Golf Trip Forecast: Expectations During the Winter

Golf in the winter is a whole new ball game than any other time of the year. Here's what makes winter golf the kryptonite of every golfer:

Where did my ball go?!

This question is just as frustrating as whatever conceivable reason for deciding to play the game in this time of the year. If you hit the ball in the midst of the fine snowfall, you'd be surprised to know that it may probably be the first and last swing you'll make within the entire flaky day. Finding that precious round object is something close to impossible.

Hit the ball... But which one?

Some weather conditions in winter are so bad it is simply not advisable to be staying outside, let alone play golf. Though it can be an acme of clumsiness not to find the ball you yourself have laid on the tee, it is easy to miss that annoying projectile at first casual swing. Furthermore, its flight trajectory can be greatly impaired. Even if the wind velocity is not that substantial, winter breeze is chock full of “almost solid” spray. In case your ball's trajectory don't make sense, your decision to play can definitely relate.

At least you get a “cooler” outfit

Is there anything good about playing golf in winter? Fortunately, there is one redeeming quality on top of the heap-load of challenges this hostile season has to offer. Playing in winter makes you wear a very “cool” attire (pun intended). On top of the awesome ski jacket, your footwear has spikes... which can serve for more than one purpose! On such expected weather, this wicked footwear helps you with the crucial task of “walking”.

Nineteenth hole: the best - and only - place to be

Winter golf games are what separates boys from men, and men from....... supermen? In any case, it's definitely the worst season to play a normal game. Which is why the best place to be around the ski vacation destination is none other than the nineteenth hole (pub or restaurant) lounge guzzling a full glass of beer next to a nearby fireplace. Cheers to the normal people!

It is also fitting to remember that golf courses might be practically deserted during winter. At list scheduling this serene golf trip doesn't run the risk of hecklers.

Reducing Your Handicap Before Your Next Golf Trip

Some people merely consider their golf trip as a chance to unwind with like-minded companions. However, there are people who take these outdoor excursions as sacred opportunities to improve their game. Just like every sport, practice yields great improvement. Others are hoping to reduce the number of swings it takes them to finish a round. Overall improvement requires a systematic approach. Here are the important aspects you need to cultivate for you to improve your proficiency and reduce your handicap:

Range and Trajectory

Just like most ball games, golf is a game about judging distances. But compared to other sports, the magnitude that golf players have to consider is colossal. The flight of the ball on the very first tee is what sets the tone for everything that follows. If you aim to become a proficient player, you must be able to judge the range accurately in relation to the force of your swing. How you swing your club also has a direct effect to the curvature of the ball's flight. This is one aspect that requires arduous repetitive performance.

Physical Fitness

Fitness plays a crucial role in your success on the greens. Improving your health is the basis of a good training regimen. You must be able to withstand the walking distance it takes to go from the tee box, to the fairway, to the putting area and do that again for however many holes you are playing. In addition, your muscles must be able to sustain a multitude of long range swings. Then there's the unfortunate occurrence of  unpleasant climate or sudden changes in the weather. The best way to combat this is to have good health and on shape so you it has minimal effects on your game.

Equipment Upgrade

Honing your natural aptitude is one thing. But serious golf players often neglect the importance of the quality of their equipment. It is imperative to remember that when a player's skill develops, the trusty old golf club may no longer feel right in his or her hand. Being uncomfortable with your equipment can always be the surest way to lose. Buying a new golf club that feels appropriate to your touch can give you an edge.

Remembering these factors can certainly reduce the number of swings it would take to finish a game. However, you must increase your practice frequency and duration of you personal program for you to see the most obvious changes. With dedication to making these changes, your next golf trip may render you victorious.

