How to Stay Cool on the Golf Course
Playing golf during summer can be challenging as the heat poses risks of heat exhaustion and even heat stroke.
As temperatures rise on the golf course, knowing how to stay cool becomes essential for both enjoyment and safety.
For avid golfers, the summer heat shouldn’t mean abandoning the course entirely. Instead, using smart strategies to beat the heat can make a significant difference in your comfort and performance.
In this article, we’ll provide five tips covering everything from dressing smartly to how you navigate the course to stay out of the sun.
These tips will help you stay cool while playing golf, even on the hottest days of summer.
TIP #1
Dress Comfortably to Manage Body Temperature
What you wear on the golf course during hot weather can significantly affect how your body manages heat.
Start with golf shirts made from moisture-wicking materials that pull sweat away from your skin, allowing for better evaporation and cooling.
A wide-brimmed hat provides crucial sun protection for your face, ears, and neck, as these areas are particularly vulnerable to harmful UV rays.
Consider investing in neck wraps that can be soaked in cold water before your round and provide cooling relief for hours.
Before heading out, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to all exposed skin. Reapply every two hours, as sweat can diminish its effectiveness.
Remember that sunburn damages skin and impairs your body’s ability to cool itself properly.
TIP #2
Stay Hydrated to Prevent Heat Exhaustion
Staying hydrated is perhaps the most critical factor in preventing heat exhaustion on the golf course.
Begin hydrating well before your tee time, at least 24 hours before, and continue throughout your round, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
Carry a large water bottle and aim to drink about 4 to 6 ounces every 15 to 20 minutes while playing golf. Cold water not only quenches thirst but also helps lower your core temperature.
Alternate between water and sports drinks to replace electrolytes lost through sweat. This balance helps maintain proper muscle function and prevents cramping that can occur from drinking water alone during intense sweating.
Watch for signs of dehydration: decreased urine output, dark urine color, unusual fatigue, headache, or dizziness.
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek shade immediately, drink fluids, and consider whether medical attention might be necessary if symptoms persist.
TIP #3
Navigate the Course Strategically for Heat Management
How you move around the golf course can significantly impact your exposure to heat. When possible, use a golf cart instead of walking to conserve energy.
If you prefer walking, the best golf push cart requires less physical exertion than carrying your bag, helping you stay cooler throughout your round.
Plan your route between holes to maximize time in shaded areas. Walk under trees rather than across open fairways when possible.
While waiting for the group ahead, find shade under trees or structures rather than standing in direct sun.
Also, consider playing during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon, to avoid peak afternoon heat.
Some courses offer twilight rates that coincide with cooler temperatures, providing both financial and physical benefits.
TIP #4
Utilize Cooling Accessories for Immediate Relief
Modern technology offers numerous accessories designed specifically to help golfers stay cool on the golf course.
Cooling towels have become particularly popular because the specialized fabric helps you maintain a temperature significantly below the air around you when wet.
Portable fans that attach to your golf cart or push cart create a constant breeze that enhances evaporation of sweat, your body’s natural cooling mechanism.
Some models include misting features for additional cooling power.
Ice packs strategically placed at wrists, neck, and along your forehead can quickly return your body to a safe temperature.
Some golfers carry small freezable neck wraps designed specifically for heat relief during outdoor activities.
TIP #5
Create Cooling Opportunities Throughout Your Round
Beyond equipment and dressing appropriately, certain behaviors and habits can help you stay cool while playing golf.
Seek shaded areas between shots and while waiting to tee off. Even brief periods out of direct sun can provide significant relief.
Many courses have shelters or trees strategically placed along the course, so use them whenever possible.
Adjust your expectations and pace of play during extreme heat. Playing slightly slower and taking brief rest periods can prevent your body from overheating.
Don’t hesitate to cut your round short if you begin experiencing symptoms of heat exhaustion, such as excessive sweating followed by cool, clammy skin, weakness, nausea, headache, or dizziness.
How to stay cool on the golf course:
Frequently Asked Questions
How to stay cool on a hot golf course?
Wear moisture-wicking, light-colored clothing and a wide-brimmed hat for sun protection. Carry a water bottle and drink consistently.
Consider a golf cart instead of carrying your bag to increase wind exposure while driving, which can cool the body.
Also, consider playing during cooler parts of the day and taking breaks in the shade to lower your temperature.
How to beat the heat on the golf course?
Beat the heat by hydrating well before and during your round with both water and sports drinks. Wear technical fabrics that wick sweat and reflect sunlight.
Walk in shaded areas whenever possible and use trees for protection from the sun. Consider morning tee times when temperatures are lower.
How to keep your temper (when hot) on the golf course?
Manage your temper in hot weather by staying well-hydrated, as dehydration increases irritability. Take deep breaths and move to shaded areas if you feel your temper rising.
Use cooling towels on your neck to lower temperature, which helps maintain mental clarity and emotional control during challenging conditions.
Is it OK to bring a cooler to a golf course?
Yes, most golf courses allow coolers, especially during hot weather. A small cooler with ice, cold water, and sports drinks is routinely accepted.
But always check the course policies beforehand, as health-related accommodations are typically permitted.