August is upon us, which means hot deals at Grand Strand Courses and good course conditions almost everywhere! We have had a lot of rain locally in July, bordering on really wet, but with just enough time to dry out each week. Many local courses are reopening after a really bad winter kill, some just in the last week or two. That means fresh greens and being able to play on courses you haven’t seen in a while!
One major factor no matter where you play in August is the heat. We’ve got a few tips to remember as you hit the links:
- Early play is cooler. Not everyone is an early riser, but this is the month to get the earliest tee times if you can. Make sure to Book Ahead for the coolest tee times!
- Stay hydrated. This is NOT as simple as it sounds. Drinking plenty of fluids during your round will not be enough. You need to actually begin at least one day prior to your round. Possibly even earlier if you’re flying to your golf destination. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
- Wear loose, light-colored clothing made of moisture wicking material. The goal here is to keep the clothes breathable and not have them stick to you when you start to sweat. You’ll feel more comfortable, stay cooler and play better.
- Pack a backup. Why not have a fresh shirt for the back nine? Not only will you feel fresher, You’ll gain a psyche advantage. The rest of your foursome will think, “Why didn’t I think of that?”
- Use sunblock. Much of the newer golf apparel has sunblock technology built in, use it when you can, and on your exposed skin use a lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen. SPF 50 is not too much.
- Wear a hat. Regular style caps are great; but they’re not perfect. The bucket hat with the brim that goes all the way around may be more effective. But a loose, light hat will do wonders in keeping the sun off of you. It’s not just about avoiding sunburn, it’s maintaining your energy level.
- Eat light, but eat nonetheless. Again, if we want to maintain your concentration and energy levels, starving yourself is not going to help. But the last thing you want is to feel heavy and lethargic due to a big meal before needing to walk around for five or six hours in the hot sun.
- No shame in the cart game. Don’t let pride get in the way of staying cool. When it’s really hot, take the cart and drop the windshield for a little breeze!
- If you’re walking – use the pull cart. Not only will you exert less energy than carrying, you’ll get more air moving around you without a bag strapped on.
- Warm up fully but lightly. You want to be prepared for your round, so hit balls on the range and putt some on the putting green. But don’t overexert yourself. You’re going to sap your energy throughout the day. Don’t burn it all before you get to the first tee!
All of us that like to play golf know we’re going to battle the elements from time to time. Living in the Myrtle Beach area, we know that oppressive heat doesn’t mean that golf has to take a back seat. If you’re smart and prepared, you can enjoy some great times on the course!
