How to prepare for links golf weather

If you are familiar with links golf, you know that weather conditions can change quickly – it’s one of the reasons links golf is so fun. The changing weather conditions, whether it's wind or rain, force players to use their imagination to hit golf shots that they wouldn’t otherwise try. But unless you’re properly dressed, a change in conditions can have a significant impact on your round, even making you wish you were back in McKee’s Pub, out of the weather. 

To help determine what to wear, we asked Grant Rogers, director of instruction at Bandon Dunes, to put together a Links Golf Layering Guide with some useful tips to make sure you stay comfortable, warm, and dry out on the links. Check out this video:

Layers, Layers, Layers!

Wearing multiple layers is the best way to prepare for changing weather conditions because they allow you to make adjustments based on your level of comfort and the weather conditions. Too cold? Add a layer. Too hot? Shed a layer. Don’t get caught with a bulky jacket or, even worse, no jacket at all. Here are the 3 types of layers you should have ready:

1) Base Layer to Keep Your Body Comfortable
This is the layer that touches your skin. It’s extremely important that you choose a material that helps pull moisture away from your body, keeping you dry and comfortable. 100% cotton typically retains moisture so we don’t recommend it as a base layer.  Instead, try a blended fabric made up of both cotton and polyester or 100% synthetic fabrics like polyester. not only are these fabrics comfortable while wearing them, they are also wrinkle resistant and easy to care for.  If you’re not sure where to find something like this, we’ve got you covered. Bandon Dunes Base Layers include Adidas, Cutter & Buck as well as Fairway & Greene golf shirts.  

2) Middle Layer to Keep Your Body Warm
This is the layer that helps you retain heat by trapping air and keeping it close to your body. It’s nice to have at least one middle layer piece with a zipper so that you can unzip when you’re heating up or zip up when you need some extra protection. Vests are great because they insulate the core of your body while keeping your arms free for your golf swing. We also recommend using wind sweaters that include an anti-static, wind-resistant lining to protect you on those blustery days. Again, if you’re not sure where to find some great middle layer pieces, we have some great options: Bandon Dunes Middle Layers include Fairway & Greene merino vests and wind sweaters. These products are made with Zegna Baruffa Italian merino wool which is finer and softer than other types. They hold up and will last over time. We also offer the Climawarm layering options from Adidas, which utilize tech fabric. 

3) Shell Layer to Keep Your Body Dry and Protect You from Wind and Rain
Some of you have probably had it happen to you…if you haven’t had it happen to you, it’s probably happened to someone in your group…a rain jacket that lets in water bit by bit, drop by drop, until you or your golfing buddy are soaked. Even with the rugged beauty of links golf around you, getting wet on the golf course can be a distraction. 

Thankfully, we know rain jackets and rain suits. Our recommendation: “There are different levels of waterproof fabrics and the more you educate yourself about seam sealing versus critically sealed, the better off you will be. There are waterproof knits that give you amazing stretch and mobility but they are not the best for keeping you comfortable in a steady rain.  Our preference is Gore-Tex because it’s guaranteed to keep you dry. 

Here are some pieces we recommend: Bandon Dunes Gore-Tex Rainwear including jackets and pants from Adidas and Zero Restriction.

Find some buddies, grab some layers, and hit the links! There’s never a wrong time to play links golf if you’re properly prepared. Follow the steps above and the next time your friends start to whimper when the wind picks up, you’ll be prepared to enjoy golf as it was meant to be.

Interested in learning how to hit some classic links shots? Check out our instructional blog posts and videos here.