Just because the temperatures have dropped, doesn't mean your scores have to go up. Proper preparation and a great attitude can have you playing some of the best golf of your life during these cold winter months. Here are a few tips to keep you playing your best, even if the weather isn't.

Winter Rules

Wow! Did I just say winter? Seem s like just yesterday we were playing in 80 degree weather. My how time flies.

For those of you that have really caught the golf bug and are looking to play throughout the winter for the first time, here are a few tips to keep you from becoming frustrated with winter golf here in the northwest.

1. Watch your ball! This actually goes without saying. But even more so in these wet winter months, especially on tee shots. The ball simply won’t roll out in these wet winter conditions. And many times it actually might plug right where it hits. Winter golf is slower in general because of all the extra gear that must be toted around and sometimes just getting to your ball is a task in itself. So make sure you watch your ball. It will help keep up the pace of play and ensure that all golfers get to finish their appointed rounds.

2. Use one more club! Colder temperatures reek havoc on the golf ball. The ball will not compress against the clubface like it does in 70 and 80 degree weather and therefore will not travel as far. Don’t be afraid to grab one more club this time of year. This decision is even further affected when it’s raining and/or the wind is blowing. Put your ego in the bag and make sure you grab enough club to get your ball to the target.

3. Dress for the weather. Be prepared. The temperature could change at any time. Don’t be caught so cold you can’t even swing. Rain pants are a “must have” in your golf bag this time of year. As is a golf cap or bucket hat in case the rain really starts coming down. Your upper body covering should consist of three pieces. Turtle neck or mock turtle neck, golf shirt and any type of sleeveless rain vest. Don’t over layer. Your arms must be able to swing. If you can, two pairs of socks are good as well. If your feet are warm, you will be too.

4. Sharpen up your short game. The rule of thumb around the green is, putt whenever you can, chip when you can’t putt and pitch only when you have to. During the winter months around here, pitching is usually the default shot around the greens. With longer, wetter grass around the greens and putting surfaces that just aren’t mowed as often, the chip shot becomes the more unpredictable shot this time of year. With soft greens your better off just trying to throw your ball at the hole and letting the soft conditions stop your ball rather than trying to play the bump and run.

5. Play less break in your putts. With less daylight and cooler temperatures the greens at most golf course are mowed fewer times a week and thus are probably longer more often than they are shorter. If they are damp or wet at all, that to will affect how much or how little your putts break.

6. Don’t neglect your clubs. These are the tools of the trade. To get the best results, your tools must be in the best shape and condition. Make sure your rain hood is on your bag at all times and that you clean your clubs after each shot. Wet grips and clogged grooves will surely cost any golfer at least a few strokes a round. Don’t let that happen to you.

7. Your balance is in your feet. With wet winter conditions comes mud and grass clippings to clog up your spikes. If you have no balance you have no control. Another useful task for a ball mark repair tool. Use it to not only fix ball marks but use it to clean out your soft spikes. This should really be addressed on every hole, at the tee box. Don’t let a slipped foot cost you a stroke or two, clean your spikes often during winter play and save yourself a stroke or two.

8. All weather gloves. Best invention for golf since the ball mark repair tool. These gloves really work. And most of them are even washable. You can’t do that with a leather glove. These gloves are slightly thicker than your typical leather glove but they do wonders for keeping you hands warm. I have never been a fan of wearing two gloves but that’s just me. A lot of these gloves are sold in pairs so you decide, one glove ort two.

9. Anything that will keep you warm. Little hand warmers are great to have in your pockets. Just shake the up and they get hot. How they do that I will never know, but they do work.

10. Make a time and play golf! We have all lived around her long enough to know that you can’t trust a weatherman. Just make a time and go play golf. If the weather is really that bad, play nine and sit down with a hot tottie.  The point is to have fun and by playing in different conditions you yourself become a better golfer.