Winter golf in the UK is a different sport. The ball goes shorter, the fairways are soft, the greens are slow and your hands stop working somewhere around the fourth hole.
None of that is a reason to stop playing. Courses are quieter, green fees are often cheaper and a frosty first tee has its own appeal. But the kit that works in July does not work in January, and a few small changes make the difference between enjoying a winter round and counting down the holes.
This is the list we would give a friend.
Keep your hands warm and dry
Cold hands are the single biggest problem in winter golf. Once you lose feel in your fingers, you lose the club face, and once you lose the club face, the round is over.
Winter gloves. Most winter golf gloves are sold in pairs and worn on both hands. They are thicker than a normal glove and grip better when cold and damp. You will lose a little feel, which is the trade. If you only buy one thing from this list, buy these.
Mitts between shots. Golf mitts are oversized, fleece-lined gloves you slip on over your hands between shots, then pull off to swing. They look slightly ridiculous and they work brilliantly.
Hand warmers. Disposable heat packs in each pocket cost very little and last a round. Rechargeable ones are better value if you play every week. Keep one in the pocket you reach into most.
A spare normal glove. If you prefer to swing with your usual glove, carry a second one in a sealed bag. A wet glove that dries hard is worse than no glove at all. Our golf gloves start at £13.99, and the golf glove size guide covers which hand and what size.
Layers, not bulk
The temptation is to wear your thickest coat. Do not. You cannot swing in it, and you will be too hot by the turn.
- A thin base layer that keeps warmth in and moves with you.
- A mid layer, such as a quarter-zip or a light fleece.
- A windproof or waterproof top that is cut for golf, so it does not restrict your shoulders.
- A beanie or a cap with ear warmers. A lot of heat goes out through your head, and a cold head makes the whole round feel longer.
- Waterproof trousers if the course is wet. Soaked knees by the third hole is a long afternoon.
The rule is simple: you should be slightly cold on the first tee. If you are warm before you start, you are wearing too much.
Which golf ball to play in winter
Golf balls go shorter in cold weather. Cold air is denser, and a cold ball is firmer and less lively off the face. Most golfers lose a club or more of distance on a properly cold morning.
There are two sensible responses.
Play a softer, lower-compression ball. Softer balls compress more easily at slower winter swing speeds and feel less like a stone off the face. Many golfers switch to one for the winter months.
Do not play your best balls. Winter courses eat balls: plugged lies, leaves, standing water. It is a sensible time to play a lower grade. Our used golf balls are course-found and run from A/Pearl down to practice grade, and a B or C grade ball is ideal for a muddy January round. The grading page explains what each grade means.
One tip from experience: keep the ball you are playing in your trouser pocket between holes, not in the bag. A warm ball goes noticeably further than a cold one.
The small things that make a big difference
| Item | Why it matters in winter |
|---|---|
| Towels, plural | One for the club face, one dry one tucked under the umbrella for your hands and grips. |
| Coloured or high-visibility balls | Far easier to find in leaves and low light. |
| Longer tees | Soft ground swallows short tees. Bamboo tees are stronger and break down if left on the course. |
| An umbrella | Mostly for keeping your grips and gloves dry, not you. |
| A flask | Something warm at the turn helps more than it should. |
| A head torch in the car | Late tee times finish in the dark from November onwards. |
What to leave at home
Winter is a good time to lighten the bag. Take out the long irons you will not hit off soft fairways, and carry an extra hybrid or lofted wood instead. Leave the third sleeve of new premium balls in the garage. If your course is on temporary greens or mats, half your wedges are spare.
A lighter bag on heavy ground saves your legs for the back nine.
Common questions
Should I use a different golf ball in winter?
Many golfers do. A softer, lower-compression ball suits slower swing speeds in the cold, and winter is a sensible time to play a lower grade because more balls get lost in soft ground and leaves.
Are winter golf gloves worth it?
Yes, if you play regularly through the winter. They are worn on both hands, keep your fingers working and grip better in the damp. Combine them with hand warmers in your pockets between shots.
How much distance do you lose in winter?
It varies with temperature, wind and how firm the ground is, but most golfers lose around a club on a cold day and more on a frosty morning. Take one more club than you think and swing smoothly.
What makes a good winter golf gift?
Things that run out or wear out faster in winter: gloves, balls, tees and a warm hat. A box that covers several of those at once makes a better present than one expensive item.
Buying for a winter golfer?
Winter gear is a very good present because it gets used immediately. Our Winter Caddie box is built for exactly this, our Christmas golf gifts cover everything from tees to the full box, and every golf mystery box includes a glove in the size and hand you choose. If you would rather pick each item yourself, you can build your own golf gift box instead, or stock up from our golf accessories range.