By Matt Keel
For some people, the summer in Phoenix is a time to stay indoors and avoid the heat. For other people, the summer is a great time to get outside and play more golf. Playing golf in the summer can be an enjoyable experience. If you can manage playing in the heat, then you can take advantage of what summer golf has to offer.
There are several things I have learned to make playing in the heat more enjoyable. The first way to manage the heat is to always protect yourself from the sun. Wearing sunscreen is always advisable. In addition, there are advances in golf apparel that not only provide more protection from the sun, but offer more comfort when the temperatures rise. Second, you can limit playing golf during times when the sun is lower in the sky either early in the morning or late in the day. Playing early in the morning or late in the afternoon during the summer can make golf not only bearable, but can make summer golf enjoyable. Third, and probably most important, is to stay hydrated and stand in the shade whenever possible. When it is your playing partner’s turn to make a shot, take advantage of the shade from a nearby tree until it is your turn to play.
There are many advantages to playing golf in the summer. The most obvious advantage is the lower cost to play golf in the summer compared to other times during the year. During the cooler months, the cost to play golf can be fairly high. In the peak season, you are basically paying a premium for cooler weather and pristine course conditions.During the summer, you can play the same great courses that are still in great condition at a much lower price. Another advantage to playing golfin the summer is that there are fewer golfers playing. Fewer golfers during the summer means that there are more tee times available, plus rounds of golf are quicker which requires less time in the heat. Fewer golfers and faster golf rounds also create a less intimidating environment for beginning golfers. Summer is a perfect time to bring out the entire family to the golf course.
This summer, Wildfire Golf Academy is conducting a variety of instructional programs to encourage people of all ages take up the game of golf. Throughout the summer Wildfire Golf Academy will be running a junior camp and junior clinics, adult evening clinics, ladies only clinics, and parent/child private lesson packages. Each program is designed to increase the skill level of all golfers. For more information about summer programs, contact Matt Keel at Wildfire Golf Academy or email Matt at Mattkeel@pga.com.
Make the most of golf this summer. The summer is a great time to get out and play some golf. By taking steps to manage the heat, and taking advantage of the season you can continue to enjoy playing golf.
Matt Keel is the Lead Golf Instructor at Wildfire Golf Club located at the JW Marriott at Desert Ridge. For any questions or information about golf lessons email Matt at Mattkeel@pga.com.
