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When you hear about golf, the first thing that comes into your mind is a ridiculously wide green field with ups and downs along with some semi-large lakes here and there. That, too, under the nice warm sun in bright daylight.
Well, you might consider reconsidering your thought. What if I say, playing golf in a vast snow-covered field, in ice-cold weather is also a valid way to get the game going, there is nothing to raise your eyebrows.
Playing golf in the snow is actually a very popular version of the actual game. It’s very okay if you want to name it to snow golf. People do call it that way. Some even call it the Ice golf.
SO WHAT IS SNOW GOLF (ICE GOLF)?
Simple, You play golf in the snow. The whole green field is covered with snow, and the ‘Greens’ are called ‘Whites’.
When it’s winter, and if you are considering putting your golf clubs to rest until summer comes, you are wrong. Playing golf in ice-cold winter can be an excellent option for you to keep your body warm and your skills on point.
Well, YES, golf is best played in the warmer season, but snow golf is actually a favorite sport for outdoor enthusiasts and mountain hikers. Even, professional golfers don’t miss a chance to give it a go in winter. They too practice to improve their skills playing snow golfs in winter.
SNOW GOLF IN HISTORY: Who Invented Snow Golf?
You can’t exactly pin-point the beginning of snow golf in history. That being said, it is, in fact, possible to say that snow-golf was played even in the 17th Century.
Artists like Hendrick Everamp and Aert Van Der Neer painted different paintings where people playing golf in the snow-covered field with warm clothes on can be seen.
Not THAT of an alien game, is it?
It is also believed that the game was OFFICIALLY invented by the 19th-century poet Rudyard Kipling, who was a golf enthusiast. He used to paint the golf balls in bright red in the snow golf course. This may have eventually laid the foundation for the modern-day snow golf set up.
Read: What is Footgolf
HOW TO PLAY SNOW GOLF?
As for the rules, the game is no different than the original golf game. Except for a few changes like the surface; which turns white because of snow, and the balls are colorful; hence not white.
What you DO need to know is that the weather plays a vital role in executing the game. Even if the game is the same, the fall in temperature will require some unique treatments.
Read: Can You Play Golf Alone?
Wear Protective Clothes
Playing in freezing cold definitely exempts you from the luxury of wearing the signature golf attires. You can’t expect to go out in baggy pants and soft polo shirts and hit a few pars in winter.
You lose a lot of your body heat through your hands and head. Covering your head, including your ear lobes with some warmers is a wise decision to make.
Wear layers of warm cloths over your polo shirts and put on warm pants. Nice heavy sports shoes with woolen socks are there to protect your feet out there.
All these warm clothes may prove to be uncomfortable for you while you play, yet, it is what’s essential for you to keep your body functioning perfectly. No compromise should be made with your health at the cost of mere enjoyment.
Read: What to wear golfing in 50 Degree weather?
Put On Gloves
Even in warm seasons, golfers put on gloves for a better grip of the golf club. In winter, the need for it is even more. If wearing a glove on one hand only is what you prefer in summer, wearing gloves on both hands is absolutely necessary for winter.
It will keep your hands warm, and a better grip will be confirmed. Hitting the ball straighter for several times may appear difficult without a pair of warm gloves in winter.
See: Best Golf Gloves for men, Women & Juniors
Adjust Your Club
You can see expert golfers prefer to use a wooden club in winter since iron made clubs are prone to be responding quickly to the temperature fall. If you are not into using wooden ones, professionals suggest that a 7-iron made club can get the job pretty well done.
You can choose iron setts, mallet putters, blade putters or some cheap putters here according to your budget.
Select The Perfect Snow Golf Ball
One of the most significant alterations to be done in playing snow golf is changing the ball. Try hitting the traditional white ball in the middle of the white snowy field, you never going to find it again.
That’s what Mr. Kipling came up with; in the 19th Century, right?
Again, the ball should be softer, and compression needs to be lower. You see, the air density in winter can cause a hindrance for the ball to move forward. A lower compression in the ball will give it an extra push to get further. Also, a softer ball will get harder by coming into contact with cold snow.
See also: Best Golf Balls for winter
Have A Snow Plow
It’s a clever idea to have a snow plow around the corner. The heavy thick snow will make it difficult for you to play one way or another. Clearing up the surface a bit here and there will keep the spirit of the game alive.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Is golf a winter of summer sport?
Answer: Originally a summer sport, but it’s possible to play in winter with some exceptional rules as well.
2. How can I improve my golf game in winter?
Answer: Put on some protective attires and keep yourself warm and hydrated. That will help you practice the same in winter as in summer.
3. Can you golf in the cold?
Answer: Yes, you can. Playing golf in cold weather is actually an official sport that is being played in different countries.
FINAL WORDS…
Playing golf in winter under the ice-cold temperature can be challenging and extremely fun at the same time. On the one hand, you get this cold weather bothering you to play like you used to play in summer freely.
On the other hand, the lake that troubled you in the summer is now a frozen pathway, the colorful ball can add to a new taste to the game, and it can keep you warm and fit in chilling weather.
Yap, the game is not the same in the opposite seasons, but if you can prepare yourself correctly, you can enjoy the game as much as the professionals who play in tournaments arranged especially for snow golf.
Read More:
- Tips for Playing golf in the winter
- How to practice Golf in the winter
- How Caffeine Affects Your Golf Game
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Daisy is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Golfs Hub. She is associated with Golf for more than 20 years. She got the inspiration from her father. She is a very private person & doesn't like to be photographed. She's worked in nearly every job in the golf industry from club fitting to instruction to writing and speaking. Now she is enjoying her retirement from day job... but not from Golf! Daisy lives in southeasternmost part of New York state with her family.
