How’s The Heat Affecting Your Golf?

As temperatures throughout much of the US set new records, I wonder how golfers are coping. For my part, I’m still playing but have given up walking. With temperatures in the mid to upper 90s, walking is just not healthy. I don’t think there is any way to drink enough water to keep up with the loss. I don’t mind playing in the heat, but I draw the line at dangerous behavior.

Two days ago, I played 36 holes in humid, 95 degree conditions. The first 18 went very well, but by hole 30 or so, I was feeling a bit drained. I had consumed two 40 ounce Klean Kanteen bottles of Gatorade Propel Zero and a coke with lunch. I don’t think even that was enough.

The roof of the cart also provided some shelter from the sun, which I would not have had while on foot (although I suppose I could use my umbrella to provide shade).

Watching the Tour players, I wonder how they’re handling it. They have to walk, wear long pants, and stand around in the sun for long periods of time. And those baseball hats frankly don’t provide much help. I wear a wide brimmed summer hat from Tilly. It provides quite a bit more shade for my face and neck. Its easily the best hat I’ve ever had.

On these hot days, I also wear a Cool Wrap Scarf. It’s filled with a polymer that absorbs water, which then evaporates slowly, cooling your neck and head. After soaking it for twenty minutes or so, the cooling effect last pretty much all day.

Finally, I really like the Frogg Toggs Chilly Pad Cooling Towel. Like the Cool Wrap, you soak it in water and it offers some evaporation cooling effect. The towel dries relatively quickly, however and requires a water refresh at the turn.

My other criticism is that it really needs a grommet on one corner so it can be hung from the bag.