When the temperature approaches zero, it's rarely the ball that stops the round – it's the hands. Stiff fingers result in poorer grip, poorer feel and poorer shots. Here's how to stay warm and keep playing well into the cold.
Written by Andreas Spaniol, CEO at Golfvante Sep 28, 2026 Golf gloves guide for winter golf |
Many golfers put away their clubs as soon as the weather turns cold – even though most cold days are great to play on if you’re properly prepared. The key isn’t to dress like an expedition member, but to stay warm where it counts: in your hands, your body and your movement. Here we’ll go over what actually happens when it gets cold, how to warm up, how to dress without ruining your swing, and how to choose between our two winter solutions, WinterMate and FROST.
What the cold does to your game
Cold affects three things at once: your body, your feeling and the ball.
Cold muscles are stiffer and move shorter, which results in a smaller and poorer swing. Cold fingers lose sensation and fine motor skills, making it harder to control your grip – both pressure and where the club is in your hand. And a cold ball is harder and flies shorter than a warm one.
The good news is that all three can be counteracted with simple habits. You don't have to play worse just because it's cold – you need to play smarter.
Please also read our autumn guide on which glove is best for rain and cold weather →
Warm up before the first tee
In the summer you can walk straight from the car to the first tee. In the winter it's a good way to get injured and hit worse.
Give yourself at least ten minutes before you start. Start by moving around – a brisk walk or light arm circles and shoulder rotations – to get the blood flowing. Then take a few easy practice swings with a short club before moving on to longer clubs. Cold muscles should be warmed up gradually, not forced into full speed.
If you have time on the range, it's better to hit twenty or so slow balls than to drive through forty at a fast pace. The goal is to get warmed up for the first hole, not to find your form in ten minutes.
Layer upon layer – without locking the swing
You get the best warmth from several thin layers, not one thick one.
Start with a thin base layer closest to your body that wicks away sweat. Then add a mid-layer for warmth and finish with a thin, windproof outer layer. Wind is often worse than temperature, so a windbreaker makes a big difference. Just make sure your sleeves and shoulders are not tight – you should be able to swing fully without feeling any resistance from your clothing.
Don't forget your head and neck. A lot of body heat is lost upwards, and a warm hat between strokes will help you stay warm longer.
See hats Golf hats from Golfvante →Hands: WinterMate or FROST?
It's in your hands that you feel the cold first – and that's where you notice the difference most when you have the right equipment.
We have two different solutions for cold rounds, built for two different types of players.
WinterMate is an insulating overglove that you pull over your regular golf glove between strokes. It is suitable for those who already have a glove you trust and do not want to exchange the feel for something else. You keep your regular glove on your hand, and add extra warmth just when you need it. It is sold in pairs and is One Size.
FROST is a winter glove that you can play in. It is insulated and windproof and has an elastic cuff that fits tightly around the wrist, so that the cold does not get in from underneath. It is suitable for those who want to wear the same glove for the entire round and who often play when it is cold. The material repels light rain, but is primarily designed for cold and windy days. Available for both men and women.
A simple rule of thumb: if you want to keep your regular glove, choose WinterMate. If you want a glove built for the cold from the ground up, choose FROST. Not sure about FROST size? Check out our size guide →
See WinterMate WinterMate – extra warmth over your regular glove → See FROST Men FROST Men – insulated and windproof winter glove → See FROST Women FROST Women – insulated and windproof winter glove →The ball, the club choice and the course in the cold
Adapt to the conditions instead of playing like in the summer.
Keep the ball warm. A cold ball will fly shorter. Keep it in the pocket between the holes instead of in the bag, and it will stay warmer longer.
Club up. Expect the ball to travel shorter than usual, both in the air and because the ground is often hard. Feel free to take an extra club on the approach and aim to hit the middle of the green rather than chasing the flag.
Be gentle with your swing. Cold days reward rhythm over power. A slower pace often gives a better hit than a hard hit with stiff muscles.
Check the course's status. In frosty weather, the course may be closed or have special rules, such as not allowing play on the greens until the frost has passed. Call or check the club's website before you go, and you'll avoid a cold and unnecessary trip.
Keep warm between strokes
Most of a round consists of waiting and walking – that's when the cold catches you if you're not prepared.
Walk instead of riding a golf cart. The movement keeps your body and hands warm throughout the round, while a car just lets you cool down between holes. Put on the WinterMate or put your hands in your pockets between shots, and only take them off when it's time to hit.
Hand warmers in your pocket are a simple extra trick on really cold days, and a thermos of something warm makes the round much more enjoyable. Also, move around while you wait for the course to clear – a few light swings and arm circles will keep the circulation going.
How to care for your winter gloves
Moisture is the biggest enemy of winter equipment – both for warmth and longevity.
After the round: remove the gloves and let them air dry at room temperature, preferably stretched out so that they retain their shape. Avoid radiators, dryers and direct heat, which can stiffen the material. If the WinterMate is damp on the inside, it should be dried separately, otherwise the lining will be cold and damp the next time you put it on.
If you play several times a week, consider switching to dry gloves between rounds. Allowing your gloves to rest will help them last longer and provide better comfort.
Read more in Which golf glove lasts the longest? →
Simple rule of thumb
Warm up. Dress in layers. Protect your hands.
Three simple habits are enough to keep you playing well into the winter – with better grip, better feel and significantly more fun.
Summary
Cold affects your body, your emotions and your ball – but it can be counteracted. Warm up properly before the first tee, dress in thin layers with a windproof outer layer, and keep the ball warm in your pocket. Putt and play with a softer rhythm, and check the course's condition before you go in frost.
For your hands, you have two choices: WinterMate if you want to keep your regular glove and add warmth between strokes, or FROST if you want an insulated and windproof winter glove for the entire round. Let both dry properly after use, and they will last a long time.
