Winter Golf Kit: Trolley Wheels, Waterproofs and Warmth

Winter golf is different, because greens may be slower and mats may replace tees. Greens may be slower, mats may replace tees, and your fingers go numb long before the back nine. The right kit makes the difference between a pleasant round and a long walk home. This guide covers trolley wheels, waterproofs and warmth for a British winter.

We have not tested any products, and we do not rank products or quote prices. Specifications and prices change, so check the maker’s own description for anything you are considering. This page contains Amazon affiliate links, which are marked as sponsored. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Check the course first

Before kit, check the course, because winter rules change what you can do. In winter, many clubs adopt temporary greens, restrict trolleys or close parts of the course after heavy rain. Rules vary from club to club, so check the website or ring the pro shop. Our course finder helps you shortlist clubs, and our guide to golf course types explains how the main types differ. Our guides to links golf and heathland golf describe two types you may meet.

Trolley wheels

Soft ground can bog a trolley down, so wheel choice matters. Winter wheels are designed to spread the load, so the trolley sinks less and rolls more easily. Look at the following:

• Does the wheel fit your trolley’s axle?
• Is the width suited to soft turf?
• Do they change how the trolley folds?

Always confirm fit with the maker’s description. You can browse winter wheels for golf trolleys and wheel covers on Amazon. Our guide to push versus electric trolleys explains how ground conditions affect each type.

Waterproofs

A waterproof jacket and trousers are the foundation of winter golf. The key points are:

1. Swing room. Try the jacket in a golf stance and make sure it does not restrict your shoulders.
2. Waterproofing claims. Read what the maker states, because terms such as water-resistant and waterproof are not the same.
3. Breathability. If you walk, you warm up, and a jacket that traps sweat leaves you damp inside.
4. Pockets and hood. A hood that fits over a cap is useful, though it can limit your view.

Browse waterproof golf jackets and waterproof golf trousers to compare styles.

Layers and warmth

Layers beat one thick jacket, because you can adjust as the round goes on. A base layer wicks sweat, a mid layer adds warmth, and a shell keeps out wind and rain. Layers also let you adjust as the round goes on. A thick jumper can restrict your swing, so test layers with a few practice swings at home.

Browse golf base layers to compare options.

Hands, head and feet

Cold hands lose feel, and feel matters in golf, so look after them. Winter gloves, mitts for between shots and a hand warmer can all help. Check the maker’s description for grip claims in the wet. A hat or beanie keeps heat in, and warm, dry socks keep your feet comfortable. Our golf shoes guide explains what to check in a shoe, and you can browse winter golf gloves and hand warmers.

Protecting your clubs

Wet clubs and grips do not mix, because slippery grips cost control. A rain cover on the bag and a towel on the trolley help. Dry the grips after each round. Our guide to trolley bags covers waterproofing, and our accessories guide covers umbrella and cover options.

Where to play in winter

Think about where you play, since coastal exposure changes the weather you face. Coastal courses in Scotland, Wales and the south-west can be exposed to wind in winter. Our guides to Scotland, Wales and coastal golf describe the courses. If you only want a short round, try the nine-hole course finder. For region listings, see courses in Scotland.

A short winter checklist

• Ring ahead for course status and trolley rules.
• Fit winter wheels if the ground is soft.
• Wear a waterproof shell and layers you can swing in.
• Carry spare gloves and a towel.
• Dry your grips, clubs and bag afterwards.

Common mistakes to avoid

Wearing too much. Bulky layers restrict your swing and can make you hot on the walk, while thin ones are easy to adjust. Aim for thin layers you can add and remove.

Neglecting your hands. Cold hands cost you feel, so keep warm. Keep a spare dry glove in the bag, and use a hand warmer between shots.

Skipping the call. Winter course status can change overnight, so a quick check is worth it. A quick check on the club website or a call to the pro shop saves a wasted trip.

Leaving kit wet. Wet gear left in a bag goes mouldy and smells, therefore dry everything at home. Dry everything at home after the round, including the bag and the grips.

Playing shorter rounds

Winter days are short, and daylight can limit you, so a short round makes sense. A nine-hole round is a good way to enjoy the game when it is cold. Many clubs offer shorter rates, and a short round means less time exposed to the weather. Our guide to nine-hole golf courses explains the options, and our guide to cheap golf courses shows how to keep costs down through the off-season.

Getting started in the cold

If you are new to winter golf, begin with a warm-up at home, because cold muscles tire quickly. Stretch your shoulders and hips, swing a club a few times, and arrive early enough to hit a few putts. Cold muscles tire quickly, so a short warm-up helps. Keep a flask of something hot in the bag, and plan to finish before the light fades. Our guide to golf for beginners has more on pace and etiquette, which matter even more when the course is quiet.

Try your kit on a course near you

Once your kit is sorted, find somewhere to use it. Our directory lists golf courses near Aberdeen, golf courses near Inverness and golf courses near Dundee, and you can browse every course we list in Scotland by county.

Where to compare

These links go to Amazon search results:

• Waterproof golf jackets
• Winter wheels for golf trolleys
• Winter golf gloves

Our terms page explains how affiliate links work on this site. They never change which courses we list or how we describe them.