Summer invites you to spend more time outdoors and enjoy golf with long days and especially pleasant light. However, high temperatures also change the way your body responds during a round. Knowing how to play golf in the heat helps you conserve energy, make better decisions, and enjoy the course without letting fatigue affect your game.

It’s not about avoiding hot days, but about adapting to them. Good planning, staying hydrated, wearing the right clothing, and pacing yourself wisely all help ensure that playing golf in the summer remains a comfortable and safe experience.

At Club Golf d’Aro, the Mas Nou setting lets you enjoy golf surrounded by nature, but as with any course during the hottest months, it’s a good idea to come prepared. Here are the factors that make all the difference.

Choose the right departure time

The first decision you need to make when playing golf in hot weather is made before you even arrive at the club: choosing the time of day. The early morning hours are usually the most comfortable option, with milder temperatures and a cooler feel on the course. Late afternoon can also be a good alternative, especially for those who prefer to play in softer light.

The middle part of the day requires more attention. If you’re playing then, avoid rushing, get your gear ready in advance, and expect the physical effort to be greater. The goal isn’t just to finish the round, but to do so with a sense of control.

If you want to plan your day in advance, you can check out the playing options and make a reservation on the Club Golf d’Aro website ⁠

Hydration: The Key to Maintaining Performance

Hydration is one of the most important factors to consider when playing golf in the summer. Waiting until you’re thirsty isn’t a good strategy: by the time you feel thirsty, your body may already be showing signs of fluid loss.

To stay well-hydrated while playing golf, it’s best to start before you head out to the course. Drinking water throughout the morning, bringing a reusable water bottle, and taking small sips regularly helps you stay focused and reduces feelings of fatigue.

During a long round, the heat can affect your concentration, patience, and decision-making. This is especially noticeable on the final holes, when it’s easier to rush, choose the wrong club, or lose accuracy on short game shots.

In addition to water, it may be helpful to bring a sports drink if it’s a particularly hot day or if you’re planning on exercising for an extended period. The key is not to replace water with sugary soft drinks or alcoholic beverages during your ride, as they don’t help maintain proper hydration.

Eat light to have more energy for playing

Diet also affects performance. Before heading out, it’s best to choose a light meal that’s easy to digest and provides sustained energy. Very large or fatty meals can make you feel sluggish, especially when the temperature is high.

During the game, bringing fruit, nuts, a simple energy bar, or a small sandwich can help prevent energy slumps. You don’t need to eat large amounts: it’s more effective to have small snacks throughout the round.

This simple plan is especially useful for those playing 18 holes. Your body needs to stay focused for several hours, and poor planning can make the second half of the round more challenging than it needs to be.

Clothing and Sun Protection for Golfers

Choosing the right clothing is another essential part of preparation. When playing golf in hot weather, it’s best to wear lightweight, breathable, and comfortable clothing that allows for freedom of movement without trapping heat.

A hat or visor helps protect your face and eyes from the sun, while the right sunglasses can improve visibility at certain points along the route. It’s also important to apply sunscreen before heading out and reapply it if you’re exposed to the sun for an extended period.

Sun protection for golfers shouldn’t be limited to days at the beach. During a round, exposure is constant and affects areas such as the face, neck, arms, ears, and legs. Making this a part of your routine prevents discomfort and allows you to focus on the game.

Adjusting Expectations and the Pace of the Game

The heat doesn’t just affect the body—it also changes the way you experience the match. In the summer, it’s important to accept that your performance may vary from day to day. Trying to force shots, rush decisions, or get upset over minor mistakes usually increases mental strain.

A good strategy is to maintain a brisk pace of play without rushing. Preparing your shot while waiting for your turn, knowing which club you’ll use, and moving at a normal pace between shots helps conserve energy and keep in step with the pace of all the groups.

This point is directly related to the importance of enjoying a smooth round. If you’d like to learn more, you can read the article on how the pace of play in golf affects your enjoyment⁠.

Prepare your gear before you leave

Before you start playing in the summer, there are a few things you should check. In addition to your clubs, balls, tees, and glove, make sure you have enough water, sunscreen, a hat, and a small towel. A towel can be very useful for wiping sweat off your hands or keeping your grip in good condition.

It’s also a good idea to bring a spare glove. In hot and humid conditions, the glove may become less comfortable or lose its grip, and having a spare prevents this small detail from affecting your swing.

Preparation doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, a short, repeatable routine ensures you arrive at the tee on hole 1 with everything you need and avoids having to improvise during your round. You can supplement this idea with the guide on how to prepare for a round of golf⁠.

Making the Most of the Shadows and Moments of Pause

On a golf course, shaded areas can be a valuable resource during the summer months. Taking advantage of downtime to rest for a few minutes, drink some water, and catch your breath is a simple way to better manage your exertion.

It’s not about disrupting the flow of the game, but rather about making good use of the game’s natural pauses. While another player is preparing their shot, you can move to a safe spot, review your strategy for the next shot, or take a drink.

These kinds of habits help you maintain your energy throughout the round and reduce the risk of the heat affecting your experience.

Pay attention to your body’s signals

Dizziness, headache, weakness, nausea, chills, or confusion are signs that should not be ignored. If they occur, you should stop, find some shade, stay hydrated, and ask club staff for help if necessary. Continuing to play despite feeling unwell can make the situation worse.

The goal of a summer day of golf should be to enjoy the sport and the course, not to finish a round at any cost. Adjusting your plan, playing fewer holes if necessary, or taking a break before continuing are all reasonable decisions.

A summer experience that’s best enjoyed with some planning

Playing golf in the summer can be one of the best ways to make the most of the long days, enjoy a round with friends, and stay active outdoors. The difference between an exhausting round and an enjoyable experience often lies in the details: choosing the right time of day, staying hydrated, protecting yourself from the sun, and pacing yourself.

With a few simple preparations, the heat ceases to be an obstacle and becomes just another factor you can control. As a result, playing golf in the heat becomes an opportunity to enjoy the course with greater awareness, energy, and confidence.

After your game, you can also round out the day with a meal or a break at the Forat Restaurant⁠.