“It was the hardest conditions I’ve ever played in,” Woods said to ESPN.com speaking of 2002 The Open. “We weren’t prepared for that weather. I don’t think anyone was.” He faced the brutal realities of golf in cold, harsh weather at Muirfield. Despite a series of frustrations throughout the round, Woods managed to make a birdie—his first on a punishing afternoon.

However, a few minutes later, after paring the 18th hole, he would sign for a score of 81—the only time in his illustrious career that he would shoot in the 80s. Playing alongside his friend Mark O’Meara, Woods struggled to cope with the relentless wind, sideways rain, and piercing cold, which made every shot feel like an impossible challenge. But he still managed to finish at T28 with a 6-under.

While harsh weather conditions can cause a lot of difficulty, you can always take precautions before your gameplay. Here are a few tips that will help you in improving your winter golf.

1. Put on several layers

The only way you can beat the cold, chilly weather during winter is by putting on as many clothes as possible. It is rather important to make sure that you have put on as many layers as it is needed to keep your body warm. From wearing a body warmer for the base to completing it with a windproof outer layer. Additionally, you should also make sure that you have certain body parts covered, so that there is no hindrance between your game.

To begin with, always remember that keeping your feet, hands, and neck warm is one of the most important aspects. If your neck gets cold, your entire body will get shivers, making it difficult for you to move. Thus, never forget to put on woolen golf socks, a beanie to protect your head, and. a pair of golf gloves. To prevent your socks from getting wet, ensure that you are wearing waterproof shoes.

2. Bring a change in your grip

Harsh weather often ends up making grips exceptionally hard. This can, in turn, interrupt the smoothness of your swing, because, let’s face it, your grip can make or break your game. And not just that; if you are not fully prepared with your grip in winter, it might also be a safety hazard during your game. Grips can get slippery during winter due to inconsistent contact. And that is why you should always ensure that you have a good hold on your grip. This is where wearing gloves comes in handy while playing. They will keep your palms warm and help you get a better grip during the cold winters.

3. Change your equipment for the season

During the cold, wintry weather, just like your body, even the golf balls become less responsive. This surely will interrupt your game, since no matter how perfect your swing is, if your ball does not respond the way it should, it will take you longer to make the putts. So how to decide which golf balls will work best during these weather conditions?

To offset cold-weather compression issues, try switching out to a golf ball with a lower compression rating during the winter months. These golf balls are designed to compress more upon impact, even when the temperatures drop below 10°C, and should help you regain some of that lost distance.

Just like your golf ball, even your clubs need change. To make your balls more responsive, make sure that you go for a club that has a higher lift angle and a better distance to beat the dropping temperatures.

4. Do not forget your warm-up

The human body becomes exceptionally stiff during the winter season. Thus, always remember that you activate your muscles before you enter the course to play a good game of winter golf. Golf is a game that requires heavy engagement of your muscles, and no matter how hard you work out, before you enter this activity, make sure you keep up with your flexibility. This will not only help you open up your body but will also prevent any injury.

5. Stay hydrated, yes in winter too

You might think that your body does not require a lot of water during winter, because the heat waves are not as high as they are in summer. But your body is still being engaged in intense physical activity, and it requires hydration. So, remember to drink lots of water!

While there are a lot of other things to keep in mind to play a good game of winter golf, if you have at least five of these tips checked, your game will automatically turn out to be better. If you have any other points to add to it, share them in the comments section below!