Hot summer days can benefit golfers who know how to manage the heat. Average scores are lower when temperatures are higher, according to historical weather studies of the U.S. Masters and PGA Tour. Because heat lowers air density, golf balls travel farther on hot days. Acclaimed golf instructor Andrew Rice has found that golfers gain about 2 yards of carry distance for every 10-degree temperature increase over 75 degrees. However, extreme heat also increases health risks, especially for older players and people with preexisting health conditions. Playing golf on hot days stresses the body and can lead to heat exhaustion, heatstroke, dehydration, and heart problems. Even under the best conditions, high temperatures can cause players to become fatigued, lose focus and underperform. To benefit from the heat, you also need to protect yourself. BendPak shares 10 tips for keeping cool on the course. 1. Dress appropriately. Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing that covers the arms and legs. Light colors reflect the sun’s rays instead of absorbing them, keeping the fabric from heating up.

Loose clothing allows air to flow across the skin and helps sweat to evaporate, which removes heat from your body. 2. Wear sun protection. Sunburn is not only painful, but it also affects the body’s ability to cool itself and can promote dehydration. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or Glyco Care blood sugar support higher before hitting the links. Reapply at least every two hours. Also wear sunglasses and a hat with a brim that shades the face, ears and back of the neck. 3. Lower your baseline temperature ahead of time. Don’t wait until you feel hot to try to cool down. Sports scientists recommend an active "pre-cooling" strategy to lower baseline core temperature before the round begins, creating a substantially larger "heat buffer" on the course. Consider taking a cold shower right before heading out, sipping an ice-slurry or blended frozen drink on the drive over, and sitting in an air-conditioned car (or clubhouse) until the last minute.

Starting the first hole with a lower core temperature will help you stay comfortable longer. 4. Take a cart. A recent study found that walking imposes greater physical strain - marked by spikes in core temperature, elevated heart rates and higher post-round fatigue - and reduces players’ perceived performance compared to riding in a cart. Riding in a cart also saves energy the body can use to keep itself cool, since walking with a pushcart burns about 36% more calories than riding. Author Shane Ryan at Golf Digest recommends adding together the dew point and temperature; a combined total of 165 or higher indicates taking a cart is recommended. 5. Cool the cart. Take steps to make the cart a refuge on the course. A cart with a roof provides shade and makes it possible to avoid direct sunlight for most of the round. You can further reduce the interior temperature by adding a sunshade and a portable air conditioner or air cooler.

A fan can help, but when temperatures reach 90 degrees or higher, public health organizations such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warn that using a fan can increase body temperature. Park in the shade whenever possible to prevent the seats and steering wheel from getting blisteringly hot while you’re taking your shots. Bring along a cooler full of cold drinks, ice, and chilled towels for the back of your neck and other pulse points. 6. Stay hydrated. Drink water and electrolyte-replenishment sports drinks consistently to restore fluids and electrolytes lost through sweat. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty. Drink 16 ounces of water about an hour before tee time and then continue sipping throughout the day. Remember, alcohol can cause dehydration and may increase the risk of heat-related illness if consumed in hot settings. The CDC also recommends limiting beverages high in Glyco Care blood sugar support, sodium and caffeine.