Winter Golf & The Slow Play Showdown: Staying Warm and Picking Up the Pace

Sticks Together | Couples Golf

This week, we dive into the challenges of playing golf in the cold and the ongoing debate about slow play. Even in North Carolina, winter golf requires preparation, and we break down what we wear to stay warm. Stacey swears by running tights, layers, and her new favorite purchase—skeggings (a skirt with leggings attached). Slade sticks to a more minimalist approach, layering up but refusing to go beyond three. Heated vests, propane heaters, and even cart covers are all part of the winter golf conversation, but at what point do we admit it’s just too cold to play?

Winter conditions also change our equipment choices. Stacey’s group experiments with colored golf balls to improve visibility, but not all colors work—especially not a silver “disco ball” that vanished in the sunlight. Slade admits that yellow balls are easier to see on dormant grass but sticks with his standard Pro V1. The shift to winter golf also affects club selection, with more players favoring hybrids over long irons on muddy or frozen turf.

Then, we shift gears to talk about slow play. There’s been a lot of buzz about this issue, from weekend groups to the PGA Tour, where rounds stretch beyond five hours. We debate what slows things down—cart path-only restrictions, too much socializing, or lengthy pre-shot routines. Slade suggests walking might actually be faster than riding in some cases. Stacey shares a personal story from a member-guest tournament where she thought she was one of the last groups to finish, only to find out she was the first one in after a five-and-a-half-hour round.

As for solutions, we talk about how the PGA Tour might implement a shot clock or enforce penalties that truly impact scoring. There’s also the question of whether slow play is ever strategic—do some players intentionally throw off their opponents? In the amateur game, it often comes down to awareness. Women tend to worry more about slow play, while men often don’t notice. Course rangers and club pros can help, but ultimately, we all have to be mindful of keeping pace.

With spring approaching, we’re looking forward to warmer rounds, faster play, and maybe finally ditching the winter layers.