When the days shorten and the temperature drops, many golfers put their clubs away until spring. Others play straight through the winter, and often start the new season ahead of their friends. Winter golf is different: the ball flies shorter, the ground is soft or frozen, and the course may be on temporary greens and mats. But with the right clothing, realistic expectations and a plan for practice, the cold months can be enjoyable and productive.
Dressing for winter golf
Layering keeps you warm without restricting your swing.
- Base layer: a thin, moisture-wicking thermal top and, in very cold weather, thermal leggings.
- Mid layer: a light fleece, sweater or insulated vest.
- Outer layer: a windproof or waterproof jacket that allows a full swing. Read our golf rain gear guide.
Add:
- A warm hat or headband. You lose plenty of heat through your head.
- Winter gloves (pairs) or cart mitts to wear between shots. Read our golf gloves guide.
- Waterproof shoes and thick socks. Read our golf shoes guide.
- Hand warmers in your pockets.
- A flask of a warm drink. Read what to eat and drink on the golf course.
How cold affects the ball
- Cold air is denser, so the ball flies shorter. A common rule of thumb is a loss of a couple of yards for every 10 °F (about 5 to 6 °C) drop in temperature.
- Cold golf balls are less lively. Keep spare balls in an inside pocket and rotate them.
- Your body is stiffer, so swing speed drops.
- Soft ground gives little roll; frozen ground gives huge, unpredictable bounces.
Many golfers lose 10 to 20 yards with the driver on a cold winter day compared with summer.
Playing tips for winter courses
- Take more club. One or two clubs more for approach shots, especially into the wind.
- Play the ball low when the ground is firm or frozen, letting it run onto the green. Read how to play golf in the wind.
- Carry the ball onto soft greens. When the ground is wet, you get almost no roll.
- Clean your ball whenever the rules allow, and keep the club face clean.
- Pick the ball cleanly from wet, muddy lies, with a slightly shorter swing.
- Warm up properly before teeing off. Read the pre-round warm-up routine.
- Play from forward tees if the course is wet and long. Read which tees should I play?.
Read playing golf in bad weather for more on wet conditions.
Winter rules and course conditions
Courses often change in winter to protect the turf.
- Preferred lies (lift, clean and place): a local rule that allows you to lift, clean and replace your ball within a set distance, usually on the fairway. Check the scorecard or notice board.
- Temporary greens: cut on fairways to rest the main greens in frost or waterlogged conditions.
- Fairway mats: you may be required to play from a mat on the fairway to protect the turf.
- Temporary tees: artificial tee mats or forward tees.
- Trolley and buggy bans: wheels can damage soft ground. Carry a light bag or use a stand bag. Read golf bags, carts and trolleys.
Scores in competitions with preferred lies or temporary greens may not count for handicap purposes, depending on your club and handicap authority. Read the World Handicap System explained.
Frost and the greens
Walking on frosty greens damages the grass, because the frozen blades break under your feet and die, leaving brown footprints in spring. Courses delay tee times or use temporary greens until frost lifts. Please respect frost delays: they protect the course you will enjoy for the rest of the year. Read golf course maintenance explained.
Practising in winter
Winter is the ideal time to make swing changes, because there is less pressure to score.
At the range
Many driving ranges are covered and floodlit, so you can practise after work. Work on one change at a time. Read our driving range practice plan.
At home
- Putting on a carpet or a putting mat.
- Chipping into a net or onto a target with foam or practice balls.
- Swing drills in front of a mirror.
- Hitting into a net from a mat in a garage or garden. Read golf nets and hitting mats.
Read golf practice at home.
Indoor golf and simulators
Golf simulators and indoor centres let you play virtual rounds, check your swing data and keep your game sharp. Read golf training aids and simulators.
Lessons
Winter is a good time for lessons, when you have time to work on changes before the season begins. Read golf lessons: choosing an instructor.
Get fitter over winter
- Strength: legs, glutes and core for power and stability.
- Mobility: hips and upper back for a better turn.
- Cardio: walking, cycling or swimming, so you are fresh for the whole round.
Read golf fitness exercises and yoga for golfers.
Look after your equipment
- Dry your clubs, grips and bag after wet rounds.
- Clean your clubs and check grips; winter is a good time to regrip. Read how to regrip golf clubs.
- Store clubs indoors in a dry place, not in a cold, damp garage or car boot. Read how to clean and care for golf clubs.
- Charge batteries for electric trolleys and devices regularly.
Winter sun
If you can, a winter golf trip to the sunshine is a great way to keep your game going. Read winter sun golf destinations.
Frequently asked questions
How much shorter does the ball go in winter?
It depends on the temperature, wind and ground. Many golfers lose 10 to 20 yards with the driver, and roll is much less on soft ground.
What are preferred lies?
A local rule allowing you to lift, clean and place your ball within a short distance, usually on closely mown areas. Check your club's rules.
Why can't I play on frosty greens?
Walking on frozen grass damages it. Courses delay play or use temporary greens to protect the greens for the rest of the year.
What should I wear for winter golf?
Thin layers, a windproof or waterproof outer layer, a warm hat, winter gloves and waterproof shoes.
The bottom line
Winter golf can be rewarding if you dress well, adjust your expectations and respect the course. Play the ball low on firm ground, take more club, know the winter rules, and use the off-season to improve your fitness, short game and swing. When spring arrives, you will be ready. For more practice ideas, read golf practice games.
Dress for the cold with our golf layering guide and base layers and compression wear.