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.
If you don’t have a cooling towel, there’s no need to rush out and get one before your round at Wigwam Golf. Our Golf Shop carries cooling towels that can help the triple digits feel a lot more tolerable.
Bring a Personal Fan
Portable fans are a game changer when temperatures start climbing. Small, battery-powered fans that clip onto your bag or cart provide a refreshing breeze when there’s no wind on the course. I also recommend wearable neck fans, which keep the air moving around your face and neck in between swings. Having that airflow makes walking between holes and waiting your turn much more bearable. A little extra comfort can go a long way toward keeping your energy up during your round.
Dress for Success
Your clothing choices can either help or hurt your ability to stay cool. Lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics are a must for golfing in the Arizona sun. We always suggest wearing light colors, which reflect the sun’s rays instead of absorbing heat. Don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat or a cap with a neck flap for added protection.
At Wigwam Golf, we also remind players to apply sunscreen before their round and reapply as needed to prevent sunburn, which can sneak up on you fast. For an added layer of protection, consider UV protective golf polos, available in a variety of colors and brands at our Golf Shop.
Know When to Take a Break
There’s no shame in slowing things down when the heat gets intense. Pacing yourself is one of the smartest ways to stay safe on the course. If you start to feel overheated, find shade immediately, hydrate and rest. The clubhouse and shaded rest areas at Wigwam Golf are there for your comfort and health. Worried about losing your position on the course? Contact the Golf Shop and they will do everything in their power to fit you back in where you left off. No round of golf is worth pushing your body past its limits.
Author: Tyler Morse is Head Golf Professional and Director of Operations at Wigwam Golf, Litchfield Park’s award-winning golf course. Wigwam Golf’s three courses – Gold, Red and Blue – have attracted golf travelers worldwide since opening in 1965. To this day Wigwam Golf continues to link traditions and generations together through original golf course designs crafted by Robert “Red” Lawrence (Red Course) and Robert Trent Jones, Sr. (Gold Course and Blue Course), with contemporary touch ups made by Tom Lehman Design. To learn more and schedule your round, visit www.wigwamgolf.com.
