This morning I’m not feeling very well. I walked a round of 18 yesterday in 97 degree temperatures and I’m a bit dehydrated. Big headache in the right eyeball. Feels like Joe Pesci is crushing my head in a vice. I also feel a little dizzy. The weather forecast yesterday was for cooler temperatures, and I was not set up well for the higher temps that did occur. I need to get into summer mode. Here are a few of the things I do in the summer to beat the heat.
Hydrate
During yesterday’s round I drank three bottles of Gatorade and it was not enough. It is extremely important from a health standpoint to stay hydrated, and it helps the golf game too. Sports drinks are better at hydrating you than water.
It can take a bit of time for fluids to enter your bloodstream as well. Start hydrating before the round.
Protection
Use an umbrella for shade
Protecting one’s self from the sun is important all the time, but especially in the summer. Yesterday I could feel my arms getting fried. I was not prepared with sunscreen. I also failed in the apparel script area, wearing a black shirt.
Wear white in the summer. White does not absorb and store the heat like black does. It helps reflect it.
I also wear a big hat in the summer, like a cowboy hat. The brim keeps the sun off my face, ears, and neck.
Sports sunglasses are very important as well, to protect the eyes from harmful UV rays.
With my golf pushcart I attach my umbrella to provide more shade.
Moisture Wicking Golf Apparel
Use moisture wicking apparel in the heat
Technology in golf apparel over the last decade or so has advanced tremendously. One great quality added to many golf apparel items is “moisture wicking.” This is a process where the fabric is designed to pull moisture off of the wearer’s skin, and move it to the outer surface of the fabric where it will evaporate.
I’ve reviewed countless moisture wicking golf shirts, golf socks, and other garments.
Towels
In the summer heat I like to carry at least two towels on the bag. One towel is a clean dry towel for wiping sweat off of my face and hands, or wherever else. A second towel I’ll keep soaked with water and use it around my neck and on my head to keep cool.
There are also some very interesting products similar to chamoises like the Frogg Togg Chilly Pad, which hold water and keep you very cool.
Accessories
There are some fun golf accessories out there which help keep you cool on or off the course. One such accessory which can help is the Personal Golf Fan.
I have a unit in for review and it is time to start testing it!
Be a Dew Sweeper
Hit the course early in the morning, before the heat of the day. Not only is it cooler, the pace of play will be faster. As an added bonus, most golf courses are at their best aesthetically in the early morning. The term for playing golf very early is being a “dew sweeper.”
Lay Off the Booze
Many people like to enjoy a tasty beer or other alcoholic beverages on the course. In the summer heat, the booze will hurt you. Alcohol will accelerate your dehydration. Save it for the 19th hole.
Location
Consider the golf course you choose to play in the heat. Is it wide open with no trees or shade? In the summer heat, choose a course which has trees and shade.
Final Thoughts
Golfing in the heat can be fun if you are well prepared. The course may be less busy too.
If you have other ideas for beating the heat, comment them!
HOGWire – Golf Industry News
