Mad dogs and Englishmen

So, as it’s set to hit 38°C (100°F in old money) in the UK tomorrow and one of the GolfPunk team has just realised that he has a midday tee time, doh!  On that basis we had a quick shout around the office for tried and tested tips for keeping cool during this extreme hot spell and thought we should share them.

So here are the team’s top 10…..

1. Start early or late

Only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun, so the song goes.  Therefore, unless you are a disorganised nutter like our own GolfPunker we suggest avoiding venturing out on to the course at high noon, when the heat and humidity are at their fiercest.

However, if like our erstwhile friend you are going to continue on regardless dear reader, here are some suggestions….

2. Stay away from the Rosé

Parting is such sweet sorrow!

As a general rule GolfPunk does love a tipple, indeed, we never believed we would actually write these words, but when it’s going to be a scorcher stay away from alcohol.  Your hydration should focus on water and perhaps even mix it up with sports drinks or electrolyte supplements and for really hot days consider loading up the day and night before!

3.  Choose your threads carefully!

Our GolfPunks love to look good as they step onto the dance floor but think carefully about what you are going to wear.  Focus on light colours, as they reflect heat, and stick with cotton or natural breathable fabrics and leave the snug fitting stuff at home. We know you want to show off that fine physique but it may not help your body cool down.

4.  Slip! Slop! Slap!

Make sure you cover yourself in a decent, water resistant sunscreen at least 30 minutes before you set out.  And remember the old adage “don’t burn, reapply at the turn” or if you’re of the fairer skinned type make sure you do it more often.

Top tip – Don’t forget the lip balm as from personal experience sunburned lips are no fun for a good few days!

5.  If you want to get ahead, get a hat

And we do pray and yet they never seem to come!

We’re a big fan’s of a baseball cap or snapback as they now appear to be called. G/Fore do lovely stuff (and this is not a paid ad…merely personal preference).  But whilst these provide some coverage it might be worth investing in a wider brim or something which covers your neck.  Either way, keep the bonce well and truly in the shade.

6. Get a cooling towel

Type cooling towel into Google or Amazon and get one. Cooling towels are inexpensive and keep you significantly cooler than anything else we have found! Just soak the towel in water, wring it out, and place it on your neck and well, you look a bit of a wally but trust us. 

And, you’re welcome!

7.  You are what you eat!

Keep food intake lower pre-round and ensure you don’t carbo-load as it will cause you to feel full, be uncomfortable and raise your core temperature.  Keep it light and ensure you have suitable snacks for the round, like fruit and nuts.

8. Bring a brolly!

I find your lack of faith disturbing!

Well firstly for those playing golf in the UK we all know sunshine doesn’t mean rain, sleet, snow can’t follow even in July!  However, for when it gets super-hot an umbrella can provide much needed shade.  Unless you’re lucky enough to have a buggy, we strongly recommend keeping your umbrella to hand.

9. Frozen water….

If you have a golf cart then take a cooler box complete with lots of lovely cold soft drinks.  For mere mortals, freeze a few bottles of water and keep them in your bag and when you need them, they will still be nice and cold!

And perhaps our number one, insider tip of all…

10. Park your car in the shade

Ok so not strictly a tip for staying cool on the golf course.  Your car will be parked up for at least 4 hours so if you can keep your car out of the sun you will benefit from not having that stifling sweatiness until the air con kicks in and prevent that burning leather feeling, particularly if you’ve got your legs out!

And another thing...

We've had enough of slow play