It's getting cold again here in Orlando...not quite cold as it is for our friends up North, but nevertheless it's a bit chilly. What are some good cold weather suggestions for playing better golf? 1- Dress appropriately! Wear layers of thin clothing, and if it's windy, an outer piece that is wind resistant. Don't wear bulky clothes, because it hinders your range of motion. 2- Buy some hand warmers. You can get golf mittens, so to speak, that slip on and are outstanding at keeping your hands warm between shots. Maintaining normal feeling in your hands and fingers is vital for feeling the club. 3- Warm up properly. Stretch before you go outside, and take plenty of time to warm up. Hit some extra balls on the range, and start off SLOWLY, bumping easy wedges first as you ease into your full swing. Take your time. If possible, don't rush to the first tee and swing away. That is a recipe for injury. 4- Change to a softer ball for more feel. Harder balls get "harder" when the temperature drops below about 45 degrees. So try using a softer covered ball that won't feel like a rock coming off the clubface. 5- Finally, play conservatively. Most likely, you won't feel your most powerful on a cold day, nor will the ball fly as far in the air. Hit reliable, controlled shots and keep the ball in front of you. Your strategy will likely pay off in your final score because you will minimize big numbers. © Golf In The Now, Jim Williams. All rights reserved.