Can’t wait to hit the fairways even though tomorrow is the first official day of winter? For the extreme golfer, colder weather is just part of the game and makes it more challenging.

New at Carson Valley Golf Course this winter are complimentary golf cart enclosures. The covers brace golfers from the wind and cold air, while protecting against rain and snow as riders glides their carts down the fairways. They are complimentary with regular green fees or at a cost of $3 per golfer.

Enclosed Cart @ Carson Valley Golf Course

With eight of the Divine 9 courses running through the winter (tee times vary, call head for hours of operation), weather permitting, there’s plenty of reasons not to let your game freeze up just because it’s cold outside. Here are some tips from The Weather Channel and Golf Magazine to take some of the chill out of your winter play:

• An unrestricted swing is key to playing well, but how do you do it without having to strip down to your short shirt sleeves, numbing yourself to the elements? Thin layers of clothes instead of bulky clothing will let you swing freely. A combination of long underwear, a turtleneck, a thin sweater and an outer shell will keep you warm without sacrificing mobility.
• Have you ever been so cold that when you hit a drive your numb hands felt the direct impact of club and ball? Golfers know the feeling and it isn’t a pleasant one. The most important body parts to keep warm are your hands and head. Wearing mittens or gloves (cover your non-gloved hand, too) between shots will keep your fingers from stiffening. And since body heat escapes through your head Grandma was right about that wool hat you have tucked away at home. Bring it with you and keep it in your bag. It’ll help keep your whole body warm.
  

  Pants, gloves and layers will help keep you warm.

• If you want to play and there’s no one else out on the course as committed to winter golf as you are, use the time wisely and warm up before teeing up. In cold weather, you’re more prone to injury so give yourself plenty of range and practice green time before your round.
• When you arrive at the course, get your blood pumping by walking briskly and making fast circles with your arms extended from your sides. Then do some light stretching before starting your warm-up.
• Would you tee up an ice cube straight out of the freezer? Of course not. Well, your golf balls shouldn’t be treated like a bag frozen brussels sprouts ready for the microwave oven or a stovetop saucepan. Colder temperatures reduce the distance a golf ball will fly, but it takes about 10 hours of exposure for a ball’s performance to be affected significantly. The night before you tee it up, keep your golf balls indoors, not in your car or the garage. They’ll retain their usual zip throughout the next day’s round.

How do you stay warm while golfing in cooler climates?