Golf Techniques: Keeping Cool
Tips for keeping your cool on the golf course
It's all too tempting to take advantage of the low green fees on high-end golf courses during the hot weather season. That is until you step out of your air-conditioned hotel onto a course that feels like a furnace – and you think: what have I done?
But with a few concessions and some preparation, all need not be lost. In addition to packing the sun screen and a protective hat, TravelGolf.com offers these no-nonsense ways to brave budget golf under a scorching summer sun:
1. Accept the heat. A positive attitude can go a long way. Try to look at heat in the same way golfers regard rain and fog while visiting Ireland or Scotland – as part of the experience. Besides, visitors to desert golf Mecca's can take some satisfaction in that dry desert heat is usually more manageable than the humid heat found in places like Florida.
2. Forget the early morning tee time jive. It's become hot weather golf gospel: book an early tee time at 5:30 or 6:00 a.m. or as early as the course will let you. The logic is that early morning temperatures are cooler allowing for a more comfortable round – but the trouble is that everyone is likely thinking the same thing. Early mornings are the only time when desert golf-hot spots are packed solid during the summer months. The slight gain in temperature comfort is likely offset by crowd annoyance. Besides, do you really want to wake up that early? This is, after all, supposed to be a vacation.
3. Drink four times what you think you need (literally). The simple rule for water is if you're not going to the washroom, you're not drinking enough. If it's in the 30s C (or 90s F) you should drink at least 1 bottled water every 2 - 3 holes or 9 full bottled waters per 18 holes. Many golfers, particularly those inexperienced with the stifling desert heat, underestimate the danger of dehydration and other heat-related illnesses. And as tempting as it might be, avoid the beer and soft drink cart. Unfortunately, your favorite beer or sugar-laden, caffeinated drink does not hydrate.
4. Choose your courses wisely. At this time of year, the value of tree coverage and an opportunity for shade is at a premium. Consider courses such as Raven at South Mountain in Phoenix-Scottsdale, Reflection Bay in Las Vegas and Indian Wells Country Club in Palm Springs.
5. Park your car in the shade. After four hours of golf in the scorching sun, the last thing you want is to return to a stifling hot car. It is far smarter to seek out a shady parking spot, even if it is further from the door.
And as with any sports-related activity, use common sense when exposed for long periods to hot temperatures. Heat-related illnesses occur when your body temperature control systems overload and your body can no longer cool itself.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the two most serious forms of heat illnesses are heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Warning signs for heat exhaustion include: heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness or weakness, headache or dizziness, nausea or vomiting, and faintness.
If left untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke. As many as 40 percent of people who get heat stroke may die as a result of brain damage. Heat stroke warning signs include: body temperature of 103 degrees F or higher; red, hot, dry skin; throbbing headache or dizziness; nausea; confusion or unconsciousness.