I am writing to you from my home office about golf. It is currently 28 degrees this morning as I notice the frost that covers my front yard. I am supposed to be writing about going out and playing golf in the Sacramento area. This is the type of weather that only the die hards - the true golfers - go out in. Now some of you are saying, “We’ll wait for a while, until the weather gets better.” But there are those of us who will brave the weather and play no matter what the weather may be: rain, heavy rain, wind, cold and even a little snow. I have played some of the best courses around the country in inclement weather and loved every minute. I loved every minute because I was prepared for the weather. I am a warm weather person by nature. I am one of the few true California natives, but I am also a golf lover. The way to manage in less than perfect weather is to have the correct gear.

For rain, it is necessary to have rain gear that keeps you dry, just ask the US Ryder Cup team. Most sporting goods stores and golf shops carry rainsuits. Try on the suits over your clothes, since that is how you are going to where it on the course. Move around in them and make sure you hit some balls so you can tell if your range of motion is normal or restricted. Good rain gear will keep you dry but also restrict some of the wind and water that comes in from your ankles and wrists. They will have ways of closing down around those problem areas so you don’t have leaks that can become very disrupting. You have to decide if playing with non-slick gloves works for you. Most of the major companies make some. For me, it doesn’t work, so I can’t recommend any at this time.

Cold weather gear can also be created by what you already own. The best way is layering. Utilizing warm clothing that allows you freedom of movement and keeps you warm is great. Layering will also allow you to remove clothing as it gets warmer without having to go all or nothing in the warmth factor. Gloves are crucial, even if it is just for the time in between shots. If your hands do not stay warm, it is hard to want to hold a piece of steel covered by a thin piece of rubber. The round will not be enjoyable. I have noticed some people who don’t seem to be affected by the cold. They are freaks of nature, in my opinion, and need to be checked out by an advanced medical staff. Being folically challenged, I make sure I have a hat whatever the weather. You lose 80% of your body heat through your head. Without hair to hold it in, that heat can go pretty fast. While I have played in snow to finish a round that was going great, I don’t recommend it. The ball becomes that much harder to see.

We live in California and it is considered a 12 month golf state. Take advantage of the deals out there, both on the courses and in the shops for inclement weather gear; and enjoy a brisk walk on the course. I’ll see you next month on the links!