The Unpredictability of Spring Golf in the Midwest
The joke about the region is “the summers are worth it” and if you know, then I don’t need to reiterate how true it is.
Us Midwesterners wait all winter for the sun to (sometimes) come out and melt the snow so that we can get out there and play again. What makes it even tougher is that the PGA season gets kicked off in February (a very depressing month for Midwest weather usually), brands come out with their new gear, and we start getting the itch but look outside to cold, gray weather and dead grass. That means, as soon as it gets above 50 degrees outside, every golfer jumps at the chance to get their first swings in if it’s not raining out – and sometimes even if it is.
Every golf fan wants to get out there as soon as they can but the Midwest spring weather can be the biggest hinderance to starting your year. 70 and sunny one week, 30 and snow the next. I have played in beautiful weather in February and also played snow rules in May. If you have spent one week in a Midwest spring, you know the weather can be temperamental at best. The point is, if you’re a golfer who wants to get out there and get swings in as soon as you can, it’s best to be prepared, know how the weather affects your game, and find your favorite weather app and turn alerts on.
Tips for Cold Weather
Let’s be honest, if there is one thing that is more likely in Midwest spring, it’s going to be a bit cold. Cold golf just isn’t as fun, I’m sorry. If you don’t hit it directly on the sweet spot, that’s a shooting pain all the way up your arm, you have to wear clothes that aren’t swing friendly, and the ball just doesn’t go as far.
Growing up in Minnesota, I would try out for the golf team with snow on the ground. We weren’t quite playing snow golf (yes, that’s a real thing), but it was quite a unique experience out of desperation for the timing. We got to pick and place the ball out of any snow but I would not recommend doing that to anyone who isn’t desperate to play.
Warm Clothing
I’m going to sound like your mother but layers are your friend. Wear a flexible, moisture-wicking base layer – none of that cotton crap – and something loose over it like a pullover or even a rain jacket. Likewise, rain pants will help with the wind and keep your bottoms warm.
Some brands have winter hats and gloves if it’s that type of cold but keeping your hands warm is important. Rain gloves will do just fine as well!
Adjust Your Game
You will need more time to warm up and know that drinking actually lowers your body temperature – so consider avoiding that if you’re really cold (I know, I know).
Know that the ball won’t travel as far in the cold, so club up and swing easy. Speaking of which, don’t leave your clubs in your car! Not only will you not want to cling on to a popsicle, but the shaft won’t flex the same and you can do some serious damage to clubs like the driver if you hit a cold ball with a cold club head.
Rain, Another Inevitability of Spring Golf
Depending on your level of commitment, playing golf in the rain can either be a no-go or no big deal. No matter what time of the Midwest golf season, you’ll likely encounter some rain but more so in the spring time. Some may call it off with a good chance of rain and for others (again, unpredictability), it can mean a potentially empty golf course.
Keep Your Rain Gear Handy
Or just wherever you keep your stuff, just have it with you when you need it!2
Staying dry and warm will be paramount if you’re going to continue to play. Cold and wet golf is just miserable – so make sure you’re wearing your spiked, waterproof golf shoes and actually use the rain hood that comes with your golf bag.
Get a good golf umbrella, rain gloves, extra towel, and most importantly, a rain suit.
Don’t Skimp on the Rain Gear
Unless you don’t want to play at all, a good pair of rain pants and jacket will be the best investment to keep you warm and dry and able to enjoy your round in the rain.
Good rain gear is seriously a life changer. You don’t have to be worried about it dripping down the back of your neck or sitting in a puddle driving the cart – it’ll help you both physically and mentally.
Go Enjoy the Spring Golf, Just Be Prepared
If you haven’t noticed yet, it all comes down to being ready for whatever Mother Nature throws at you. There will always be those dark clouds in the distance threatening to ruin your nice day but it doesn’t have to be that way. Look at the weather forecast (not too obsessively), prepare accordingly, and have a good time. Or you could just wait until maybe June for some better, warmer weather but who wants to do that?