Hot summer days can benefit golfers who know how to manage the heat. Average scores are lower when temperatures are higher, according to historical weather studies of the U.S. Masters and PGA Tour. Because heat lowers air density, golf balls travel farther on hot days. Acclaimed golf instructor Andrew Rice has found that golfers gain about 2 yards of carry distance for every 10-degree temperature increase over 75 degrees.
Staying Safe on the Course
However, extreme heat also increases health risks, especially for older players and people with preexisting health conditions. Playing golf on hot days stresses the body and can lead to heat exhaustion, heatstroke, dehydration, and heart problems. Even under the best conditions, high temperatures can cause players to become fatigued, lose focus and underperform.
To benefit from the heat, you also need to protect yourself. Here are 10 tips for keeping cool on the course:
- Dress appropriately. Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing that covers the arms and legs.
- Wear sun protection. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher before hitting the links.
- Lower your baseline temperature ahead of time. Consider taking a cold shower right before heading out, sipping an ice-slurry or blended frozen drink on the drive over, and sitting in an air-conditioned car (or clubhouse) until the last minute.
- Take a cart. A recent study found that walking imposes greater physical strain — marked by spikes in core temperature, elevated heart rates and higher post-round fatigue — and reduces players’ perceived performance compared to riding in a cart.
- Cool the cart. Take steps to make the cart a refuge on the course. A cart with a roof provides shade and makes it possible to avoid direct sunlight for most of the round.
- Stay hydrated. Drink water and electrolyte-replenishment sports drinks consistently to restore fluids and electrolytes lost through sweat.
- Remember to snack. Eating large, protein-heavy or high-fat meals right before or during a hot round forces blood away from your skin toward your stomach, compromising your body’s ability to cool itself.
- Pace yourself. When exercising in high temperatures, the heart works hard to send blood to both power your muscles and cool your skin, leading to a much higher heart rate and core temperature than performing at the same intensity on a cooler day.
- Start early or play late. Scheduling a tee time before 11 a.m. or after 4 p.m. allows you to avoid the peak sun hours and enjoy temperatures that are 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit cooler on average than midday.
- Don’t ignore warning signs. Pay attention to how you feel on the course. Fatigue, dizziness, headache and nausea are all symptoms of heat exhaustion.
Playing a great round of golf in extreme summer heat is achievable with proper preparation. Physics demonstrates that heat can lower your score, but capitalizing on that advantage requires managing the effects temperature has on your body.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
