Dressing for Fall (and Winter) Golf

Weather has been dipping into the 50s and 60s recently here in the Northeast, and, as a result, it’s become necessary to dust off some apparel and accessories pieces that have been shelved since early spring.

So while I gear up for some windy, wet fall and winter rounds, allow me to share some pieces that I prioritize to make sure I can still enjoy golfing outdoors.

Top Layers: Q-Zips, Sweaters and Jackets

Let’s start with the most obvious change from our summer rounds: top layers. And fortunately, there’s a ton of options in this area that can address each and every weather condition you might face.

For when the temperatures start to dip, the popular option is, undoubtedly, the 1/4 Zip (lovingly referred to by many as the Q-Zip). Nearly every apparel brand imaginable has their own variation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by STITCH GOLF (@stitchgolf)

But the most distinguishing factor among the different 1/4 Zip will be construction (what it’s made of) and weight. To explain, while some (like the STITCH pictured above) are made with wool (which will be super warm and soft), others may be made with alternative materials, like nylon, elastane, spandex or polyester. I want to note that there is nothing wrong with non-natural materials; in fact, they offer some benefits that wool can’t, like water resistance. Additionally, when using some of these materials, the 1/4 Zips can be better tailored for different weather conditions—lightweight 1/4 Zips are perfect for those cool early morning starts, whereas heavier ones can be tapped when the cool weather settles in and wind starts to kick up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Holderness & Bourne (@holdernessbourne)

It is worth noting that while 1/4 Zips have been the golfing community’s go-to option, hoodies have become increasingly popular—and not just among younger brands. Indeed, even some of the more traditional-influenced brands, like Holderness & Bourne, are offering hoodies alongside their other pieces. Hoodies offer a more casual appearance while also having a functional benefit: the hood becomes invaluable when the wind kicks up and you want to keep the wind off your ears, trapping some body heat from your head and neck.

While Q-Zips and hoodies are great options in their own right, I am unashamedly now a Sweater Golfer. In my opinion, there is nothing better than a well-made, good-fitting sweater on the golf course. In my opinion, a solid knit will help insulate you better from dropping temperatures and a cold breeze without restricting your movement while making full swings.

And while sweaters and knits may have largely been things you spotted in your grandfather’s closet, younger brands like Macade, Greyson, and Malbon have all released high-quality stuff that is also packed with style, like the Macade Script Knit Crewneck pictured above.

Finally, there are jackets, which come with and without sleeves (the latter more frequently being referred to as vests). Like 1/4 Zips, jackets are a great option because they come in a wide range of weights, so you can easily grab that lightweight zip-up for when there’s a light breeze. But where I think jackets really shine over the prior two options is when the weather turns for the worse.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Golficity (@golficity)

When the rain starts to fall, and the wind really picks up, jackets from brands like FootJoy, Galway Bay, and Galvin Green will always be the ultimate option. High necks, elastic wrists, waterproof seams, and material all come together, and make sure that when you aren’t willing to let Mother Nature force you back into the clubhouse, you can stay dry and warm while you push ahead.

For the sake of completeness, here are a few other brands I’d consider when looking for some layers to keep me warm:

• Peter Millar
• KJUS
• adidas
• Callaway Apparel
• B. Draddy
• Zero Restriction
• Linksoul
• Lyle & Scott

Base Layers

For when the temperature really starts to drop, or you prefer to play without a heavier outer layer, a thermal base layer can be the key for an additional layer of warmth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Under Armour (@underarmour)

The longstanding, established option here is Under Armour’s Cold Gear—arguably the original compression gear that helped trap body heat while also venting body moisture so you stay warm and dry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by ZEROFIT USA (@zerofitusa)

But over the years, several other brands have offered their own thermal layers that look to solve the cold weather problem. Galvin Green, Zero Fit and FootJoy, in fact, are three brands that each offer something unique—tight versus loose fitting, low versus high necks, and a variety of colors.

With a base layer, what matters most is that you find something that works and fits right for your body type. I know for myself I have stopped using base layers from some brands when they refused to stay tucked in and, consequently, started to bunch up underneath my polo. So, after a little trial and error, I’ve found what works for me and stayed loyal ever since.

Pants

With the cool, wet weather, the shorts, unfortunately, need to be put away. But it should be clear that there’s a big difference between those chinos or khakis you’re planning on wearing in the family holiday photos, and the pants you should be wearing on the course.

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Golf pants from brands like State Apparel, Bonobos, Galway Bay, and Lululemon feature materials that are water resistant, stretch so you can swing unrestricted, and, in our case, keep you a little warmer thanks to some additional lining to help keep you warm throughout the round.

But in the event you need something more than just water resistance because you’re expecting to play through constant rainfall, there are two options. The first is true waterproof pants from brands like Galway Bay. These are normal pants that just happen to feature a waterproof construction that is often paired with seam-sealed zippers and additional insulation. The second are packable shells that are worn over your normal pants. FootJoy, Sun Mountain, Zero Restriction, Galvin Green, and Peter Millar each offer their own variation of this style. The biggest benefit is that these can be folded up and stored in your bag for when you’re not sure you’ll need them (but are glad to have them with you).

Shoes & Accessories

While you’ve probably defaulted to your most comfortable, breathable shoes during the past few months, it’s time to prioritize waterproof footwear. Fortunately, options are plentiful: ECCO has numerous waterproof options, while adidas, FootJoy and other brands all offer some waterproof options. Alongside the transition to a waterproof shoe, you may also want to consider bringing an extra pair (or two) of socks when the forecasts suggest an umbrella might be your 15th club.

After making sure your feet are warm and dry, the next most important thing will be your hands. Many of the brands referenced above make rain gloves, but it’s possible that the best ones are from MacWet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Droitwich Golf Club (@droitwich_golf_club)

As for the cold, I think there are really two options worth considering. First, golf mittens. Again, FootJoy, adidas, Under Armour, Galvin Green and Pro Quip (as well as countless other outdoor and snow apparel companies) make these, and they’re all great in their own right. The important bit here is the mitten design itself; you can slide them on and off much faster, without getting your fingers caught or even having to take off a swing glove.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by G-Tech Apparel (@gtechapparel)

Second are electric jackets, gloves, and hand muffs from brands like Ororo, G-Tech, and Gobi Heat. These are great options when having the extra layers alone isn’t enough. The only problem is they come with increased costs and weight penalty (due to the heat coils and battery pack). That said, this is the only option to put heat back into your body, so for the golfer that’s more temperature “sensitive,” this is the end-all option for when you need to fight back against the cold and wet.

Cover Image via Golfweek