Playing in heavier clothing

[David in FL]

Call this post a public service to all those who are digging the clubs out of hibernation, even though there's still snow on the ground.  It's that time of year again.  Still some chilly days down south (always on the weekend it seems), and some of the more robust northern golfers are so over winter that they're starting to venture out no matter what the temps or conditions are.....

Whenever I play in heavier clothing, I tend to struggle a little bit, usually coming over the top and hitting a lot of dead pulls.  I suspect it's because the heavier clothing wants to force my arms out from my body a bit more than usual.  I try to minimize the bulk of the clothing I wear by sticking to sweater vests and lighter weight wind shirts.  I also take more club and try to avoid over-swinging as best I can.  Both of those certainly help, but it still isn't the same swing, or result.

I'm wondering if Erik, Mike, or any of those aforementioned robust northern golfers might have some tips and/or swing adjustments to help mitigate the affects of wearing more clothes and layers than we're used to.....at least until we get back to shorts and polos weather!

[Ernest Jones]

[jmanbooyaa]

I played on Saturday on long Island. Had 2 layers of UA cold gear on and a thermal vest. The temps were moderate without the winds. I was pushing my irons all day. I enjoy cold weather golf if there is no wind. I don't think the layers affected my irons play more like my poor mechanics, but anything is possible.

[Mr. Desmond]

N. Texas Winter Golf Clothing  -- Long Sleeve Shirt, Windlite Sweater (cotton or wool sweater with windproof lining), and a ZR Shell. I find the above less restricting ... if the wind is really blowing, I found Sun Mountain Rainflex pants are lite and quiet. I also use Footjoy or Mizuno Winter Gloves - call me "Two Gloves" on those days. I dislike Winter Beanies ... but wind means "Winter Beanie.

[David in FL]

Originally Posted by Ernest Jones

Well now, that's just common sense!

[David in FL]

Originally Posted by Mr. Desmond

N. Texas Winter Golf Clothing  -- Long Sleeve Shirt, Windlite Sweater (cotton or wool sweater with windproof lining), and a ZR Shell. I find the above less restricting ... if the wind is really blowing, I found Sun Mountain Rainflex pants are lite and quiet. I also use Footjoy or Mizuno Winter Gloves - call me "Two Gloves" on those days. I dislike Winter Beanies ... but wind means "Winter Beanie.

Forgot about gloves......gotta keep the hands warm.  I have some Footjoy mittens that I wear.

[Ernest Jones]

Originally Posted by David in FL

Well now, that's just common sense!

It's good in the spring/summer too. Keeps the bugs away

[iacas]

I've never had much trouble - often I'll play a little better in more clothing because it helps restrict my backswing... I can see how it could affect things, but I think that if you're aware of the extra clothing and how the feels might vary, then you could almost use that to help you play better. Exaggerate keeping your left arm against your chest and coming down your chest rather than flying off your chest, for example - use the extra clothing to feel that extra pressure - and you may find the extra clothing is almost like wearing a training aid.

[Ernest Jones]

Originally Posted by iacas

I've never had much trouble - often I'll play a little better in more clothing because it helps restrict my backswing... I can see how it could affect things, but I think that if you're aware of the extra clothing and how the feels might vary, then you could almost use that to help you play better. Exaggerate keeping your left arm against your chest and coming down your chest rather than flying off your chest, for example - use the extra clothing to feel that extra pressure - and you may find the extra clothing is almost like wearing a training aid.

Interesting take. Agree about the restricted backswing (P57 would too LOL) and like the thought of using the extra layers to accentuate various pressures in the golf swing.

I like my idea better though

[David in FL]

Originally Posted by iacas

I've never had much trouble - often I'll play a little better in more clothing because it helps restrict my backswing... I can see how it could affect things, but I think that if you're aware of the extra clothing and how the feels might vary, then you could almost use that to help you play better. Exaggerate keeping your left arm against your chest and coming down your chest rather than flying off your chest, for example - use the extra clothing to feel that extra pressure - and you may find the extra clothing is almost like wearing a training aid.

Sounds like the exact opposite of what I feel (I know, feel ain't necessarily real ) like I'm doing.  I think I'm actually picking my arms up a little more upright than normal and that may be contributing to the little over-the-top pull thing that I've got going on.  Thanks.

[Mr. Desmond]

If your arms are too cold, David, try this shirt

:

[LuciusWooding]

Under Armor is basically a godsend for this. I also like a wool sweater that's form fitting and maybe a windbreaker. That little clothing doesn't feel heavy.

I've been out in a windy 45 degrees with just under armor and a polo shirt. The biggest concern for me isn't actually the cold or wind, it's making solid contact. You will get more discomfort from thin or toe hits than from a cold temperature, so don't try and force shots. Hit them with perfect contact and club up, allowing for the cold. Playing a soft ball is nice, too.

[Dave2512]

No need to get dressed up like Dr. Zhivago to get out on the course when it's cold. I've been out in temps as low as the 20's recently to golf and do other sporting activities. I live in CO and I don't even own a heavy jacket. A couple of thin layers and I'm good to go. Winter or summer I always start with compression underwear. Over that a temp appropriate shirts and pants, in the cold that's a fitted long sleeve mock, a 1/4 zip pullover and winter weight golf pants. Biggest thing for me is keeping my hands and head warm. Which comes down to hand warmers in my gloves in between shots and one of the many beanies I have. None of it affects movement.

[JET949]

^Not everyone has thick skin like you Colorado folks!

Some people (like myself) don't like being in 50 degree weather without a sweater

[Dave2512]

Lol when it's 50 here you see people wearing shorts. Though some people are nuts. I run a small biz. Our mechanic hasn't worn anything but shorts no matter how cold it is in the 3 years he's worked here.

[JET949]

Though I'm from Texas, it can get pretty cold and I had a friend who wear basketball shorts to any and everything. I swear the guy never wore jeans until his freshman year in college.

More on topic though, I have a hard time hitting with a jacket on period so I just wear my usual under armor. Sorry for being cliche.

[dave s]

What I've stumbled upon for up north (Ohio) with league play (after 5pm start) beginning early April and plenty of cold weather still around:

1. long johns under my pants.  Under Armour heat storing (or some such) mock turtle neck.

2.  Loose pants.  A medium weight Nike half-zip pullover up to my chin.

3. My Foot Joy Rain Suit.  This truly blocks out the wind which is more of a problem for me than the cold.

4.  Ski socks and my old, stretched out Dry Joy shoes.  When it's cold, it's usually mucky out there as well.

5.  A Columbia ski hat.

Truth be told, I'd rather be in FL in July in 96 degree heat and 90% humidity than freezing my butt off attempting to play golf in low-40s high-30s weather.

I truly loathe winter and cold weather.  If I could move south, I'd be there like yesterday!

dave