Chances are you are looking forward to getting out and playing golf during some of the few nice winter days that usually occur each year. Taking advantage of these days is important for your game, but will you be ready when they occur?
   Winter golf requires a few more pieces of equipment than normal. From insulated headwear and footwear to cart mittens, cold-weather gloves, hand warmers, sweaters, rain suits, cart covers and cart heaters, the list can be quite long based upon where you live and your personal preferences. Having all the necessary gear packed and ready to go at a moment’s notice will certainly make it easier when you do decide to take the cold-weather plunge.
   Another item to consider is your golf ball. According to ball manufacturers, colder weather decreases a golf ball’s performance. Combine the decrease in ball performance with your cold-weather clothing, which can restrict your mobility and flexibility, and you may be in for a rude awakening if you expect your shots to fly as far as they do when the temperature is a balmy 80 degrees.
   Consider playing a golf ball with less compression during the colder months. The compression of a golf ball directly affects the distance it travels. The softer the ball, the easier it is to transfer the energy from the club to the ball. When temperatures are cold, it is much easier to compress a softer ball.
   Club choice is another factor to consider as you play winter golf, especially if prolonged cold temperatures affect the ground conditions. All too often I hear players say they cannot control their distances in cold weather. Most of the time, it is because they are still trying to fly the ball to a target, only to be disappointed with where the ball actually ends up.
   Cold, hard ground is not receptive to high shots. Balls bounce off hard surfaces, and the backspin of the higher shots will have less of an opportunity to hold the position on the green. This is similar to your tires slipping on wet pavement.
   An alternative to allow the ground conditions to release the ball to its target is to play one less club whenever possible. For example, when the pin is in the front of the green, consider using a less-lofted club and playing a shot that comes up short of the green, bounces and then rolls to the intended target. However, when attempting this shot, keep in mind the moisture conditions in the areas in front of the green. Wet approach areas will stop the ball in its tracks.
   Finally, you must take your energy level into consideration. We all tend to forget that our bodies have to work just as hard to keep us warm in cold weather as they do to cool us during hot weather. Eating small snacks consisting of fruits, grains and proteins every three to four holes can make all the difference in you playing well or feeling miserable after a round.
   Hydration in cold weather is also important. Although your body will not use as much moisture as it does to cool you, it is still doing so, especially if you are wearing multiple layers of clothing. While there is no need to significantly increase your hydration level as you do in hot weather, you should consume liquids at a normal rate so your body has the necessary resources to keep working at its fullest potential.
   This winter, when you get one of those rare nice days, hopefully sooner than later, take advantage of the situation by being prepared. I guarantee you’ll notice the difference on your scorecard.