Why you are missing out if you don't play golf in the winter

Golf is a tough game, we all know that. And the winter makes it significantly tougher, so much so that many golfers can barely remember the last time they played golf come January. But you absolutely should carry on playing golf through the winter, for many reasons, here’s why!

Improve Your Game

For years I've wondered why my golf game only improves in small amounts. Is it my tight pocket avoiding lessons? Possibly. Is it my lack of organisation on the driving range and poor pre-game routine? Also, likely. Is it my lack of motivation to play all year round? Almost certainly. 

No matter how often you play during the summer, how much you improve, if you dump the clubs when the weather shifts, your development will be brought to a halt and most likely lost. If you have a genuine desire to improve at golf, it is plain and simple, you must play as much as possible, for as long as possible - and that unfortunately includes the winter months. 

Embrace The Challenges of Winter 

There are countless challenges that come with winter golf, such as unpredictable winter greens, major loss of ball distance and soft course conditions. It is admittedly hard to enjoy golf under these circumstances, but if you embrace them, you may just become a smarter golfer. 

Learn to hit lower ball flights to maximise your distance. If you can putt on temporary greens that are practically just a hole in the fairway, you should have no trouble when you return to the real putting surface in spring. You can even enjoy the ability to be direct and aggressive with your approach shots, in the knowledge that the ball should sit down much quicker than it usually would. All of these alterations to your game will make you a much smarter golfer in the long run! 

It is likely that you will find yourself in a position where the course is closed due to the weather conditions. It is imperative that you don't let this stop you at the very first hurdle. I spent an hour chipping balls up and down my back garden off an old car mat yesterday afternoon. If you want to improve, you're going to have to get creative. 

Quieter Courses 

The first actual positive facing point on this list. Fortunately, I have never had to leave the course early due to slow play, but I have been close. During one of the final rounds I played last summer, it was backed up from start to finish. It was utterly miserable and my game suffered from the waiting around. I can guarantee you won't face this issue on the course this Saturday!  

Get out onto the course and enjoy being able to take your time, make the absolute most of what you can. Hit multiple balls on par threes, take longer on the greens if you like, chances are you will be one of the only people out there! 

Build Mental Resilience 

Nothing, and I mean nothing, is more mentally testing than winter golf. Standing alone, freezing cold with the ever-looming danger of a downpour overhead isn't easy at all, but that's the point. Golf is a mental sport, without a strong mental game, you'll never improve. Learn patience and acceptance, and ultimately, learn how to perform when things get uncomfortable. If you have dreams of playing in competitions this summer, I'm afraid you've got catching up to do! 

You Will Appreciate Summer Golf More 

I have saved the most important for last here. After a gruelling winter of cold early mornings, wet feet and cold hands, you will discover an incredible appreciation for the simple things when summer rolls around.  

A wise man (Neil Warnock) once said: "Enjoy it, but enjoy it by being disciplined." Although this quote from an English footballing legend has next to nothing to do with golf, I think it can be transferred quite simply. If you are disciplined during the winter, then you earn the right to enjoy your golf during the summer. Keep playing over the winter through the toughest of weather, and you'll reap your reward when the sun comes out in spring.