Autumn golf apparel: Stay warm and dry on the course this fall

The time to buy a smoke alarm and a fire extinguisher is not while your kitchen is burning, just as the time to think about the warm clothing and items you need on the course isnot on the first morning you see your breath on the first tee.

As I have written in the past, I always keep a water-resistant pullover in my golf bag in case I get caught on the course when a quick shower hits. But with football season here, the kids back in school and golf courses less crowded during the week, I keep other things close by, too.

Rather than grabbing a raincoat to stay dry or a heavy sweatshirt to stay warm, consider investing in apparel specifically made for golf. Look for little details that can make a big difference on the course.

For instance, stretch. You may not have a move like Scottie Scheffler’s or Nelly Korda’s, but a golf swing is dynamic. If your clothing is restrictive or if material bunches up and makes swinging your club cumbersome, you’ll be battling more than the elements out there.

And then there’s sound. Companies that design rain tops for golfers not only work with materials that keep water out, they also seek materials that are quiet when they are rubbed together or pulled. It may not seem like a big deal, but no one enjoys hearing a crinkling or zipping sound during their backswing or follow-through.

Finally, consider bulk and how you can reduce it. High-lofted sweaters and hoodies are cozy after you play, but thick layers are more likely to reduce your ability to move, even if they are stretchy. That’s why golf brands research insulating materials that are thin and allow you to make your normal swing while also keeping you warm.

The items below are some that should help you stay dry and warm on the course.