Hardcore golfers are willing to face just about anything Mother Nature brings, including the scorching heat of summertime. Throughout the hottest months, golf courses around the country are jam-packed with golfers eagerly trying to best their buddies, beat their personal records or simply enjoy a round of 18 holes.

If you’d rather be dealing with the rough and choosing irons than hanging out by the pool, you’re in good company. But you have to know how to be safe when the sun’s beating down, and the heat of the day is on.

Below are several critical tips for golfing in moderate to extreme heat conditions. Of course, if you or fellow players get severely dehydrated on the front or back nine, get in touch with Arizona IV Medics for IV hydration therapy.

Tip #1: Dress for Comfort

Most golf courses insist on specific dress codes. Work within those guidelines to choose fabrics, colors and designs to help you feel cooler. Pick light-colored shirts made from breathable fabrics. If you can wear shorts instead of long pants at your favorite golfing spot, you should. Always bring along at least one hat, too.

Tip #2: Bring Water Along

Many people equate a round of golf with beer drinking. Save the alcohol for afterward in the air-conditioned bar or restaurant. While you’re on the greens, drink water and nothing else.

In excessive heat, your body loses moisture quickly. Before you realize it, you may feel fatigued or even dizzy even if you’re only occasionally taking swigs from your handy water bottle. Instead of waiting until you’ve reached the point of heat exhaustion or are at risk of heat stroke, force yourself to keep drinking. Bring along lots of water and stop to drink it whenever possible.

Tip #3: Spring for a Cart

You might be a die-hard fan of walking, but temperatures above 90 or 100 degrees Fahrenheit can deplete your energy quickly. If you’re not interested in hitting the wall by the fifth hole, consider renting a golf cart for the day. Another benefit of having a cart is that you won’t have to carry all those bottles of water with you as you go from tee to tee.

Tip #4: Wear Your Sunscreen

Getting a sunburn is no laughing matter. Bring along sunscreen of at least 30 SPF and slather it on every half hour or so. Why the constant reapplication? You’ll sweat tons in the sun, and that means a good amount of your sunscreen is likely to wash away before it can do its job.

Tip #5: Give Yourself Breaks

Do you tend to push through your golf game without taking more than a slight break halfway through? The next time you’re playing in the heat, incorporate more breaks into your rhythm. Though you might hate to let another group play through, you’ll be doing yourself and your fellow golfers a favor. You won’t win any awards for overdoing it.

Golf When You Like, But Be Smart

Golfing may feel like fun, but it’s also exercise. Take care of yourself on the links, and if you realize you’re in trouble, call Arizona IV Medics for a mobile IV for hydration.

Last Reviewed by Matt Heistan on July 1, 2020