Near record heat can be expected until October, according to predictions from the Barbados-based Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum (CariCOF) in its Heat Outlook for April to September 2024. Intense, near-record night-time and daytime heat is expected by August and September. For those who are planning to bring their golfing game to the Virgin Islands or elsewhere in the Caribbean, adapting to the tropical weather — particularly during a heatwave — can be a major challenge. When aiming to play your best in tropical climates, safety reigns supreme, with hydration and sun protection among key considerations for a safe and successful game.
Hydration is essential
While golf isn’t as physically demanding as basketball, soccer, or football, sun protection and proper hydration remain essential to a safe game — especially when playing in high temperatures. It’s important to realize that approximately 60% of the human body is made up of water. Sarah Adler, MS, RD, and performance dietitian with UCLA Health Sports Performance points out that it’s important to “replenish our losses, especially with increased sweating in the summer.” Adler goes on to point out that thirst isn’t always a great indicator for hydration, as thirst can appear after the body is already dehydrated (urine color, on the other hand, can be a more reliable indicator of hydration levels, Adler notes). In addition to bringing along plenty of water when out on the green, there are additional ways to stay hydrated. Hydrating foods are the perfect snack to bring along in a cooler on the golf cart, with watermelon, tomatoes, cucumbers, and strawberries just a few worth mentioning. “Hydration starts early. It starts the night before, it starts weeks before,” stresses golfer Madelene Sagstrom.
Staying hydrated is a must, though it’s equally as essential to be aware of (and recognize) the signs of a heat emergency, which are regarded as health crises. According to Healthline, exposure to hot climates can result in serious and even life-endangering symptoms. It’s further explained that heat emergencies have three stages, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke — all of which are considered to be serious. While heat cramps can be identified by muscle pain and tightness, symptoms of heat exhaustion include muscle cramps, dizziness, mild confusion, headache, and a fast heart rate (to highlight just a few). Healthline goes on to point out that heat stroke may encompass all of the symptoms of heat exhaustion, plus symptoms such as irrational behavior or hallucinations, loss of consciousness, and seizures. While staying properly hydrated can help prevent an emergency, it’s important to realize when it’s simply too hot to play safely and opt to stay indoors. And, should any symptom of a heat emergency occur, seeking immediate medical attention is a must.
Adapting your techniques
It’s imperative to note that rising temperatures can impact the game of golf itself, underlining the value of adapting your equipment choice. GOLF points out that higher temperatures will impact club yardages, citing a chart that utilizes a formula presented by GOLF Top 100 Teacher Andrew Rice. According to the chart (which assumes that golfers hit their drives about 250 yards with a ball speed of around 150 mph), players “gain about two yards on their drives for every 10-degree rise in temperatures.” Club choice factors in even more, as distance increase is varied from club to club. “For example, a pitching wedge gains only about 1.3 yards per 10 degrees,” GOLF notes, highlighting the findings even further.
With this information in mind, it’s recommended to club down — though this isn’t the only consideration worth taking when golfing in higher temperatures. GOLF goes on to cite a Fox Weather article that highlights how the sun can affect the game, with sports meteorologist Kevin Roth explaining that the sun’s location in the sky can cause the grass to lean towards it. Furthermore, Roth points out that hot and sunny days can dry out the course, which will result in less friction and causing the ball to roll off of the green. Light rain, on the other hand, is regarded as ideal weather for professional players, as it “slows down” the greens, according to Roth.
The essential nature of the golf cart
Golf carts can play a surprising (and vital) role when aiming for a great game of golf in a tropical climate, acting as a carry-all for essential supplies. Packing the cart with plenty of water, sun protection, and energizing snacks is a must — especially if you plan to stay on the green for a while. However, it’s imperative to take into account the fact that a golf cart can serve as an essential mode of transportation on the green as well, by helping avid golfers avoid long and exhausting walks in the heat. That said, choosing the right golf cart for your specific needs is a must, especially when it comes to the space available on board. For example, a golf cart with extra seating is imperative when planning to golf with others, and is immensely helpful when bringing extra supplies out onto the green. The 2024 Kruiser 6PRO is just one example of a golf cart with extra seating, though other options are worth considering as well, with the 2024 Kruiser 4PRO offering forward-facing seating that can be more comfortable.
Golfing is often regarded as the perfect summer sport, though can be a bit challenging in tropical climates. For those looking to golf in the Caribbean, considerations for a good game extend well beyond the picturesque views, with key safety points like hydration proving to be essential.