Lakeland Golfers Prepare for Chilly Cold Weather Play

“Golf is huge in Canada, representing over $14 billion in GDP,” highlights Patrick Sullivan, Halifax Chamber of Commerce CEO, pointing out that the tourism portion of golf in the country amounts to an impressive $2.5 billion to $3 billion. For natives and tourists alike, a great game of golf isn’t off the table when the temperatures drop in Lakeland and throughout Alberta. With staying warm and gear care domineering as crucial elements to a great cold-weather game, preparing for the upcoming fall and winter seasons can be made simple through the right precautions.

Staying warm is a critical element 

The golfing season in Alberta typically allows players to get in a few rounds after the leaves fall, though there are courses that stay open throughout winter. In fact, golfers could be found teeing off at Terrae Pines in early January of this year, two weeks after the official start of winter, according to the St. Albert Gazette. Located near St. Albert (a little over four hours from Lakeland), the family-run 18-hole Par 72 course embraced the mild weather. Aside from a 10 day closure due to snow in late October, the course was in fact open for over 250 days, spanning all four seasons. “We broke our own record this year,” Mark Cassidy, the club manager said. “The last record was in ‘97 when the course was open until New Year’s Eve.”

Carleton University highlights the importance of dressing in layers (typically three). Wearing layers of clothing will help insulate your body in order to stay warm. “Your torso is the most important area to keep warm as your organs are located in this region,” the article notes. It’s further explained that a cold torso can result in the body sending less blood to extremities such as fingers and toes, underlining the value in more than one layer of clothing. For golfers, it’s imperative to choose clothing that doesn’t interfere with your ability to play the game, with vests and fitted long sleeves proving to be more useful than bulky winter wear. Carleton University goes on to note the importance of covering up any exposed skin, as well as the value of useful fabrics — lined clothing, for example, is recommended rather than cotton choices for maximum warmth.

According to the Canadian Red Cross, preventing cold-related emergencies can be rather simple, with many recommendations easily applied to avid golfers. Covering up exposed areas (such as your face, ears, etc.), can be achieved with winter weather accessories (hats, scarves), while bringing along cold weather supplies can further aid endeavors to stay warm. Extra clothing and high calorie foods are just two prime suggestions that will work to help golfers stay warm and energized. Due to the fact that golfing relies on feel, keeping your hands warm can be a must. Hand warmers and mittens are just one suggestion that can keep your fingers from going numb and stiff.

Proper gear care is critical

Aside from dressing differently, throwing your clubs in the golf cart and heading out onto the green can seem simple enough when planning to head out on an Alberta golfing trip. Golf Digest highlights the importance of proper gear care in regard to weather, which can extend the longevity of your equipment while heightening your chances of a better game. Cold weather is noted to have a significant impact on golfing gear — for example, the material on the grips can crack in cold weather, while graphite shafts can become brittle. Rubber compounds can also contract and get firm in colder temperatures, which will lead to less rebound.

Properly storing golf carts is another must for Lakeland golfers, especially as temperatures begin to drop. Ideally, golf carts should be stored in climate-controlled storage when not in use, though keeping the cart in a shed or other protected structure will help minimize the impact of colder weather. As a result, Lakeland golfers can protect their carts while increasing the longevity of the vehicle (without having to worry about compromising the cart’s performance). When choosing the right golf cart that is suitable for golfing all year-round in Alberta, factors such as battery life, warranty, and design are all worth keeping in mind. Six-seater golf carts are essential for those who golf with friends and family, while four-seat configurations can suit singles and couples perfectly. At the same time, it’s important to choose a cart that features enough space for equipment and gear, especially when bringing extra layers and plenty of food on board. Comparing and contrasting different makes and models can help make an informed decision, especially when taking into consideration warranty length and battery life alongside price.

Avid golfers planning to golf in and near Lakeland in the upcoming fall and winter seasons must be prepared. Staying warm and properly caring for gear, for instance, are just two valuable elements of playing a good game throughout the colder months.