Playing Golf in Cold Weather
Also known as: golf in cold weather, cold weather golf, golf in the cold, playing golf in the cold, winter golf, playing golf in winter, cold temperatures golf, golf ball in the cold, frosty golf course
In cold weather the ball flies shorter, so take more club than your summer yardages and expect fewer yards from every shot. Wear thin layers you can swing in, warm up properly before you start and keep your hands warm between shots. Swing smoothly instead of harder, and judge each landing area, because soft ground stops the ball sooner.
In cold weather the ball carries a little shorter. The effect is real but smaller than many golfers think. One figure comes from GOLF Top 100 Teacher Andrew Rice. Citing a year-long TrackMan study, he reported about 2.5 yards less carry per 10-degree Fahrenheit drop for a drive with 155 mph ball speed. TrackMan has also shown the same 9-iron carrying about 7 yards differently between a cool morning and a hot afternoon, nearly half a club. So on a cold day, take more club on approach shots and expect shorter drives, but don't overreact.
Your body matters as much as the ball. PGA Tour fitness coach Kolby Wayne Tullier recommends a 20 to 30 minute warm-up before cold rounds. He also recommends three thin layers: a moisture-wicking base, an insulating middle layer and a wind- and rain-resistant outer layer. Avoid bulky clothes that restrict your swing. He suggests eating and drinking a little every two or three holes, because your body uses more energy staying warm. Hand warmers in your pockets and a warm hat help keep feel in your hands.
Winter ground changes how the ball reacts after landing. Soft, wet turf in fall and winter usually means less roll, so carry the ball closer to the flag. Frost is not temporary water or a loose impediment under the Rules, so there is no free relief from it. Snow and natural ice can be treated as either, at your choice. Some courses use winter mats or preferred lies, so check the local rules.
Tips by skill level
On a cold day, take one more club than normal on approach shots and keep your hands in warm pockets between shots.
Track your carry numbers on cold days as well as warm ones. Knowing your own winter yardages beats guessing with a rule of thumb.
Example
On a 40-degree morning, a golfer whose 7-iron normally carries 150 yards takes a 6-iron to a 145-yard flag. He keeps his hands in his pockets with a warmer between shots and makes his usual smooth swing. The ball lands on the front edge and stops near the hole.
Why it matters
Using summer yardages in the cold leaves approach shots short all day. Dressing and warming up well keeps your swing close to normal, so the only adjustment you need is club selection.
Common mistakes
- Using summer yardages and coming up short all round
- Swinging harder to make up the lost distance, which costs control
- Wearing one bulky coat that restricts the turn instead of thin layers
- Skipping the warm-up and starting the round stiff
- Letting hands go numb between shots and losing feel on short shots
Frequently asked questions
How do I play golf in cold weather?
Take more club because the ball flies shorter, wear thin layers you can swing in, and warm up properly before you start. Keep your hands warm between shots and swing smoothly rather than harder.
How much shorter does the ball go in the cold?
Less than many golfers think. Citing a TrackMan study, Andrew Rice reported about 2.5 yards less carry per 10-degree Fahrenheit drop for a drive with 155 mph ball speed.
What should I wear to play golf in the cold?
Thin layers rather than one bulky coat: a moisture-wicking base, an insulating middle layer and a wind- and rain-resistant top layer. Add a warm hat and keep hand warmers in your pockets.
Do I get relief from frost on the course?
No. Under the Rules of Golf, frost is not temporary water or a loose impediment, so you play the ball as it lies. Snow and natural ice can be treated as either, at your choice.
Sources
- GOLF.com: How weather conditions affect your golf ball (Andrew Rice, citing a TrackMan study)
- TrackMan: Morning vs afternoon numbers
- GOLF.com: 3 keys to playing in the cold, according to a PGA Tour fitness expert (Kolby Wayne Tullier)
- GOLF.com: How cooler weather impacts golf carry distance
- The R&A: Rules of Golf, Definitions
- The R&A: 2025-26 Winter Rules FAQs (preferred lies, cleaning the ball, embedded ball, temporary water)
Related terms
- Playing Golf in the RainTo play well in the rain, keep your grips, gloves and hands dry. Take an extra club so you can hit a lower, controlled shot. On wet fairways the ball barely rolls, so plan to carry it to the target. Make a slightly shorter, balanced swing so your feet don't slip, and putt a little firmer on slow, wet greens.
- Carry DistanceCarry distance is how far the ball travels through the air before it first lands. It is different from total distance, which includes roll.
- Club SelectionClub selection is picking the right club for each shot from real carry distance, lie, wind, elevation, and hazard placement. It is one of the biggest scoring decisions.
- Pre-Round WarmupA pre-round warmup prepares the body and calibrates feel, building from mobility to full swings, chipping, and putting. It is not for swing changes.
- Playing in the WindInto the wind, take more club and swing smoothly to keep the ball lower with normal spin. A headwind costs more distance than an equal tailwind adds. Downwind, expect the ball to fly farther and stop less, and in a crosswind aim off and let the wind bring the ball back.
- Choosing a Golf BallChoose a golf ball mainly for how it performs on short shots, then check that it suits your driver and swing speed. Multi-layer urethane balls spin more on wedges and cost more, and two-piece ionomer balls are tougher, spin less and cost less. Lower-compression balls feel softer, and some golfers with slower swings prefer them.
- Local RuleA local rule is a course- or competition-specific change adopted by the committee running play. It commonly covers embedded balls, temporary conditions like winter rules, or unique course features the standard Rules of Golf do not address.
Related guides & benchmarks
Have a question about this?
There is nothing here to film. Ask SwingVantage a follow-up question, or keep reading the related terms above.