Golfing under the bright, sweltering sun can turn a relaxing day at the course into a challenging endurance test. However, with the right strategies, you can beat the heat and keep your focus squarely on your round. While Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offer 32 miles of pristine beaches that are ideal for relaxing during these summer months, the golf course remains a popular spot because of the longer days and desire to take advantage of the perfect weather.
Whether you plan on taking advantage of the idyllic conditions or simply prefer to avoid the heat and head directly to the 19th hole, there are several ways you can maximize your summer golf vacation and ensure you take advantage of the awesome courses in the area. Here are five essential tips for staying cool and comfortable on the golf course, ensuring your energy and spirits remain high from the first tee to the final putt.
1. Stay Hydrated
Hydration is key to maintaining your cool on the golf course. Start drinking water before you even leave for the course to ensure you are well-hydrated before you even hit the first tee shot. Drinking plenty of fluids during your range session is also important, and as you head over to the first hole, be sure to avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, as they can lead to dehydration.
Save the alcohol for afterward to celebrate your career low round, and make sure you take plenty of water and take advantage of any drink carts that are frequently making their rounds. Stay alert to the symptoms of dehydration, which include dry mouth, fatigue, and dizziness. If you start to feel any of these symptoms, take immediate action by finding shade and drinking water or an energy drink. Ignoring these signs can lead to more severe heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
2. Dress Appropriately
Choosing appropriate clothing is critical for staying cool. Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics that remove moisture away from your body, while light-colored clothing reflects sunlight better than dark colors, helping to keep you cooler. Don't forget to wear a hat to protect your head and face from direct sunlight, and consider investing in cooling towels that you can dampen and wear in between shots to help lower your body temperature.
Many golf apparel brands offer clothing that not only helps to eliminate sweat but also provides UV protection. Look for garments labeled with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) ratings, which indicate the rate at which sunlight can penetrate the fabric, offering significant protection against sun damage.
3. Seek Shade and Be Selective on Tee-Time
Walking around the golf course in the middle of the day, especially on the Alabama Gulf Coast, can be a challenge, especially when there is very little shade. Make use of any available shade on the course to take brief respites from the sun. A good example is waiting your turn under the shelter of a tree or cart canopy, which can provide a much-needed break from direct sunlight.
Another great approach is to try and avoid playing during the day's peak heat, typically between 10 am and 4 pm. Schedule early morning or late afternoon tee times when the temperature is lower, and the sun is less intense. Not only will this help you stay cool, but these times often lead to quieter, less crowded course conditions.
4. Adopt a Slower Pace
When the heat is intense, try to slow down your pace while at the same time adhering to the local pace of play policy. Rushing from shot to shot can increase your body temperature and lead to quicker fatigue. Take your time planning your shots, walking or driving to your ball, and setting up. This more deliberate pace will help you conserve energy and stay cooler throughout the round.
Most importantly, like staying hydrated, be willing to always listen to your body's signals. Take a break if you feel overheated, dizzy, or unusually fatigued. There's no shame in resting in the clubhouse after the front nine or even calling it a day if necessary. Your health should always be your first priority, as the golf course will always be there for another round.
5. Use Sun Protection
Regardless of the time of day you choose to play, it is critical that you take care of your body by wearing plenty of sunscreen. Summer golf trips to the Gulf Coast require you to wear no less than SPF 30 and be sure you apply plenty of this to your face and neck where the sun can cause the most damage.
It’s always recommended to apply sunscreen before the round, but also be sure to take a tube or spray with you in your golf bag to use more as needed. A good rule of thumb is to reapply every two hours or more frequently if you're sweating heavily. Golfers are at a much higher risk of exposure to those harmful rays, given that they are out in the sunlight for four to five hours without much respite. It’s also important to protect your eyes, so wearing sunglasses with UV protection will help shield them from harmful rays. You will also find it easier to track your ball!
