NO OFF DAYS: Extend Fall Golf with the Right Outerwear

Just because it’s October doesn’t mean you need to put the clubs away and close the book on the 2019 golf season. Indeed, it’s more likely than not that after grinding away all spring and summer, you’ve finally hit your stride, straightened out that slice, figured out your bunker play, and finally have your handicap trending downward.

In other words, there’s no reason to quit. So here’s some gear to help prolong that season until the weather really gets unwelcoming.

Shell/Outer Layers

The primary purpose of a shell/outer layer is to help protect you against the rain and wind. Indeed, even the best warm or base layer won’t be able to fully withstand and strong wind and rain storm. So to help prevent your mood (and round) from going up in flames, here’s what I’d suggest:

FJ HydroLite Rain Jacket – Design to be 100% waterproof, the HydroLite Rain Jacket is breathable while still providing plenty of protection in cool, windy, and rainy conditions. The Four-Way Stretch fabric allows for a complete range of motion, while the HydroLite features keep you and everything in your pockets dry.

DryJoys Select LS Rain Jacket and Rain Pants – If you’re determined to play, even when it’s 100% going to be raining, the DryJoy Select Rain Jacket & Rain Pants are a must.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by FootJoy (@footjoy) on Oct 1, 2019 at 12:18pm PDT

With respect to the Rain Jacket, FootJoy Xtreme DWR Finish makes sure that you stay dry by making sure that water easily beads off the jacket. The adjustable waterproof cuffs, likewise, help make sure that your jacket doesn’t get caught up in your grip while, simultaneously, making sure that water doesn’t accidentally go up your sleeve. And since your hands should stay dry, FJ made sure to include chest pockets to protect your scorecard, wallet, and gloves from the elements, along with two side-pockets to warm your hands up in between shots.  I love how FootJoy is striving to “Make Every Day Playable”! 

And … there’s no question the Golficity boys Frank and Mike stayed warm and dry with these threads while tackling the Old Course this past June.  Check it out incase you missed it.

WE PLAYED THE OLD COURSE! // Scotland Series Ep. 3

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Meanwhile, the Rain Pants are designed with a waterproof, lightweight material that can easily be pulled over your pants to help shield you from the rain. The extra long 5″ Velcro pant bottom allows golfers to adjust the length and fit for all different body types, while the adjustable gripper waistband guarantees that your pants stay where they should throughout the round.

Here’s something GREAT: The HydroLite Rain Jacket and DryJoys Select LS Rain Jacket and Rain Pants are all backed by a two (2) year 100% waterproof U.S. Warranty.

Warm Layer

While the shell/outer layer should protect you from the rain and wind, the warm layer should be keeping your warm. In this regard, Callaway Apparel has been putting together some incredible stuff recently.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Callaway Apparel (@callawayapparel) on Sep 30, 2019 at 4:30pm PDT

For the 2019 Weather Series, Callaway has released a variety of updated pullovers, zip-up jackets, and vests, but there are two items worth focusing on.

First is the Swing Tech Ultrasonic Quilted Jacket. Indeed, Swing Tech was a huge development that debuted earlier this year. While the Spring/Summer apparel was the first to benefit from it, the Weather Series is the newest collection to benefit from it.

The Ultrasonic Quilted Jacket features an insulated thermal fabric packaged in a refined, quilted jacket that offers lightweight protection from the elements. However, unlike other quilted jackets, the Ultrasonic has Swing Tech and, therefore, allows you to freely swing without having to worry about being restricted by material that doesn’t stretch.

At the same time, the Dual Action 1/2 Zip Pullover utilizes an insulated thermal fabric to provide impressive warmth in a versatile packaging. Furthermore, the wind & water resistant barrier, combined with the high collar and fitted wrist-cuffs, shields against wind and rain and, most importantly, keeps you warm and dry.

