As November blessed us with a string of extra bonus days to play this fall, we now face the reality of Pittsburgh’s late fall and winter. As I write this, we’re 95 days away from spring. The holiday season will keep us busy for about the next 20 days, but after that, what are we golfers supposed to do if we stick around Pittsburgh?
One option is to turn to simulators. Plenty of places now offer state-of-the-art indoor golf experiences. Whether they charge by the hour or by the round, you’ll need to check with your local operator for details. But let’s be honest, there’s nothing quite like playing outdoors.
I’m talking about being out on the golf course, braving the weather, hitting off real turf, and putting on actual greens. For years, my rule was simple: if it was above 38 degrees, I was finding somewhere to play. When I was the PGA Head Golf Professional at Hidden Valley Resort in Somerset, PA, winter meant closing the course due to snow cover. During those months, I became certified in skiing through the PSIA and spent the season teaching ski lessons.
Still, a group of us die-hard golfers found ways to sneak in rounds. After teaching private ski lessons in the morning and 10 a.m. group lessons, we’d pile into a resort van and head to Linden Hall Golf Course, weather permitting. We always kept an eye on the clock, ensuring we returned in time for the 6 p.m. group lessons. It was a blast and it was like living in Southern California without the price tag!
Choosing to become a golf professional has been one of the greatest blessings of my life. It’s allowed me to play incredible courses around the world with wonderful people. But no matter the course, I firmly believe it’s the company, the fun, and the 19th-hole banter that matter most.
If a winter escape to palm trees and warm weather isn’t in the cards, you can still prepare yourself to play in cooler conditions. The key? The right gear. Start with a great base layer, it makes all the difference. I learned this during those trips to Linden Hall, where my ski layers doubled as golf attire. A proper base layer reduces the need for bulky outerwear, so you can stay warm without sacrificing your swing.
Gone are the days of layering yourself into immobility. Now, I rely on trusty base layers, FootJoy thermal pants, a mid-layer, and a pullover suited to the temperature and moisture. I don’t mind playing in the cold or the rain, but the two combined? That’s a bad deal. Be prepared with essentials like rain gloves, winter gloves, hand warmers, knit hats, and neck warmers. Some golfers even opt for cart covers and heaters, though I prefer walking in bad weather. That said, sitting in a heated cart isn’t the worst thing!
Before you head out, check with the course operator to ensure play is allowed. Warmer winter days often tempt us back onto the course, but thawing ground can cause damage. If the top layer of soil is soft while the roots remain frozen, cart tracks and footprints can cause root shear. This damage will linger well into the spring, so tread carefully.
Winter golf can be an adventure if you’re geared up and pick the right days. While simulators are great for staying loose, nothing beats the real thing. Case in point: I once shot a 62 on Pebble Beach, on a simulator. On the actual course? Let’s just say I didn’t go that low.
So, gear up, get out there, and enjoy the outdoors. Winter golf is a unique challenge, but with the right preparation, it can be just as rewarding as a sunny spring round.
