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you welcome in Gear questions you’re afraid to askGOLF.com series produced in partnership with Cleveland/Srikson Golf. This week we’re covering some heat-related gear tips to stick with this summer.
It’s getting really hot here in Arizona. Do you have any tips on gear for playing in the heat? – Shannon R, Arizona
Hot summer days are just around the corner, and just like you, we can’t wait to spend as much time as possible on the golf course. However, we are not immune from making mistakes with our golf equipment in hot, sunny weather. To help you avoid the mistakes we made and dispel some of the myths about playing in warmer conditions, let’s dive in:
The trunk is the worst place to store your clubs, with the garage being a close runner-up.
Storing your racket in the trunk is a bad idea because of bumps in the road, which can cause excessive squealing in the bag and damage your racket. The situation gets worse with excessive heat, which can loosen and degrade the epoxy holding the club head to the shaft and greatly reduce the life of your grip.
Storing clubs in a hot, humid garage isn’t much better. If possible, store your racquet indoors in a locker where they can rest safely and well.
Hot weather causes hands to sweat more. Carry at least one spare glove.
The more your hands sweat, the more sweat and oil the glove will absorb, reducing its effectiveness and making it slippery. Glove ripping often occurs when a soggy glove dries out, affecting the suppleness of the leather. So when your glove gets wet, be sure to dry it outside on a flat surface and not like a crumpled dollar bill. This helps extend its life.
Warmer temperatures do not significantly affect the ball’s flight.
The main weather factor affecting the ball’s flight is wind, not temperature. While there will be some variation in distance between a 40-degree day and a 100-degree day (warmer, humid days may result in ball trips a bit farther), the variation is generally not noticeable between an 80-degree and 85-degree day.
Although humidity may make being outside less pleasant and may affect breathing, the effect on distances is also likely to be minimal. The reason for hitting the ball away in warmer weather is often attributed to relaxed muscles and increased flexibility, not the dew point.
Wear breathable summer golf shoes.
During the summer, consider lightweight golf shoes, especially spikeless, non-leather models. The terrain tends to be drier and firmer, so less intense traction is needed and the ventilation helps keep your feet comfortable from start to finish. For example, ASICS introduces the GEL-COURSE Glide, which combines a running/walking shoe shape with a non-spiky outsole for traction and comfort. These shoes are also suitable for wearing at home or anywhere else during the summer, whether on or off the field.
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Use a UV protectant spray to protect your bag from fading.
Have you ever wondered why fabrics fade in the sun? When UV rays hit the fabric, they can actually break down what are called “chromophores,” which are basically what color photons of different wavelengths emit. We’re not going to pretend to be experts at it, but we do know that some colors are more prone to fading, like reds and some violets (which contain red). And while we haven’t personally tested this method, based on what we’ve seen and heard, using a UV fabric protection spray appears to be a viable hack for preventing golf bags from fading from prolonged sun exposure. Find a variety of options on Amazon and choose a spray that you can apply to your bag and let dry.
Sun protection and sunglasses are essential.
Wearing sunscreen is a must, and we’re sure you don’t need a reminder, but it’s worth emphasizing: Apply sunscreen generously and reapply frequently. As for sunglasses, there are several models specifically for golf, including some models in warm amber colors that enhance the contours of the ground and make it easier to track the ball in the air. Also, when choosing sunglasses, polarized lenses may not always be the best choice because they can limit depth perception. Although effective at reducing glare (useful when playing around in the water), wearing polarized lenses is like wearing microscopic mini-curtains over your eyes. Consider non-polarized options for better clarity and to ensure they provide full UV protection.
Multiple hydration can boost your performance.
Finally, staying hydrated is critical to your health, preventing dehydration, fatigue, and more serious conditions like heatstroke. New to the game are the hydration multipliers that can be added to water, providing a boost in electrolytes, potassium, calcium and sodium – essential ingredients for the efficient transport of water in the body. As a general guide, aim to drink 3-4 bottles of water per round. To increase your stamina, consider using a hydration multiplier to keep you at your best both physically and mentally throughout the entire run.
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