Winter Golf for Junior Golfers

winter golf junior golfers

There are so many junior golf tours and tournaments these days that a junior golfer can maintain a tournament schedule year round if they want - although there is nothing wrong with juniors taking a break or at least having a lighter schedule for a month or two. 

Many juniors that don't maintain a rigorous schedule in the winter still play on junior tours that run into the cold months. Winter golf for junior golfers is a reality every year given the length of the different tours and unpredictability of the weather around the country.

Even in Georgia some tournaments are played in very cold weather, sometimes even in snow flurries, temperatures in the low 30's and prolonged frost delays.  If junior golfers are not prepared for these conditions it can make for a truly miserable round of golf for juniors and their caddies. Winter golf clothes are an invaluable investment. 

Winter Golf Layers

First of all, light-weight layers are your friend.  The winter golf clothes your junior golfer wears must necessarily stretch and flow with his/her swing. Base layers fit comfortably under regular golf pants and shirts and don't restrict movement too much. They look stylish too which is always a plus for junior golfers.

Some junior golfers, prefer not to wear compression base layers and opt instead for long pants that are designed for winter sports. For casual play and even local tournaments kids can wear something like the Under Armour Brawler pants - they are warm (fleece lined) and well as moisture wicking. These are fine for most clubs although a they might be a little casual for some private clubs. There are few options that are slightly less "athletic looking" such as these fleece lined Lanbaosi boys/girls waterproof pants. A pullover or zippered golf top like some of the Under Armour Storm Jackets and Tops or a Vests will retain warmth and  won't restricted movement too much.

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winter golf gear

A windbreaker like the Columbia Juniors' Shotgun above is essential to keep in a golf bag year round to protect against the elements.

Lightweight flexibility is important for a junior golfer and a warm layer is paramount in winter golf conditions. Athletic thermal base layer compression underwear can make a big difference to a junior golfer's comfort and temperament in harsh weather. It is also not necessary, nor recommended to spend a fortune on it either as juniors will grow out of it from season to season.  Lanbaosi Compression shirts and pants are suitable and affordable winter golf attire for both boy and girl junior golfers.

Shoes and Socks

A good pair of golf socks makes a huge difference on the golf course regardless of the weather.  Your junior golfer does not want to be traipsing 5+ miles over wet or frozen fairways in thin cotton tennis socks.  Find winter golf socks that are cushioned, warm and wick moisture. Wool is the fabric of choice for winter golf socks as it is a great insulator and absorbs much more moisture than cotton before it starts feeling wet, and consequently cold.

Winter golf shoes for winter golf should be insulated and water-proof.  See our article on Junior Golf Shoes for information and recommendations.

the junior golfer
Gloves

One of the biggest concerns for junior golfers playing winter golf is keeping their hands warm. Having an icy shock vibrate all the way up your arm as you try and warm up on the practice range does not provide good muscle memory for a smooth and easy swing off the first tee.

Numb fingers are no fun and young junior golfers will shed more tears over icy fingers than anything else playing winter golf.  Golf gloves are by design (and necessity) are not thick and insulated.  They are also only worn on one hand. For cold (but not freezing) weather, we recommend keeping a right hand glove (for right handed players) in kids bag for warm up or play in cold weather.

We highly recommend getting a proper pair of winter golf gloves. If you need smaller gloves we recommend women's X-small or small winter golf gloves. These are fine for both boys and girls. For more about kids golf gloved and fitting charts please this article: Junior Golf Gloves.

We also highly recommend winter golf mitts with hand warmers inside them to keep fingers warm between shots and also while pushing a golf cart or carrying the golf bag between holes.  

One of the most popular winter golf gloves on the market at the moment is the FootJoy WinterSof Golf Glove.

winter golf for junior golfers, winter golf gloves
Hats and Sunglasses

Winter golf hats/beanies are essential when spending hours walking around a golf course in cold weather.  A knitted hat or beanie can also be worn over a regular golf cap, thus keeping sun out of the eyes and also keeping warm. A double layer may not be comfortable for some kids and often just become too warm after walking a few holes.  Golf sunglasses are very helpful, especially with the low sun in winter. Oakley Flak Jackets are some of the best golf sunglasses available and fit kids very well.

the junior golfer

For extreme winter conditions there are various choices of hat available. Make sure the one you choose is water-proof, wind-proof and extremely warm. 

winter golf hat for juniors
Golf Cart Winter Accessories

Winter golf for juniors is often a time to work on swing refinement and changes in preparation for the season.  Even if juniors are not playing tournaments in winter, chances are you will take them out for some practice rounds.  You will probably take a golf cart (do you really want to walk in these conditions?) and you'll be surprised to know just how warm and comforting a golf cart can be with just a few winter golf gear modifications such as a golf cart blanket to warm the seat, a golf cart cover and (especially) a golf cart heater that fits in the golf cart cup holder.  Your junior is much more likely to want to go out and practice like this!

the junior golfer
golf cart heater

Winter golf brings its own challenges, but who doesn't like a challenge! It is also very important for kids to learn to play in weather conditions that are not always perfect. 

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