Night Golf Tips for Passionate Golfers in Hot Summer
Prepare Insect Repellent, Wear Long Sleeves and Windbreaker
Color Balls and Rangefinders Essential, Keep Shots Concise
Heavy rain is falling nationwide. This is unwelcome news for weekend golfers. After the rainy season ends, a heatwave follows. It is a season when it is difficult to go out to the field for various reasons. However, there is a way to enjoy a pleasant round even in the heat. That is night golf. During the long summer days, you can play the first 5 to 6 holes and then enjoy the remaining holes under the lights, savoring the sunset in a dreamy atmosphere. Advances in lighting technology do not significantly interfere with play. After the round, you can relieve accumulated stress by drinking a cold beer. This is a tip you must remember for a happy night golf experience.
Most golf courses in Korea are built in mountainous terrain. The abundance of trees and grass attracts mosquitoes and insects that interfere with play. Water hazards provide a favorable environment for mosquitoes to thrive. This year, due to abnormal high temperatures, insects are even more rampant. It gets worse at night when the lights are on. Usually, insect repellent spray is prepared in the cart, but it is good to be prepared for times when it is not available. Spray it on your body twice during the round. There are also bracelets, patches, and necklaces that insects dislike. Shorts and short skirts are obviously a no-go. Wear long sleeves rather than short sleeves on top. Recently, there are many functional wear options. Using cooling materials, you can comfortably hit the ball even in midsummer.
Night golf is an attractive round that allows you to enjoy the sunset while avoiding the heatwave. [Photo by Century 21]
At sunset, ultraviolet rays are quite strong. Prepare sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) over 50. There are powders, sprays, and nowadays, convenient portable sun sticks. To block sunlight in the early part of the round, bring sunglasses. You can take them off after the sun sets. They block UVA and UVB rays, preventing eye fatigue.
When playing night golf, clothing choice is also important. Wear clothes that are easily visible to your companions for safety. Wear white or blue tones rather than black. With the summer season, golf wear made from UV-blocking materials is the trend. Choose clothing that is light, comfortable, and excellent at heat dissipation. It keeps you comfortable even during long rounds. Wear cooling hand covers and UV arm sleeves as well. Although it is summer, you can feel cold in the mountains. The temperature drops about 5 degrees compared to daytime. Bring a windbreaker or long sleeves.
Prepare plenty of colored balls. No matter how bright it is, night is night. Thanks to densely lit lighting, the fairway is brightly lit, but the ball is not as clearly visible as during the day. If you miss the fairway, it is difficult to find the ball. This is why balls with excellent 'visibility' are needed. Yellow balls are more visible than white ones, and fluorescent colors are even better. They stand out in roughs, hazards, and out-of-bounds (OB) areas. The clear trajectory of the ball helps improve concentration. Also, put fluorescent-finished tees in your caddy bag.
A rangefinder is essential. Communication with the caddy may not be smooth at night. It is a necessary item for quick play. Many products equipped with LCD screens are useful at night when pins are hard to see. They are lightweight, high-performance, and cost-effective. If measuring distance is inconvenient, you can wear an AI golf watch. It also looks nice and serves as an accessory.
You sweat a lot even at night. Dehydration can occur and lead to decreased concentration. You need to supply enough fluids. Barley tea or mineral water containing weak alkaline components is best. First, bring ice water. Drink it little by little to avoid problems. Salt is essential to prevent dehydration. Also, bring snacks. Bananas, grapes, bread, and snacks replenish energy. This boosts concentration and leads to better play. However, if you have to go to work the next morning, it is better to avoid caffeinated drinks like coffee during the round.
The air is heavy at night. In the humid summer, driving distance decreases. When choosing clubs, select one club more than usual. Keep your shots compact. The greens also do not roll well due to night dew. Putts require stronger strokes than during the day. Korean golf courses offer various services for a refreshing round. Ice water, ice packs, and towels are free. Green fees are about 70-80% of weekday rates. Some places allow play without a caddy, increasing cost-effectiveness even more.
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