Cold weather golf?

[Nutsmacker]

With the horribly cold weather that many of us are dealing with right now...I am curious to know if anyone has tried to play golf in weather like this before?

What is your low temperature limit for playing a round?  Mine used to be about 39 degrees if it was sunny and no wind...as the years go by I really don't want to go out and play until it gets at least into the 50's...and even that is a stretch.  Except, right now that would feel like a heat wave.

[Pablo68]

I played Wednesday here in Atlanta and I think the temp was 37 degrees. Water hazards had ice on them and thankfully so. I hit short on one hole and it bounced off ice up onto fringe.

It took a couple hours to warm up afterwards though. 

[Patch]

I'm going to try and play tomorrow in what is forcasted to be 30*f +/- for the high. Not sure what my swing is going to be like since I am going to be bundled up, looking like that Michelein Tire guy.  I should be fine as long as my feet don't get cold. 

I once played a round in northern Nevada in a snow storm. It was windy, and snow/rain mix was  flying horizontally. The wind chill was low enough that ice would form on my mustache. I would guess in the mid to low 20s. Maybe lower. It was a family outing, and copious amounts of alcohol was involved. 

My preferred low these days, being older, and wiser, is above 40*f.  Called home today. Grand daughter told me it was 65*, sunny, and no wind. 

[b101]

Definitely played in below 5 degrees celsius (c. 40 fahrenheit) before - haven't had a problem since getting a pair of mitts, which just make the world a much better place on days like that. Hated it previously for the fear of thinning one!

[Yukari]

I've played in 20 *F (-6 *C) weather many times.

Last week, I teed off when it was in mid 20's *F.  Had winter gloves on in between shots, and walked.  I have a tee time early this morning when the temp is suppose to be around 32 *F and, hopefully, warming up to mid 40's by the turn.  I'll keep my fingers crossed.

[upndown21]

Tournament tomorrow high of 43. With wind..... one set of hand warmers in my pockets the other in my winter fj gloves that I put on after each shot. Add a sock hat and it will be fine.

[JonMA1]

1 hour ago, Yukari said:

I've played in 20 *F (-6 *C) weather many times.

That's impressive. Every year I play in sub-freezing temps but can't remember playing in the low 20's. The upside is that few others will be out in that weather. Probably a good thing. The last thing I'd want is to be standing around waiting for others.

Sadly, it's rare up here for the temps to be that cold and not have snow on the course. My course is at a ski resort and there have been times when the slopes are open while the course is clear. I get some funny looks from the skiers and snowboarders in the parking lot when I load my clubs on the cart and walk out while they're putting on their gear.

9 hours ago, Nutsmacker said:

What is your low temperature limit for playing a round?

I think I'd play at 20° if the course would let me. Anything below that is probably a health risk. I've had mild frost bite on my toes and I really shouldn't get out in the really cold temps without wearing insulated boots. But you never know. Even after a month of no golf, the desire to play becomes pretty strong.

Walking at a fast pace helps keep the blood flowing. I tend to play some of my fastest rounds in cold weather.

[Typhoon92]

35-40 and no wind, Sun has to be out and ground not frozen.

This past season we played a couple windy December days where the windchill had it in the teens.  That sucked.

[David in FL]

I'll play into the 30's if it's sunny and relatively calm.  Played yesterday when it was 45 and cloudy, but not too much wind.  Actually pretty nice for the front, then the temp dropped another 5*...

The biggest problem for me, as I get a little older is that the cold and wearing more clothes exacerbates my relative inflexibility.  I also have some arthritis in my hands that really picks up in the cold.

It's hell to get old....

[Nutsmacker]

2 hours ago, Yukari said:

I've played in 20 *F (-6 *C) weather many times.

 

That takes some guts!  

[Piz]

I have played exactly once in temperatures near freezing.  A cold front moved in while we were out on the course and the wind got up.  It had been in the low 40's when we started and dropped into the mid-30's by the time we finished up.  We enjoyed the round; but were awfully glad to get back to the clubhouse...and indulge in a wee dram.

[Archie Bunker]

Will play down to about 40F these days, hopefully without wind. Years ago, we tried to play at least one time each month of the year, as long as there wasn't snow. Frozen ground guaranteed long tee shots with plenty of roll. Flagsticks frozen in the cup; couldn't pull them out. Just bring a bottle of liquid warmth and have fun while you can. 

 

[Osnola]

Will only play if it is 32* and rising...

[RickK]

Bunch of years ago, 22 degrees at tee off.  After 12 holes, and temp was only 24...we gave it up.  In the part of the world I live  in now, that probably would never happen.  Too much moisture in the air and I don't know of any courses that open in that kind of temperature.  

[CarlSpackler]

Not me. I hate cold. If it’s in the 50s with light to no wind and sunny, I might head out for 9. 

[GolfLug]

Played in sub 20F on Jan 1st with a good friend of mine. Wind chill was down to 9F and rose to a balmy 17F but gloriously sunny. The real heroes were the pocket warmers. I think these made the difference between playing and not playing.  

We walked with push carts and at one point had to remove one of the sub layers (had a total of 4). Ball bounced off the green on the first hole so played everything 10 or so yards short of the green to trundle it on. Worked out ok. 

Great way to start the year! Will absolutely do it again once the snow melts away.