2/2/23

For any golfer who lives in a traditional winter climate, “golf life” can come crashing to a halt when the temperatures drop to freezing or below and snow lies on the ground. “Dog days” is a term more commonly used as a reference to the sultry heat of summer, most specifically in August, if you live in the Northern Hemisphere. I think, though, that most avid golfers would gladly trade the cold grind of January for the heat of August. January feels so desolate, and the comfort of a promising March seems so distant. Mostly, January means courses are closed and outdoor practice areas are too uncomfortable to withstand for any worthwhile period of time. Yes, the “dog days” of January pose a significant physical, mental, and emotional challenge for the avid golfer. 

Theoretically, golf (indoor golf is not real golf) can be done outdoors in the winter months. As Mark Twain once said, “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.” Age and cold weather comfort are symbiotically connected. Hence, the question becomes what is the golfer’s cold weather tolerance? Depending on the accumulation of winter precipitation, in any given year, courses may remain open for winter golfers. In reality, the biggest threat to course availability in the winter months is snow on the ground. Cold weather, alone, does not deter some golfers. Golfer tolerances vary. I have a friend who will not play when the temperature is under 70 degrees.  Most of my golfing buddies will play in cooler temperatures, normally with 40 degrees being the coldest limit. I have played golf in 30 degree weather.  My biggest deterrent with cold weather golf is wind.  Wearing the appropriate gear and walking a golf course on a 30 degree day with wind speeds under 10 mph can be quite tolerable. Conversely, walking a golf course on a 50 degree day, with wind speeds over 20 mph is likely beyond my tolerance. 

Beyond the physical challenges of the “dog days of January,” there are the mental and emotional challenges of that time of year. For me, January is the toughest month of the year on my mental state. To be clear, I am a warm-weather person and not a fan of the cold winter months. Winter is my least favorite season by far. Despite November and December having the joy of the holidays and a decent amount of fair weather, depending on where you live, the cold, coupled with the shorter days and less overall sunlight, alters my mood in a negative direction. When January ends, my spirits start to lift. February can be as bitter as any month with some very cold, difficult weather; however, hope is on the horizon.  February is the shortest month of the year, has the uplifting and affirming thoughts of Black History Month, and offers the anticipation that spring is “just around the corner.”  Once we get to February, I start to feel like we’re over the “winter hump.”  Mentally and emotionally, as Valentine’s Day approaches, I start to get inspired that if I can hold out for just a few more weeks, warm weather and more daylight are almost here!! I know that March can be stubborn, but it has to giveaway, and the rebirth of a new golf season is “knocking on the door.” To the new and reborn golf season, I always say with a broad smile and jubilant heart, “Knock and the door shall be opened.” At that point, it’ll be time to bring the short sleeves and short pants out of storage…and none too soon!!

Originally, I had intended to post this essay during the last week of January.  As fate would have it, I got bogged down with obligations (not golf obligations…I only played one round of golf this past January) and even snow removal . Now, it’s Groundhog Day 2024 and February has replaced January on this year’s calendar.  Punxsutawney Phil, the groundhog for whom this day is named, did not see his shadow this morning. Legend has it that that predicts an early spring. In fact, the temperatures in Baltimore are predicted to be milder (near 50) this weekend! I have tee times this Saturday and Sunday! While most of this essay was written in January from my January perspective, I added this last paragraph and the word “gone,” to the title in February with a renewed spirit. I am living my essay in real time. With the “dog days of January” behind me, I move joyfully and rapidly toward warmer days and more golf!