. Wrap one around your club heads and shafts to stop water trickling into the bag and keep the second as dry as possible to dry your hands on.
