Beat the Heat

[BostonBrew]

It's starting to get to that point of the year here in Southern Virginia where its hot and humid every day. Walking up and down the rolling hills becomes a bit more of a challenge. Today's 9 was interrupted with a nice shower halfway through, but afterwards it was really muggy. I was drenched in sweat by the time I walked off the 9th green. I usually throw some Gold Bond powder on and carry a liter of Gatorade or water with me.

Anyone have any tips on staying cool when walking?

[SCfanatic35]

It's been between 106-112 here the last week.  Other than drinking a lot of water before, during and after my round their is only one other thing I do to help.  I use a towel, sometimes 2, and soak it in cold water and keep it wrapped around my neck while I am walking the course. When it gets really bad I will put the 2nd one on top of my head. Every time I find a water faucet I load up the towel again and keep chugging along.  It makes the walking tolerable for me.

[Hacker James]

When I was into motorcycling and did a lot of long distance, I had this neck band thingy that had some sort of silica gel balls inside, I would soak it in ice water and it would work for several hours. Also would wear "doo rag" under my helmet that I would wet down as often as I could.  It was not unusual to find myself in the saddle for 8-10 hours per day for extended trip.  On the golf course, I would soak inside of cap with ice water every time I filled my water bottle which fits inside an insulated pocket of the Oggio Bag.

[BuckeyeNut]

Play early before it gets hot!!  That's what I do......

If your group is slow, I recommend you don't play early.......wait for hi-temps in the 70s and play in the afternoon...LOL......   If it's a hot day, go bowling or do something else..LOL

[Shindig]

I recently played two rounds in Palm Springs; both were in high temperatures, although both started in the morning (8:45AM and 8:10AM, respectively) but not super early. However, for various reasons, I used a cart (mostly because they were resort courses). I managed to stay somewhat cool, but I definitely sweated up a storm and had to shower afterward, even though my immediate next stop was a swimming pool. In general, I walk in the summer in So Cal, and while it isn't usually humid, it is sometimes quite hot. My main solution is to drink plenty of water - I typically drink at least 20 oz of cold water before the round and another 90 oz or so during the round (insulated bags to bring the water with me; I walk but use a hand cart for my bag). Other than that, I'd suggest playing a course that [i]has[/i] shade - and, when you're not hitting and able to do so, get in the shade. I'm not saying to deliberately hit into the trees, but if there's a treeline near the fairway, and you're going to have to wait for the group ahead of you, go ahead and stand in the shade (but close enough to your ball that you can poke over, inspect the lie, determine the distance, and not have to wait until the group ahead of you has cleared to do this). I had - past tense - an attachment to my walking cart for an umbrella, but I couldn't keep it balanced with one on it, so I removed it. I'm not sure if a sun umbrella is a big help or not.

[jtw89]

I know this sounds crazy, but applying sunscreen 2-3 times per round seems to help me. Maybe it's in my head, but I sure do feel better. I also try to wear "dri-fit" style clothing so that the breeze is cooler, and my sweat can cool me off a little better. Like others have said, I think the most important thing is staying well hydrated. Starting a day or two before you play is best.

[BuckeyeNut]

People who think an 8am tee time is 8am is wrong.......................................................................................

Early is 6'ish........

[Beachcomber]

Make sure you don't just drink water. Mix in Gatorade for electrolytes.

[BostonBrew]

Staying hydrated isn't the problem. Obviously it can be, but I've been dehydrated on the trail miles from the trailhead and it's not fun. It's actually pretty scary. So I always keep a lot of water on me. Definitely going to try to remember to take a wet towel with me to wrap around my neck next time. Sadly, the 9 hole course that I play often is fairly open so there isn't much shade.

[SloverUT]

  Beachcomber said:

Originally Posted by Beachcomber

Make sure you don't just drink water. Mix in Gatorade for electrolytes.

This.  To many people think that by drinking water they are staying hydrated.  Yes, you are getting water in your system but you are also flushing your electrolytes.  You need to drink a thing of power/gatorade along with the water to stay well hydrated.

Don't drink just water.

Don't drink just gatorade.

Do both :)

[jtw89]

  Beachcomber said:

Make sure you don't just drink water. Mix in Gatorade for electrolytes.

I disagree... If you eat enough, or too much like me, you're body can handle losing electrolytes for a while. You have plenty stored in your fat cells. Water will keep you hydrated, and dodging the sugar is helpful for staying that way. Save the Gatorade for after the round if staying as cool as possible is the goal. If drinking something other than water helps you enjoy your time on the course more, then have at it, but water is what will keep you coolest. I suppose sugar free Gatorade or whatever is a valid option though.