Focus on Keeping Warm in Mountain Golf Courses with Large Temperature Differences
Prevent Injuries with Stretching and Walking Diligently
Make Smaller Swings Than Usual and Focus on Impact
The golf season is quickly approaching. As the boring winter passes and the warm spring breeze blows, weekend golfers' hearts begin to flutter with excitement. However, it is not yet the perfect time to fully enjoy golf. This is because the body, mind, and course conditions are not yet ideal. Here are three essential pieces of advice that amateur golfers heading out to the early spring fields must keep in mind.
Most domestic golf courses are located in mountainous terrain, where temperatures are 2 to 3 degrees lower than in urban areas, and the daily temperature range is large. When the wind blows, the perceived temperature drops even further. This year, colds are particularly severe, often accompanied by coughing and runny noses. If you plan a morning round, you need to pay close attention to keeping warm.
Choosing golf attire requires careful consideration. Instead of thick clothing, a layered style is more effective. This allows you to regulate your body temperature without interfering with your swing. Prepare so that you can remove layers as the temperature rises. Bringing items like windbreakers, vests, and arm sleeves is also a good idea.
Safety is the top priority for rounds in March. The body, stiffened over the winter, suddenly loosens up, increasing the risk of injury. You must do sufficient stretching to avoid straining your lower back, elbows, and ankles. Warming up with your caddie before the first hole’s tee shot is also a good method. This should not be done superficially but should fully relax your stiffened body.
For the first few holes, it is better to walk rather than use a cart to loosen up your body. Proper warm-up is essential for a flexible swing. Instead of sudden, excessive swings, it is important to gradually loosen your body and find your rhythm.
Early spring golf courses are not in perfect condition after winter. You will see patches where the grass has not fully grown and many fairways are uneven. In such conditions, safety requires even more attention. Before taking a shot, carefully check the position of the ball and avoid forced swings on unstable lies.
Shots from divots or bare ground are more likely to cause mishits such as topping or hitting behind the ball. Above all, precise contact is crucial. Reduce your swing size compared to usual and focus on the impact. Gripping the club slightly lower and using a three-quarter swing can reduce interference from the grass and take advantage of increased roll. This should also be considered when selecting clubs.
It is wise to avoid penalty areas as much as possible. You do not always have to use wedges in the short game. Running approaches using a pitching wedge are effective, and actively using the putter around the green is also a good strategy. Reducing unnecessary mistakes will naturally improve your score.
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