Here on Cape Cod we are experiencing a heat wave. For us in the northeast anything over 90 degrees is considered hot and with the heavy humidity in the 80-90% range, it’s tough out there on the golf course. I just got in from playing a round of 18 holes at the Olde Barnstable Fairgrounds. Tee time was early and the air was still a little cool when I signed into the pro shop, but knowing it was going to be a scorcher I opted for a golf cart rather than pull my clubs. Most of the golfers out there were using carts as well. Now I know readers who live in the southwest or deep into the southern states will think we are wimps here in the northeast. I have friends who live near Charlestown, SC and they claim their summers are like living in a wet clammy sponge. Still they go out and play golf!
But when is it too hot to play golf? I think it’s when you get totally confused, lightheaded and can’t hit a fairway to save your life. This was my story today: Out of 18 fairways I think I hit three of them. I was using at least two gloves, trading them off between holes, trying to get one to dry out while I played with the other. I lost three balls in the woods and on the seventh hole, left two of my best Callaway clubs next to the sand trap. (I was in the “beach” a lot today.) Still I was enthusiastic and hoping things would turn around. It took me ’till the 11th hole to realize I had lost the two clubs. My very patient companions suggested that the group of golfers behind us must have found them, so I turned my cart around and headed back one hole.
This is where things get a little dicey. Between the 10th and 11th holes on this course there is a long path through the woods. It’s lovely and dark and cool. And when I came out into the bright sunshine of the 10th hole, there were the players just on the green. I stopped my cart next to the two carts they had parked on the pathway, got out and patiently waited while they played. Finally one looked up, noticed me waiting and I shouted over, “Did anyone in your group find a couple of clubs?” They assured me they had. “We left them at the pro shop. Weren’t sure who owned them.” I thanked them, and then (and I swear it must have been the heat and bright light that confused me) I jumped in one of their carts and promptly drove away, back up the cart path towards the 11th hole.
I had no idea I had just stolen their cart. Only when I finally reached for my bottle of water did I look down and notice there were crackers and snacks, a pocketbook I had never seen before, oh! and two golf bags stuffed with golf clubs, none of which belonged to me.
The golfers who owned the booty I had so unconsciously stolen were soon coming down the golf cart path, driving my golf cart and heading in my direction. Oooooops! All I could do was laugh and apologize. Luckily they were very good sports about it.
I continued to play the final seven holes. Still not hitting fairways much, and generally playing “military style golf” – you know—left, right, left, right. Had one or two good shots, but all in all, a bit of a bust for me. My team, however, did fabulously well, thanks to my two companions making double eagles on the last hole!
Was it too hot to play golf? I’d say it was getting close to it. My play was cold though I was sweating madly.
What about you? How hot is “too hot” for your game?
I love to golf in perfect weather. Depending on the time of day I can almost always find perfect weather. In Texas in the summer I’ve tried to keep up with my WGA friends. But I can’t . One time was out on a fairway and I saw stars! I sat down in my cart and they wouldn’t go away. I had to leave. I was embarrassed. I’m younger than most in our group and they were fine. I imagined a helicopter hovering over me and the humiliation of being carried away by one in the fairway. So a good friend of mine who wakes up early started playing in the morning before the sun really starts to bake. I did ok. So that’s my plan in summertime Texas. I’m not a hero. Fainting spells are not a good look for me.
I know what heat can do to you, your golf game… Suggestion: get a couple of those coolie towels and keep them on ice until just before you head out. Most golf bags have a cold pocket you can use to store the towels if you are walking, or take along a small insulated lunch box/bag if you’re riding. Here’s a link to those towels: https://goo.gl/pJqgFj There are several manufacturers selling them. Do a search for Cooly towels.
Too funny. Glad you enjoy the temps this hot. If only they had climate controlled golf carts…? I’d be out there more often.
It’s so strange, but I love playing in this weather. I like it as hot and humid as it gets. And of course no one else wants to play so I get to go out alone… which can be great. I’m just the type of person who has a really low body temperature so I never feel hot. Some have suggested I might be a vampire. :o)