The Cons of a Solitary Golf Trip

There are several advantages to having a solitary golf trip. Among the most obvious is the serenity; an escape from society's noise especially, if you live in a very busy environment. Some people cherish being alone because of the liberty it brings. However, the downsides may not ring loud and clear until you get to experience the practical difficulties. Here are some of the reasons why going solo on golf vacation is not a ideal for some people:

Cannot save expenses

One of the most obvious disadvantages of spending time alone in a golf resort is the cost. Contrary to popular belief, expenditure is efficient if you have some people with you. You can often get a break on the per person price with a group of people. Think about how much you pay for one person to stay in a room on their own versus getting a room with a double bed... half the price you would have paid! This is even true when you're on the trip with things like a caddie tip, going out to dinner, and other activities outside of golfing.

What if I have no idea of what I'm doing?

If you want a positive experience from this kind of vacation and you haven't yet played golf before, it's best to have some companionship (not the type who would get a good laugh out of seeing you blunder about). There may be several reasons why you “suddenly” liked golf. Perhaps you're drawn to cool complicated math behind the handicap scoring. Maybe because this sport has 80% of its origin from Scotland, and you just love Scotland. In fact, maybe you thought Tiger Woods has a great smile and it was good enough to make his sport your new favorite pastime. But if it is your first time to ever play this sport, you'll likely need someone (or group of someones) to show you the ropes. 

Excitement is a rare commodity

If golf beginners have a hard time being alone, experts are also not without their cons. An out-of-town golf getaway is a good chance to practice one's skill. But you can rarely get excited for another day after your 47th consecutive day of range drill. A vacation that offers no excitement sounds “ironic” or downright “self defeating”. It is best to avoid experiencing that unbelievable “what exactly am I doing here” moment by the time your enthusiasm is completely exhausted.

Not everyone can handle the one-person golf trip, there are select individuals who can. So don't be discouraged no matter the size of your golf vacation group, take advantage of the benefits both can provide while you can.

Golf Vacation Tips: Weather Your Game

The effort required to beat ordinary players during your golf vacation outing is tremendous. In fact, the extent that passionate players go through almost puts ordinary superlative adjectives to shame. Pushing the limits in terms of training is often their definition of fun (as wacky as it may sound).

Thus, Tiger Woods has gone through extraordinary lengths any self-respecting golf addict would also put themselves through. But will you still practice your epic club-swinging even in the midst of terrible weather? If you're the kind of passionate athlete meticulous physicians would love to put on a leash, there's valid reason far more convincing than “for the love of the game” (Yes, Michael Jordan plays golf too).

Accuracy vs weather

On a fine day, achieving excellent trajectory in hurling a missile in midair is no big deal. But on a “not so fine” day, you'd be surprised how bad your aim is. As far as science is concerned, windy and rainy climate is not a good time to be practicing the accuracy of your shot. Golfers share the same frustration that archers and snipers feel when they shoot bullets through uncooperative weather. Heavy rain not only obstructs your sight with its innumerable droplets, these droplets also pelt your ball in its flight. With strong winds bending the ball mid-flight, consider how far it can blow it off course. Alas, despite this obstacle, there is no substandard performance that repetitive practice cannot remedy.

Be adaptable

Many don't realize it but unpredictable weather effects how the human body works internally. Heavy snowfall followed by a brief interval of searing sunlight can confuse the body. Fever and flu resulting from these sudden changes is your body's gentle way of reminding you to stay indoors at your golf vacation destination. But undeterred fanatics do not only physically adapt, they also learn clever ways of dressing up in preparation for sudden weather changes that can throw off their game. Check the forecast ahead of time and if your destination is known for sporadic changes in the weather, be prepared even for what isn't in the forecast.

Watch and feel your step

Familiarity with the weather can always help you navigate the terrain of the golf course. Simply put it, some people are not accustomed to playing after a heavy rain. Snow is also an excellent way to stumble on your pace in finding that elusive ball (probably damning it for its camouflage whiteness). If you are accustomed to playing in different seasons, you have an edge over players who simply rely on their club-swinging skills and cross their fingers for the clouds to cooperate.

In case you are not as skilled as other players, your adaptability to changing weather can become a “score multiplier” working on your behalf. And it's hard to complain about bad weather during your golf vacation if you are accustomed to the whims of the intemperate skies!