What you need to play golf in tropical climates

Thanks to the international growth of golf tourism, you can play the game all over the world in all manner of climates, including hot and tropical ones.

Playing golf in searing temperatures does come with its challenges, especially when you're visiting parts of Africa, Asia and the Americas.

Our travel partners, Golfbreaks, can take you to any of these destinations, but it's essential that you come prepared. We take a closer look at what you could need - and feature a surprising item that may well be the game changer for those occasions when it's warm on the course and the heavy rain starts falling.

What You Need to Play Golf in Hot & Tropical Climates

It goes without saying that you need to stay fully hydrated to support both your performance on the golf course but also to ensure that you stay healthy.

Likewise, applying a strong sunscreen is vital, while we'd also recommend that you wear lightweight clothes and keep your head covered with a proper hat to protect your skin from the power of the rays.

Choosing the most suitable time of day to play is also sound advice - favour the mornings or evenings over the peak of the afternoon heat.

But what about purchasing a pair of waterproof shorts? You might think that sounds bonkers, but as Golfshake's Travel Editor Andy Waple explains, these could become the perfect garment for your next golf holiday.

Abacus Waterproof Golf Shorts Review by Andy Waple

Waterproof shorts? You have got to be kidding?

Well, if you are prone to getting a soaking on the course in the height of summer no matter where you are, you might agree they are worth considering as a valuable addition to your wardrobe.

As Golfshake Travel Editor I’ve gained a reputation of being a harbinger of rainy weather even when I’m in supposedly sunny climes in some of the world’s most popular hotspots. 

I’ve been drenched in Turin, Sicily and Mallorca in June, Mauritius in the dry season, and the South of France in July - just to name a few.

So, the very idea of a pair of shorts that are cool enough to wear in warm weather yet waterproof to allow me being able to sit comfortably on a wet buggy seat is very appealing indeed.

And as short wearing among golfers has become very common at home and abroad for many months of the year, there must be scores of golfers thinking they are actually a good idea.

Swedish golf rainwear specialist Abacus realised this potential and their men’s Bounce waterproof shorts are designed to be cool enough to wear with comfort in warm weather, yet fully waterproof to fend off a sudden unexpected downpour. 

Available in black and blue, they are made from the same StretchDry 15.000 fabric used throughout their more typical waterproof range.

The three-layer make up of the shorts feature soft inner and outer layers with a waterproof membrane bonded in between. The seams are sealed with a soft flexible tape and the outer fabric has added water repellence treatment. 

The fabric is fully breathable, designed to allow body heat to pass through to the surface where it evaporates. Four-way stretch enable golfers to swing unhindered with ease.

They certainly look the part, and at first glance you wouldn’t assume they are waterproof. Smart in appearance and soft to the touch, they look like any other premium pair of golf shorts.

They fasten with a press stud and a Velcro tab to ensure they look nice and tidy around the waistline and come with a three-year waterproof guarantee.

Abacus Waterproof Golf Shorts Test

I took a sample pair to Arizona for testing during rounds on the Monument course at Troon North and at the famous Stadium course at TPC Scottsdale.

Testing waterproof shorts in 28C in the middle of a desert might seem odd but I wanted to see how comfortable they would be in searing heat. I have to report they fared extremely well. This was a breathability test like no other and they passed with flying colours, proving to be nice and airy in the places that mattered the most.

To test the waterproof element, I thoroughly doused myself under the drinks fountain pouring a full stream of water down the front of the shorts for several seconds. To the astonishment of everybody watching the water simply bounced off - hence the garment’s name - and I was left as dry as a bone even after a thorough soaking. It really was like water off a duck’s back.

I’m delighted with these shorts and they will be going everywhere with me in future.

Pros:

• Fully waterproof and breathable.
• Great in heat as well as rain.
• Very comfortable, soft fabric inside and out.
• Smart enough for the clubhouse and course.

Cons:

• Similar price to full length waterproof trousers.
• Some may find the cut a little long in the leg.

What You Need to Know About Abacus

Abacus make high quality and stylish golf apparel. For 30 years, the Swedish brand has pioneered performance golf apparel. Renowned for its lightweight, breathable, and waterproof designs, Abacus offers a range of mix-and-match colours that look just as good off the course as they do on it.

If you want to know more about Abacus, please visit https://abacussportswear.com/.