Would it be fair to say that people who play golf in the snow are obsessed? I’m not quite sure, but I can tell you it’s a heck of a lot of fun. With the right people and a thermos of hot cocoa, it can even be more enjoyable than summer golf!
For me, the best part of playing golf is having a good time with a group of friends. But sometimes the summer game is so serious and competitive that it’s difficult to really enjoy. Playing golf in the snow, however, is just ridiculous fun. We laugh, we crack jokes, and we even throw snowballs!
Winter Rules
You might see a section of winter rules on the scorecard of your local country club. Take my word for it; those rules have nothing to do with playing golf in the snow. They are for playing normal golf, on a course with no snow, between the months of November and March. They are serious rules used by serious golfers for play during the off-season. For those of us who play in the snow, there are few rules. And the rules we do have are open to negotiations on any given day.
Tips for Successful Winter Golf
There are a couple of tips that will make your winter golf experience more enjoyable if you follow them. First and foremost, never use a white ball. If you think you spend too much time searching for your ball during the summer months, forget about ever finding a white ball in the snow. Use a bright orange or green ball for the best visibility. You can use yellow and pink but they aren’t seen as easily in the snow.
Where foot gear is concerned you can leave the golf cleats at home. A good round of winter golf is going to take you several hours to complete, so you want warm and waterproof boots. If the snow is more than 5 or 6 inches deep you might even consider snowshoes. Not only will they keep you on the surface of the snow, but they add an extra challenge when swinging the clubs.
Finally, chill out and relax. Winter golf is about getting outside, goofing off, and having some fun. If you take yourself too seriously you’re wasting your time; you might as well stay home and putt in the living room.