Winter play

If you are lucky enough to get out to play, the ground is not covered in snow, the ground isn't rock solid by constant deep freeze or half submerge due to heavy downpours - winter golf is exceptionally challenging. You are wrapped in layers of clothing making movement difficult, the cold air numbs your hands making your sense of feel non existent, the cold air stealing your golf ball's ability to soar through the air. So why play winter golf?

Although winter conditions may seem not to be conducive to improving your game, there are definitively ways to improve during the shortened cold days. Now is an ideal time to have a look at your game last year, where were your strong points and what areas offer you big opportunities for improvement? If it is distance off the tee the off season is an ideal opportunity to work on your strength, speed and flexibility - get yourself down to the gym to work on your physical conditioning, ideally working with a personal trainer who can develop the best program for you. If it is your short game, although practicing chipping indoors can for most of us be a challenge, everyone can practice their putting by buying an indoor putting mat. Work on softening your grip, relaxing your muscles and freeing your body from tension and focus on putts of three foot or under.

The winter is also an ideal time to work on the mental aspect of your game, there are so many techniques that can be learnt and used during this time that through regular use become embedded into your routines and processes in the season to come. Just as there is so much damaging swing based information widely available on the internet, there is also an abundance of mental tips and tricks which can lead players to become overwhelmed with ideas. Best option is to work with a coach who can ensure that you get the best program to suit where you currently are and what you need to work on to achieve your goals.

Good luck with you winter golf!