Ran Fiennes, considered the greatest living explorer, kind of nailed it when he said “there’s no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing.” Sage advice whether you’re scaling mountains or being a bit less extreme and venturing out to play some fall or winter golf. The maxim holds true in both cases.
For the lucky few who live in temperate climates year-round, layering for golf is probably a low priority or perhaps alien entirely. But for the vast majority of the golf population who relish year-round play, it can be a massive unlock when you consider the effects a cold body has on performance.
Why Layering Matters
We all know what being cold feels like but you may not be aware of just what level of havoc it can wreak on your body and golf game. In the cold, the body is dealing with a number of things we may not necessarily be aware of, like:
Reduced Flexibility and Range of Motion: Cold temperatures cause muscles to tighten, limiting flexibility and, in turn, your range of motion. The length and fluidity of your swing take the hit. So, in addition to the shorter ball flight associated with the cold, you could be giving up additional yards if you’re not keeping your golf muscles warm and primed.
Loss of Power: Similarly, cold muscles are less efficient and, combined with reduced flexibility, can sap your power creating even greater power leaks.
