Summer in Arizona is no joke, but as one of the top states in the country to golf, it’s tough to resist the lure of the course — even in triple digit temperatures. As a golf professional, I know how tempting those discount rates and beautifully manicured greens can be. Before heading out to the course this summer, preparation is key to staying safe and playing your best. Here are Wigwam Golf’s go-to tips for keeping your cool while golfing in Arizona’s triple-digit heat.
Book an Early Tee Time
The easiest way to avoid peak heat is to play early in the morning. Tee times before 9 a.m. give you the advantage of cooler temperatures and often more pleasant playing conditions. You’ll have a chance to enjoy the course before the sun reaches its full intensity. At Wigwam Golf, we recently introduced The Sunrise Club, offering tee times as early as 5:30 a.m. seven days a week. This allows golfers to experience our three award-winning golf courses long before the day’s peak temperatures set in.
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Hydrate Early and Often
Proper hydration is your first line of defense against the Arizona heat. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty to drink water, because by then, your body is already playing catch-up! Start hydrating the day before your round and bring plenty of water with you on the course.
You can supplement your hydration by bringing electrolyte powder packs to the course to mix with water at one of our three grab-and-go snack shops, or by grabbing an ice-cold Powerade from your friendly beverage cart attendant. We also recommend freezing a water bottle overnight to let it gradually thaw throughout your golf game.
Gear Up With Cooling Towels
A cooling towel might seem simple, but it can make a huge difference during a hot round. Soak the towel in cold water, wring it out and drape it around your neck between shots or when you’re waiting on the tee box. The evaporative cooling effect helps lower your skin temperature and provides instant relief. Many players at Wigwam Golf keep one handy throughout their round, and I always recommend it for both comfort and safety. It’s a small investment that can help you stay focused on your game…