Indeed, I was particularly impressed by last year’s iteration of the Dual Action ¼ Zip Pullover, as it became a staple in my early-spring (borderline winter) rounds when it was still overcast out. Not only did the Dual Action ¼ keep me very warm and loose in between swings, but it was able to withstand the momentary sprinkle. Furthermore, when I did happen to get caught in the unexpected rainstorm, the ¼ Pullover comfortably fit underneath my rain shell and didn’t hinder my swing.

Base Layer

Similar to the Warm Layer, base layer apparel will also keep you warm. But due to the fact that the base layer will be next to your skin, its primary purpose is to keep you dry and help release moisture from your skin (damp in the cold is a recipe for the flu).

In this regard, Under Armour is tough to beat. While their standard compression athletic shorts are great when it’s warmer outside, the Cold Gear compression turtlenecks and leggings work great for when it’s colder.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Under Armour Golf (@uagolf) on May 17, 2019 at 3:49pm PDT

Now, before you start making a huge deal about men wearing leggings, hear me out. Golf pants are great, but most pants aren’t equipped with insulated material and, as a result, you’re really gonna start feeling the cold when it dips below 60° and you’re sitting in a golf cart for a few hours.

Under Armour ColdGear, both the compression mock turtleneck and leggings, are designed to fit snug and, as a result, will fit perfectly under your favorite polo, pullover, and pants to keep you warm and dry throughout the round.

In fact, the ColdGear Compression Mock turtleneck is an excellent option for when it’s not too cold and you prefer to have absolute minimum interference (comparable to wearing just a golf polo). Meanwhile, the ColdGear Base leggings are basically a long-version of your standard athletic compression shorts and will be entirely unnoticeable underneath any pair of pants.

When combined together, the UA Cold Gear will help you retain body heat (and help keep your muscle warm and loose), while also rapidly expelling moisture away from your body to keep you dry.

Footwear/Accessories

Finally, it’s important that your two only connections with the golf course–your hands (i.e., your only connection with the clubs) and your feet (i.e., the foundation to a stable, powerful swing)–are also properly equipped.

TRUE Linkswear hails from Oregon and has established itself as the manufacturer of some of the most comfortable golf shoes on the market. Indeed, TRUE is most well-known for their Natural Width Toe Box design that, contrary to the narrower, traditional toe-section, allows your toes to spread out and establish a more stable and powerful base.

In addition to being very comfortable, TRUE shoes have also become known for their intense waterproofing. Indeed, TRUE’s Original, OG Premium, Major and Original 10-Year models all feature a premium waterproof full-grain leather upper section, which is backed by a 2-year warranty.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by TRUE linkswear (@truelinkswear) on Jan 6, 2019 at 4:08pm PST

It goes without saying that while it’s great to keep your body dry, it’s equally important to keep your feet, as your only connection with the ground. As a result, the TRUE’s are more than capable of keeping your feet dry and handling any puddle or mud you might encounter on the golf course.

Gloves

With respect to your your only connection with the club, it’s important to have a quality grip even in cold and wet weather. While there are plenty of companies out there that make great gloves, there really aren’t that many companies that make great wet and/or cold weather gloves.

The short version here is that FootJoy has nailed this down. Indeed, I usually start (at the driving range) and end (fall golf) my golf season with the WinterSof gloves. The water resistant Sure-Grip Autosuede knit palms provide ample grip in cool conditions, while the Weather-Shield cuff simultaneously keeps the cold out and your hands warm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by FootJoy (@footjoy) on Mar 9, 2019 at 8:54am PST

Likewise, the RainGrip gloves feature the QuikDry II knit material along the back of the fingers, which are designed to provide optimum breathability, flexibility and quick-drying comfort, while the autosuede knit palms provide a tacky grip even in wet conditions.

Naturally, it’s not required that you wear some combination of each layer listed above. Indeed, try to assess the weather you’ll be encountering (cold, rainy, windy and cold, etc.) and dress appropriately. That way you can make sure you’re adequately protected without looking like you’re bundled up to go skiing.