Summer Golf Accessories

I want to start off this article by saying one important thing: I was not paid or persuaded in any way to offer you these recommendations. I simply play golf every weekend in the summer in North Florida (Jacksonville to be specific) and I think there are certain accessories that I just could not live without.

There are a gazillion articles out there that tell you what you will need to play golf in cold weather, but few offer honest reviews of the important ‘must haves’ for warm weather. Too many snow birds show up completely unprepared, with their tightly knit cotton polos, cold weather golf balls, and thick socks. They play terribly because they feel miserable. Come enjoy the warm weather, but be prepared!

Warm Weather Golf Balls

Perhaps the most beautiful thing about playing golf in sunny Florida is a warmer golf ball travels further. Golf balls are made of rubber material -- and what happens when rubber is cold? It is stiffer and more likely to wear and tear. This rule also applies to golf balls. Since the heat softens the rubber material, they have more elasticity, coming off the clubface with more resilience, higher velocity, and a faster spin. The softer core gives the ball more bounce and longer travel. When the air is warmer and humid, the ball flies further because the ball’s travel distance is supported by an easier environment to fly through. For a warm weather ball, choose something with a higher compression that will balance excess spin, like a Pro V1x.

a man swings his golf club while golfing on a Northeast Florida golf course

Dri-FIT Golf Shirts

Classic Polos that offer moisture-wicking material with Dri-FIT technology keeps sweat off your body and speeds up evaporation. They stay cool and dry (and less stinky!) and typically, most of the higher-end Dri-FIT shirts have UV protection built in. The fabric is stretchy and so light it will typically pick up and breath in a cool breeze. My favorite Dri-FIT shirts are made by Nike, they are the Victory Polos and they come in multiple colors.

A Cold Buff

Buff’s made from performance materials will soak in ice cold water and can be wrapped around your neck or head for staying cool on hot days. Just soak in water, wring out the excess, and snap it in the air to activate the cooling properties built into the materials. A good buff can be worn multiple ways and one size fits all. By absorbing moisture and perspiration into the fabric, a good Buff will have a unique radiator-like fiber construction that circulates water molecules and regulates the rate of evaporation to create a prolonged cooling effect.

Sunglasses & Waterproof Croakies

I only have one rule for buying sun glasses: check the warranty. Sun glasses are notorious for getting damaged. On warm weather days, you are going to need your sunglasses and a good pair of waterproof croakies to keep them on your neck so you can see your shots easily. You don’t want to soak up a bunch of sweat into your croakies, so go with a respectable brand like Salt Life. Many sunglasses brands offer a warranty, but look for one that will accept glasses that have been damaged by the user, not just the manufacturer. I love my Ray Bans for that very reason.

So if you want to look like a pro this summer with your warm weather gear, just make sure to pack these gems in your bag. While the snowbirds are sweatin’, your warm weather golf balls will be soarin’ through the air in style. Stay cool, folks!

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