Golf in Winter: Rugging Up Without Restricting the Swing

Cold mornings don't have to keep junior golfers off the course. A few smart layering and warm-up choices keep kids comfortable without cramping their swing.

Winter golf in much of Australia is still very playable, but frosty mornings and chilly southern courses bring their own challenges for junior golfers. The main balancing act is keeping kids warm enough to be comfortable without wrapping them in so many layers that their swing feels restricted.

Layering, not bulking up

Rather than one thick jumper, a few thinner layers work better for golf because they can be added or removed as the temperature changes through the round, and they tend to restrict shoulder turn far less than one bulky garment. A moisture-wicking base layer, a light mid-layer, and a wind- or water-resistant outer layer (removed once warmed up) is a simple, flexible approach that still allows a full range of motion through the swing.

Keeping hands warm without losing feel

Cold hands can make gripping the club uncomfortable and affect feel around the greens. Thin golf-specific gloves, hand warmers kept in a pocket between shots, or simply tucking hands under the arms while walking between holes can all help. Some junior golfers prefer to keep a spare pair of light gloves in the bag so they always have a dry pair on hand.

Extra time for the warm-up

Muscles and joints are generally stiffer in cold weather, so it's worth allowing a little more time than usual for a proper warm-up before teeing off — a few extra minutes of gentle movement and stretching helps offset the effects of the cold. Starting with shorter, easier swings before building up to full speed is a sensible habit at any time of year, but especially useful on cold mornings.

Footwear and course conditions

Wet grass, frost and morning dew can make footing less secure, so well-fitted golf shoes with good grip are worth checking before a winter round. Many clubs apply frost delays on particularly cold mornings to protect the greens — this is also a good time for young golfers to keep warming up gently rather than standing around getting cold while waiting to start.

Should kids wear gloves on both hands in winter?

Plenty of junior golfers wear a light glove on both hands in cold weather purely for warmth, even if they'd normally only wear one for grip. There's no downside to this as long as the gloves are thin enough not to affect feel too much — comfort and warmth matter more than following an exact adult convention when it comes to keeping kids happy on a cold winter morning.