If you had to choose between playing golf in the summer or the winter months, which way would you swing?
This was the question put by National Club Golfer to their Twitter followers earlier this year. Unsurprisingly, only 4% of golfers voted for winter as the best time to play golf, whilst summer achieved 52% of the votes.
Of course, you’re more likely to get warmer, brighter weather mid-July, but this doesn’t mean you should lock away your clubs throughout golf’s ‘off-season’. In fact, there are plenty of reasons for hitting the green in the winter months. Let’s check out five of them now.
Courses are generally abandoned during the winter months, and even in autumn, you can find yourself on the course without a person in sight. We get it: it’s colder. It’s darker. Was that a raindrop? But imagine how it would feel pulling up into an empty car park or arriving at the clubhouse for a pre-tee-off brew without having to queue?
On the course, there’s no waiting around for the people in front of you to finish their hole, no danger of being hit by a stray ball, no being rushed by the two-ball behind you. Just play at your own pace in a peaceful (if not slightly frosty) setting, the way the game should be played.
Because of the weather conditions and minimal daylight time, many golf clubs drop their prices over the winter to entice players back to the green. Depending on where you golf, you might expect to enjoy discounted driving range balls and less-expensive lessons – leaving more than enough in your wallet for Christmas.
Some golf clubs even offer discounted winter memberships. At PlayMoreGolf, we’ve recently introduced our winter matrix whereby the points per round reduce going into the golf ‘off-season’ and naturally quieter period.
Discover the winter matrix for your local club.
This works in two ways: if the greens are frozen, your drives are going to travel further along the fairway. If it’s raining and the mercury hasn’t dipped below zero, it’s pin seeking time.
A soft green makes it more receptive. This means you can swing towards the flag knowing the ball will stop immediately, taking some fear out of tough pin placements and leaving you with shorter putts.
Winter golf also plays with different rules than in the summer. If your ball picks up mud in the summer, you have to factor it into your next shot, but in the winter you’re allowed to pick it up, wipe the dirt off, and place it.
And there’s no need to worry about hitting through trees, either. As the leaves drop (and with a little help from the greens team clearing the fallen leaves), you’ll be rewarded with the rare expectation of a successful recovery shot back into civilisation.
With the right clothing and equipment, battling the elements can even be fun. It’s time to make the most of the bobble hat, base layers, and spiked golf shoes taking up your bottom drawer. Wrapping up against the elements will keep you warm while you play and is far more comfortable than playing through a sweat-dripping brow in the summer.
Winter golf accessories also offer up some great Christmas present ideas for any other avid golfers in your life.
These aren’t the only reasons you should play golf [not just in the winter] - golf can also help reduce stress and improve your mental health.
The summer months are filled with competitions, society days, and golf trips, so practising golf in the winter is a great way to prepare yourself and improve your shot.
A few hours on the driving range can help turn your pulled iron shots into devastating soft draws, whilst you can rekindle that harmony you once had with your driver. And with range ball discounts and offers being introduced by golf clubs, there’s no reason why you can’t get two rounds for the price of one - improving your shots and bank account.
Don’t let the playing conditions put you off golfing this winter. Instead, why not spread the joy of winter golf by purchasing a PlayMoreGolf gift card for a family member, friend, or colleague?
You can choose from a money-off voucher or ‘experience gift’ depending on your preference, as well as the total monetary sum you want it to be, meaning no more worrying over that Christmas present or office Secret Santa gift!
Give the gift of golf this winter and choose your PlayMoreGolf gift card preference.
We understand that playing golf is a lot more appealing in the warm summer months than it is in the winter. But if you don’t mind wrapping up against the cold, there’s nothing standing between you and a green all to yourself.
Sure, you’re going to have time off over Christmas and we don’t expect you to play in the pouring rain whilst dodging lightning strikes, but playing golf in the winter does have its benefits and can save you a lot of time and money. Get out there and celebrate it.