For the majority of Canada, the golf season is a six or seven-month window. With that in mind, you need to get the most out of the time we have—and that means taking advantage of the cooler fall days, which can be some of the best of the year. But you have to be prepared to battle the elements—and you have to consider how cooler temperatures will affect your game.

Here are some easy adjustments for fall golf to help your game.

Take more club

Ever notice on a cold day your shots seem to come up short? When the temperature drops towards freezing, some shots might fly as much as 10 yards less. Keep that in mind and hit a little more club—your game will benefit from it.

A warm ride

Riding around on a cart can add some extra coolness that you don’t necessarily want. A cart heater helps keep you warm between shots. The Mr. Heater Cart Heater fits most golf cart cup holders. Bonus tip: Bring a hot bevy along for the ride to keep your interior warm. Invest in a good thermos, like Yeti tumblers, to keep your drink warm all day.

Keep it down

The winds can really hurt your game. Consider taking more club and hitting it easy, keeping the ball from ballooning and getting hammered by the wind. Thinking of hitting a 6-iron into that par 3? Hit a 5-iron easy and back in your stance. It won’t spin as much and will cut through the wind.

Take advantage of the leaf rule

Golf Canada stops calculating your handicap after the end of October. So if you happen to see you ball head towards that pile of leaves, but can’t find it once you’re there, just take a quick drop and move along. You’re playing bonus golf, after all, and we’re betting your playing partners aren’t going to be too bothered.

Keep your hands, head and feet warm

Keeping your hands dry and warm during your round is key to perform at your best, so make sure you invest in a good pair of rain or winter mitts.

Similarly, tuck a beanie or toque into your bag as keeping your head warm during your round is essential. And nobody wants cold feet. Wear an extra pair of socks if they’ll fit in your shoes or invest in a good pair of waterproof shoes or golf boots to keep your feet warm and dry.

Layering

No one wants to be uncomfortable and cold while they play so keeping your body warm is a must. Start with a good base layer like a compression shirt and put a pull over or quarter zip on top. That way, if the day warms, you can readily take off the top layer and remain comfortable. From Under Armour, which basically made its reputation on compression shirts, to FootJoy, which has an extensive line of clothing for cooler climates, layering has never been easier.

Golf jackets with a difference

With stretch fabrics and tailoring that makes a golf jacket fit for a wide variety of body types, golf jackets are a key all year round. Look for one that offers stretch fabrics and a degree of water repellency.  The other advantage most golf jackets offer is when you’re not wearing them, they can be rolled up and easily stored in the side of your bag for that point when the thermometer dips.

Wind jackets have long had a place in fall golf, and that continues to be the case. Now often with a degree of water proofing, wind jackets will keep you warm whether you’re in a cart or walking.

Pre-game

Take your golf clubs out of your car the night before you play. Many feel if your clubs are cold, it changes the way they feel and play and can impact your game. Similarly, make sure you leave yourself enough time to warm up before your round, and that can take a little longer if it is cooler. Start at a slower pace and build up to full swings so you ensure you don’t pull a muscle and end your golf season early.

Shop all of our fall golf essentials to extend your season.