So, how do you beat the heat and stay at the top of your game? Here are several practical tips to help you keep cool on the golf course.

1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

The most important rule of playing golf in hot weather is staying hydrated.

Dehydration can creep up on you quickly, and it doesn’t just make you feel sluggish; it can seriously impair your performance.

Start hydrating before you even step on the course by drinking plenty of water the night before and the morning of your round.

Once you’re on the course, make sure you sip water at every hole.

Don’t wait until you’re thirsty—by then, dehydration has already started.

Tip: Carry a large, insulated water bottle with you and refill it at water stations. Consider electrolyte drinks like Gatorade for longer rounds to replace the salt and minerals you lose through sweat.

2. Wear Moisture-Wicking Clothing

Choosing the right clothing can make a huge difference in staying cool.

Regular cotton golf shirts and shorts tend to absorb sweat and can feel heavy as the day goes on. Instead, opt for moisture-wicking materials like polyester or nylon blends designed to pull sweat away from your skin and allow it to evaporate quickly.

These fabrics are lightweight, breathable, and often come with UV protection built in, which is an added bonus for sunny days on the course.

Tip: Wear light-colored clothing to reflect sunlight rather than absorb it. Dark colors tend to retain heat, making you feel even hotter.

3. Use a Cooling Towel or Neck Wrap

If you’re playing in extremely hot conditions, a cooling towel or neck wrap can be a game-changer.

These towels are designed to stay cool for hours after being soaked in cold water, and you can drape them around your neck or shoulders for a quick cooldown between shots.

Tip: Bring a small cooler in your golf cart with some ice packs or frozen towels. On particularly sweltering days, these can provide immediate relief and help lower your body temperature.

4. Seek Shade Whenever Possible

While it’s tempting to walk straight to your ball and line up your next shot, take advantage of any available shade.

Whether it’s standing under a tree or near your golf cart’s roof, giving yourself breaks from direct sunlight can prevent overheating.

During breaks between holes or while waiting for the next group to clear the fairway, use those moments to step into the shade and cool off.

Tip: Carry an umbrella that’s designed for sun protection. These golf umbrellas are larger than average and come with UV-blocking materials to provide portable shade as you walk the course.

5. Play Early in the Morning or Late in the Afternoon

Timing can be everything when it comes to staying cool on the golf course.

The hottest part of the day typically falls between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. If you can, schedule your tee time for early morning or late afternoon, when temperatures are cooler.

Not only will you avoid the peak heat of the day, but you’ll also experience calmer winds and potentially less crowded courses, which means you can play at a more relaxed pace.

Tip: Check the weather forecast before booking your tee time, and aim to finish your round before noon if you know it’s going to be a particularly hot day.

6. Wear a Hat (Preferably Wide-Brimmed)

A hat is a must on sunny days, and while a baseball cap can offer some protection, a wide-brimmed hat provides far more coverage.

Not only does it shield your face from the sun, but it also protects your neck and ears, which are often forgotten when applying sunscreen.

Wide-brimmed hats made of breathable, lightweight material like straw or moisture-wicking fabrics can keep your head cool and shaded throughout the round.

Tip: Try to find hats with built-in sweatbands to help absorb sweat and keep it from dripping down into your eyes as you play.

7. Sunscreen Is Your Best Friend

While sunscreen won’t directly keep you cool, it’s an essential part of protecting yourself from the sun’s harmful rays.

Sunburn can make you feel even hotter and more uncomfortable on the course, so apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 before your round and reapply it every two hours.

Don’t forget to cover often-overlooked areas like the back of your neck, ears, and the tops of your feet if you’re wearing short socks or sandals.

Tip: Use a sport-specific sunscreen that’s sweat-resistant. This will help keep it from running into your eyes as you perspire during your round.

8. Keep Your Golf Gloves Dry

Sweaty hands can lead to poor grip and errant shots, so it’s important to keep your golf gloves dry throughout the round.

If your hands tend to get particularly sweaty, consider bringing multiple gloves and switching them out between holes.

You can also invest in a glove designed for hot weather that features extra ventilation and moisture-wicking materials to keep your hands as dry as possible.

Tip: In addition to swapping gloves, keep a small towel handy to dry your hands and grips between shots. This will help you maintain a firm, consistent grip on your clubs.

9. Take Your Time

Heat can cause fatigue, and fatigue can lead to rushed, poorly executed shots. When you’re playing in hot weather, pace yourself.

Don’t be afraid to take a moment before each shot to catch your breath, sip some water, and collect yourself.

Golf is a mental game, and if you’re feeling physically drained, it’s easy to lose focus.

Slowing down your pace can help you stay cool, calm, and mentally sharp.

Tip: Walking the course can be tough in the heat, so consider renting a cart if the temperature is extreme. If you prefer walking, take shorter strides and give yourself extra time between shots.

10. Watch for Signs of Heat Exhaustion

Be mindful of how your body feels throughout the round. Heat exhaustion can sneak up on you, especially if you’re so focused on your game that you don’t notice the warning signs.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include dizziness, headaches, nausea, muscle cramps, and excessive sweating.

If you start to feel any of these symptoms, take a break, find some shade, and drink water immediately. If the symptoms persist, it’s best to stop playing and seek medical attention.

Tip: Don’t push through if you feel unwell. Your health is more important than finishing a round of golf.

Conclusion

Playing golf in the heat doesn’t have to be uncomfortable if you take the right steps to stay cool.

By hydrating regularly, dressing appropriately, seeking shade, and paying attention to your body, you can enjoy a round of golf even on the hottest days.

So next time the temperature rises, follow these tips to keep cool and stay focused on the course—your scorecard will thank you!