"No Problem Even in the Strongest Cold Wave"… How to Enjoy Winter Golf

Frozen Ground, Swing at About 70%
Wear Multiple Layers... Prepare Rubber T-Shirts Too

Winter is the off-season for field golf. Many golf courses close during the winter season. Recently, with the severe cold wave dropping temperatures to between minus 10 and 20 degrees Celsius, the wind chill temperature approached minus 30 degrees. Nevertheless, there are plenty of enthusiasts who do not take a break from golf. Golfers who want to enjoy a round despite the cold wave need to consider a few things.

According to the golf industry on the 25th, special attention should be paid to the swing during winter rounds. The ground freezes, causing golf balls to bounce higher or roll farther than expected. Experts recommend taking shots with a swing trajectory at half or 70-80% of your usual power. When hitting the ball from the fairway or rough, it is also important to check the ground condition. Striking the frozen ground with the clubhead can cause injuries to the wrist or upper body. Conversely, it is necessary to assess whether the frozen ground has thawed and the grass or soil is not muddy. It is more important to aim safely for the green rather than focusing on distance. You should not step on hills or hazards to look for balls that have gone off course.

It is difficult to maintain golf course turf during winter. Divots (pieces of turf dug up by the clubhead) are likely to be left unattended. If a ball lands in such a damaged area on the fairway, it can be challenging to make the next shot. In such cases, players often agree with their companions before the round to apply the 'preferred lie' rule. This rule allows moving the ball to a better position for the next shot when the course is damaged due to heavy snow, monsoon rains, or thawing periods. It can only be applied when the ball is on the fairway, and if the ball is not close to the hole, it can be picked up and moved in any direction.

It is also good to prepare rubber tees for tee shots. Since the ground is frozen, it is difficult to insert wooden or plastic tees, and they can easily break. Winter golfers also must prepare colored balls to easily find them on golf courses covered with snow in many places.

Above all, staying warm is crucial. Experts recommend wearing multiple layers of clothing that protect body heat without restricting movement. Starting from thermal underwear to knitwear, vests, and outerwear made of materials that block wind and retain heat, it is good to put on or take off one or two layers as you sweat or feel cold during the round. Warm accessories that cover the neck, ears, and hands are also essential.

Since the body stiffens more in low temperatures, warm-up exercises before starting should be longer and more thorough than usual. While moving between holes or waiting for your turn, it is necessary to stretch wrists, ankles, waist, and shoulders frequently to relax muscles. Another method is to take several practice swings with a small club.

According to the Korea Golf Course Management Association, 74 golf courses nationwide will remain open without closing this winter season. Detailed information such as operating schedules for each member company can be found on the association’s website.