Last Updated on July 5, 2024 by Britt Olizarowicz
We are in the prime of summer, which means warm temperatures and packed golf courses. Growing up on Long Island, I played almost all of my golf in the summer. Then I moved to Florida and learned what summer really feels like. Summer golf is considered prime season. Use these golf hacks to help ensure you maximize your fun and lower your scores on the course this summer.
Indoor Warm-Up and Stretching
You need to warm up and stretch even though the warm weather may make you feel loose. If you are headed out for a round of golf in the warm weather, do some of your stretching and warm up indoors before you go out.
You’ll help to make sure your muscles are ready to go. But you can avoid getting overheated before you even begin the round. Do things like leg swings, arm circles, and torso twists while you are in the AC.
Freeze Water Bottles Overnight
Freeze a water bottle the night before your round and then put it in your bag for the day. You’ll have cold water throughout the round, and if you have water stations on your course, you can just keep adding water to the ice throughout the day.
Choose a great insulated bottle if you can find one. It’s not a bad idea to add a little lemon or lime to keep you refreshed.
Use Higher Compression Golf Balls
Higher compression golf balls should be your ball of choice in the hot weather. When you switch to high compression the heat will help to compress the ball and you’ll get better distance and control of your shots.
If you’ve wanted to try something like the Pro V1x or the Bridgestone Tour BX, now is the time to do so.
On the other hand, when temperatures start to cool and it’s not as easy to compress the ball, consider going back to the lower-compression golf balls.
Adjust for Increased Distance
Check your yardages with a launch monitor or range finder before you get into the prime of the summer. You should be hitting the ball a few yards further. The hotter air and harder fairways will give you more yards.
In addition, you’ll have an easier time making that shoulder turn and really generating some extra length off the tee. This can cause you to end up in positions you weren’t expecting on the golf course.
Keep yourself out of trouble by accounting for these extra yards.
Play Early or Late
Forget those 10 am tee times.
I know it’s nice to sleep in a bit and make your way to the course, but you are doing yourself a disservice. Get out there early or play later in the day. Avoid being on the course when the sun is at its prime.
Not only will you be cooler out there, but the pace of play is almost always faster later in the afternoon or early in the morning.
Carry a Wet or Frozen Towel
Maybe the frozen water bottle was a no-brainer for you. Well, the frozen towel may not be. Bring a wet or frozen towel to keep cool during your round.
There are some cooling towels out there that also do a decent job of helping you lower your body temperature and provide relief from the heat. Keep the towel in the cooler when you can, and get it wet and iced down as often as possible.
Apply Sunscreen Strategically
Always apply sunscreen before you leave for the golf course. Try to use a spray or stick and then wash it thoroughly off your hands using soap and water. One of the most common reasons for needing new grips on your golf clubs is that they become slippery because sunscreen gets caked in the crevices of the grip. Keep an extra sunscreen stick in the bag so you don’t have to worry about touching the greasy culprit throughout your round of golf.
Final Thoughts
What other summer golf hacks do you have? I’ve seen golfers put an extra shirt in their bag, bring an additional towel for drying their hands throughout play, and even use rain gloves to help keep sweat under control. Summer is a great time to play golf but make sure you are prepared to go low!
