Battling the summer heat is never an easy task, especially when you’re shooting a round of golf in the middle of the day.  There are plenty of great ways to combat the crying heat of summer.  Here are a few great tips to stay cool without skipping a beat in your golf game!

Early Tee Times:  Early tee times are an excellent way to avoid the heat of the day.  It’s also an ideal time to stay ahead of the mid-day foursomes that creep in and slow down the course. 

Sunscreen:  Sunscreen is an essential in any golf bag.  It is recommended that you apply and reapply a high-quality sweat-resistant sunscreen every hour to avoid a painful burn.  You may not realize how much the sun’s rays affect the temperature of your body, but skin with sun protection is incredibly cooler than sunburned or tanned skin.  Make sure you apply sunscreen to all exposed areas of the body, and invest in 30SPF Chap Stick to protect your lips from drying and burning as well.

Hats:  The most popular style of hat worn these days is the baseball hat.  These are great to cover your eyes and part of your face, however, baseball hats do not provide as much protection as wide-brimmed hats that shadow your neck, ears, and cheeks.  A hat in combination with sunscreen is always encouraged to stay cool and avoid sun damage.

Sunglasses:  It is extremely important to protect your eyes from the sun, not only from a cooling aspect, but also as a way to avoid numerous forms of sun damage to your eyes.

Hydration:  Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout your game of golf, especially if you are drinking alcohol too.  It’s recommended to have at least one bottle of water to every alcoholic drink.  Remember to to incorporate drinks with sodium, like Vitamin Water and Gatorade, to stay strong and hydrated as well.

Snacks:  Eat light snacks frequently to maintain your pace.  Opt for high-energy snacks such as nuts and dried fruits, as well as water-heavy fruits such as watermelon, grapes and cantaloupe.

Clothing:  Moisture-wicking and UV protectant fabrics are the best way to reduce your body heat during a round.  Wearing golf shorts, golf skorts or short-sleeved golf shirts in light colors are also good to incorporate on a hot day to stay cool.  You can also wear reflective colored clothing such as a white sleeveless top or skirt to avoid the harsh rays. 

Fan:  Consider purchasing a hand-held, battery-operated fan to use on the course.  You can also get a larger fan to attach to your golf cart, if necessary.

Spray Bottle:  It is amazing what a little spray of water in your face can do for your comfort.  If you have a fan, you can even spray the water into the fan and let the cool air blow it into your face.  Spraying your neck, arms, and legs is a great way to battle the heat, but remember to reapply sunscreen often after use!

Wet Towel:  A great way to cool your body temperature is to bring a water-soaked towel with you.  You can wipe your brow and cool your neck with this, and you will definitely appreciate it.

Umbrella:  The best way to stay cool is to stay out of the sun.  Not all courses are lined in trees, so consider bringing an umbrella with you on the course.  No matter what size umbrella you bring, it can provide needed shade from the hot sun or immediate shelter in case of an afternoon thunderstorm.