In this Friday Flop Shot we’ll look at some things that are critical for success when it’s hot. These are always important but hot weather is different and that makes them even more essential.
What is your definition of hot? Maybe it’s 85 degrees for some of you but really most of our bodies notice the heat as the outside temperature approaches our body temp of 98.6. And certainly more humidity makes the heat more oppressive.
Hot weather can take a toll on any athlete and our kids are more susceptible to its affects than we are.
To give your junior golfer the best chance of success, make sure he/she has these items:
1. Refillable water bottle. Drinking 3 or 4 bottles during 18 holes is probably about right. Sipping is better than gulping. Before teeing off and at the turn, ask the tournament staff to please make sure all on-course water supplies are constantly refilled. I can’t tell you how many times we’ve had an afternoon round and there was no water on the course. It’s absolutely inexcusable and don’t put up with it. Down here most tournaments tolerate or even announce that it’s OK for parents to give their kids water or Gatorade, yes, during a tournament round. Kids’ safety first! Please double check with the Tournament Director to avoid a possible DQ.
2. 2 towels, a larger towel for the bag and a smaller one for face and hands.
3. Extra gloves, maybe 2 or 3. Your child is going to sweat. A wet glove is useless.
4. A hat, cap, visor or head band to keep salty sweat from running down into their eyes.
5. Sunscreen. Please don’t bathe in it. We use very little and it’s mostly on nose, ears, cheeks, etc.
Of course, there are many more items on your pre-tournament checklist like snacks, balls, tees, counting clubs and so on, but the 5 items above are particularly critical when high temperatures prevail.
See you on #1 tee ready for the heat…Sam
Parenting Junior Golfers... 