Tips for Golfing During the Off-Season

Ask people "When does golf season end?" and you'll get a variety of answers. Some people will say October. Others may say they stop playing in November or early December. But then you'll find some who say, "Never!" 

For these avid players, tee times continue year-round, and if you love the game, you may wonder just how they manage it. The answer lies in having the right golf apparel and accessories that keep you protected and comfortable in colder conditions. 

There's many benefits to hitting the course or at least keeping up with off-season golf training. When you play and train throughout the year, you can stay in shape, maintain and develop your skills and continue to learn about the game. 

If you're interested in golfing during the off-season, keep reading. I'm going to break down what you need to wear, know and do to make your off-season a success. 

The Off-Season: What It Means for Golfers 

Part of the reason why you get a lot of different answers to the questions "When is golf season over?" or "How long is golf season?" is due to geography. In some parts of the U.S., colder weather starts in early autumn, while in other places, it remains mild throughout most of the year. As a result, ‘golf seasons’ vary regionally. 

On top of that, individual golfers have their own preferences. Some don't mind heading out in the cold, while others hit the pause button on play once the weather turns. 

If you look at the PGA season, regular play starts in January and ends in mid-August with playoffs starting in September. For amateurs and recreational golfers, the season may run anywhere from March or April through September, October or November. 

Regardless of timing, the off-season is the time of year when weather and course conditions pose challenges for players like hard ground, ice and snow drifts. In warmer places, the season might bring tons of rain that causes muddy, soggy conditions. 

While taking a few months off from golf means not having to deal with the elements, it can wreak havoc on your game. After all, you get better at golf through regular practice. If you spend a few months off the course, you're not continuing to develop your skills, and you may even be rusty when it's time to play again. 

Dressing for Success: Golf Apparel for the Off-Season 

A successful off-season starts with the right gear. Layering up for the course can help you stay warm and dry while giving you the option to shed outer layers if you work up a sweat during your round. Build your off-season golf repertoire with pieces like: 

• Hoodies: When the wind picks up, pieces like our Old English Hoodie give you extra protection from the elements with a drawstring hood. Choose your size to ensure a loose fit so you can comfortably wear polos or t-shirts underneath. 
• Quarter-zip pullovers: As your body temperature rises, quarter-zip ventilation is as simple as tugging down the zipper on the neck of a pullover. You can find classic options with cozy stand collars like our Skull Icon 1/4 Zip and ones with hoods like the DVRX Anorak Hoodie. 
• Jackets: On the coldest days, an insulated jacket designed for range of motion like our water-resistant Highline Puffer Jacket will hold in your body heat to keep you warm throughout your round. 
• Joggers: With their relaxed fit and soft fabrics, joggers are a comfortable cold-weather choice of bottoms. Our Oasis Active Jogger allows you to move freely on the course with its elastic waistband and four-way stretch material. 

Add Accessories For Off-Season Play 

Golf accessories help to ensure that you're fully protected from the elements. Complete your golf outfits with pieces like: 

• Golf gloves: In addition to enhancing your grip, golf gloves help to keep your hands warm on the course. 
• Beanies: Alone or under a hood, beanies wrap your head in warmth and hold in body heat while you play. 
• Rain gear: A rain jacket and/or umbrella will help to ensure that you're ready for wet weather. Look for packable outerwear and collapsible umbrellas that you can easily stash in your bag. 

Staying in Shape: Golf Practice and Training 

There will likely be some off-season days where you simply can't hit the course, but you can use them to your advantage by turning them into a time for off-season golf workouts.

With advanced golf simulators, you can get the experience of playing a round without having to set foot outdoors, and many areas are now home to indoor golf courses and driving ranges for practice. You can also stay sharp with golf drills. Check out our post on Putting Alignment Tips for some ideas. 

Off-Season Golfing Destinations 

Another way to keep on playing despite the weather is to book a golf get-away in a warm location.

Not only will you get a break from the snow, but courses in popular destinations like Arizona, Florida and Southern California tend to be less busy during the off-season. This means the rates may be cheaper, and you'll have the freedom to take your time as you play 18 holes. 

Mental Game Matters: Staying Sharp 

Golf is as much a mental game as it is a physical one, and the off-season is a great time to strengthen your mind to benefit you during the upcoming season. Ask yourself what you would like to accomplish and create an actionable goal around it.

For example, you might want to lower your handicap to 14 by the end of the following season. Having a goal gives you something to work toward, and when you achieve it, you'll get a big confidence boost. 

During the off-season, you can also engage in mental training. Consider some of our tips featured in the Golf is a Mental Game blog. Where we give our tips for keeping your head focused on the course.  

Gear Up for the Off-Season 

Even if you can't hit the course consistently, you can continue to work on your skills during the off-season with drills, workouts and mental training. And when you have the right golf clothing and accessories on hand, you'll be ready to play whenever the weather allows. Gear up for your cold weather rounds by shopping our Fall Collection and get ready to extend your game year-round.