Winter Gear Guide 2019

Our showcase of the best clothing and accessories to help keep you warm and dry on the course this winter

You can have the best set of clubs money can buy, but if your winter wardrobe isn’t up to scratch, you may as well leave them gathering dust in the garage for the next few months. Proper winter golf outfits, supported by the requisite accessories, mean you can stroll the fairways in comfort and focus on your game.

Perhaps you play in a winter league, or maybe you just want to keep your swing sharp for when spring comes along next year. Either way, give yourself the competitive edge with a combination of the products we’ve picked out over the following six pages. And don’t forget to read the buying tips, too – they should ensure you get the best gear for your hard-earned cash.

The predictably unpredictable nature of the British weather means a reliable waterproof suit is a must for any serious golfer. Thankfully these days, they are infinitely more playable than the heavy, bulky and restrictive garments of yesteryear. Fabrics becoming even lighter and more stretchy means that when playing in the rain, it barely feels like you’re wearing a waterproof suit, but you get the best protection that maximises comfort.

As you can see over the page, the prices of waterproof suits vary considerably. But a benchmark in performance to look out for is Gore-tex, which is widely regarded as the most effective waterproofing innovation. It keeps water out while letting sweat and water vapour escape from inside to ensure you don’t overheat on the course.

That said, style and colours play a big part in a golfer’s decision making, as well as the small touches and details that can make all the difference – be it the inclusion of pockets to keep your hands warms, cuff and waist adjusters for a tailored fit or how easy it is to slide on and off. You certainly don’t want to be faffing if a heavy shower sweeps in.

1Look after your waterproofs by washing them regularly, keeping them away from thorny bushes and drying them naturally after use in the rain.

2Consider variations like short-sleeved options or thinner, lighter jackets that fold down smaller and can be easily combined with other layers.

“Comfort is king. The jacket should not restrict the swing or feel bulky and the trousers need to be easy to put on when rain falls suddenly”

3Be sure you have enough space in your bag to store them, but never leave them scrunched up wet after play.

Ping Sensordry 2.5

£200

Under Armour Storm Gore-tex Paclite

£200

It’s without doubt one of the most important clothing purchases a golfer makes. With such a wide variety of styles and performance attributes to choose from, the golfing mid-layer takes many forms to perform different jobs.

Some keep you warm and snug even when it’s freezing outside, while others keep the wind and even a passing shower at bay. Many will offer a combination of some or all of these qualities, but first of all pick one that fits your frame well and that you like the look of – you need to feel comfortable out on the course.

Remember that most of the vests featured here also come in full-jacket options, and that our chosen garments are a very small selection of what the market has to offer. Be sure to look out for crested options, too, if you visit a prestigious club and want the members back home to know about it.

1If you only play in the rain occasionally, a waterresistant mid-layer might be a more prudent investment than a full waterproof suit.

2Freedom of movement is really important. Make sure the garment fits well so it’s not too tight but also not too bulky with lots of excess material.

“You need to be prepared – we have technical clothing that will keep you warm, dry and free of restriction, regardless of the weather faced”

3Consider the finer details, like pockets, a low-profile collar or adjustable cuffs and waist hem, to maximise comfort.

Galvin Green Dwight

£115

While a solid outfit is crucial to staying warm and dry out on the course in the winter, it is all the other paraphernalia that goes with it that can be the difference between a good and great score.

Base layers are an essential primary layer, providing immediate warmth and in some cases enhanced blood flow thanks to a tighter, compression fit. Under Armour’s Coldgear Rush Mock takes this to a whole new level by promising to absorb heat and convert it into infrared energy, which is then reabsorbed by the body to stimulate increased strength and endurance.

Elsewhere, a warm hat is a crucial purchase to take away the winter chill, while a neck warmer provides added thermal insulation on really cold days. Also consider a pair of winter-specific gloves, a sturdy umbrella and winter wheels for your trolley to keep course damage to a minimum.

1Compression base layers are said to have performance benefits, but the tight feel won’t be to everyone’s taste.

2For many, a yellow ball may be easier to see in dim light conditions, or if you find yourself playing in frost or even snow!

“Winter gloves provide warmth for both hands and wrists and slip on with ease, while our rain gloves grip better the wetter they get”

3Consider switching to a more durable synthetic glove and perhaps a black pair of cleated shoes to minimise the effect of mud.

Under Armour Coldgear Rush Mock

£60

Galvin Green Edgar

£70