How to play golf safely in Texas summer heat
A Texas summer round can mean four or more hours in full sun with temperatures in the upper 90s or higher. Golf is not usually thought of as a strenuous sport, but walking, swinging and standing on hot turf add up. Here is how to plan around the heat.
Pick the right tee time
The single biggest decision is when you play. In Dallas–Fort Worth, July and August average highs near 96°F, and the hottest part of the day usually comes in mid-to-late afternoon. A round that starts at 7:00 a.m. is often finished before the worst of it. A round that starts at 1:00 p.m. plays straight through it.
Twilight rounds are the other option. Temperatures ease in the evening, but the ground and air stay warm, and summer sunsets in DFW come between about 8:10 and 8:40 p.m. Check that you have enough daylight to finish. Our sunset times guide has the numbers by month.
Understand the heat index
The heat index combines temperature and humidity to estimate how hot it feels to the body. Humid air slows the evaporation of sweat, which is how the body cools itself. The National Weather Service groups heat index values into four levels:
| Heat index | NWS level | Possible effects with prolonged exposure or activity |
|---|---|---|
| 80–90°F | Caution | Fatigue is possible. |
| 90–105°F | Extreme caution | Sunstroke, muscle cramps and heat exhaustion are possible. |
| 105–129°F | Danger | Heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely; heat stroke is possible. |
| 130°F+ | Extreme danger | Heat stroke is likely. |
Heat index values are calculated for shady conditions. Standing in full sun on an open fairway feels hotter. On a DFW summer afternoon, a heat index in the "extreme caution" range is common, and "danger" days happen most summers.
Know the warning signs
These descriptions follow the National Weather Service's heat illness guidance.
Heat cramps
Painful muscle spasms, usually in the legs or stomach, with heavy sweating. Stop, rest in the shade, gently stretch or massage the muscle, and sip water. Get medical help if cramps last more than an hour.
Heat exhaustion
Heavy sweating, weakness, cool and clammy skin, a fast weak pulse, dizziness, headache, nausea or fainting. Stop playing. Move somewhere cool, ideally air-conditioned, such as the clubhouse or a car with the AC running. Loosen clothing, apply cool wet towels and sip water. Get medical help if the person vomits, or if symptoms get worse or last more than an hour.
Heat stroke (emergency)
Confusion, slurred speech, a throbbing headache, hot red skin, a rapid strong pulse, fainting or loss of consciousness, and a body temperature above 103°F. Call 911 immediately. Move the person to a cooler place and cool them with wet cloths or water while waiting for help. Do not give them anything to drink.
What to bring and do
- Water, and more than you think. Drink before you feel thirsty and keep sipping through the round. Many courses have water stations, but they can run out or be warm by afternoon.
- Shade you can carry. A wide-brimmed hat, light-colored breathable clothing and an umbrella for long waits on the tee all help.
- Sunscreen. Reapply at the turn. Ears, neck and the backs of hands burn fast on the course.
- A cooling towel. Wet it at the water station and drape it on your neck.
- A cart, if you need one. Walking is great exercise, but on a 100°F afternoon riding cuts your exertion a lot.
- Pace yourself. Skip the extra range balls, take breaks in the shade, and don't be the group that refuses to call it a day.
Alcohol and heavy meals make heat harder on the body. Save the post-round drink for the air-conditioned clubhouse.
Heat and your game
There is one small upside. Warm air is less dense, so the ball carries slightly farther. Our article on temperature, humidity and distance explains how much. Dry, hot weather also firms up fairways and greens, so expect more roll and quicker putts.
When you check a forecast for a summer round, look at the heat for every hour you'll be out there. Golf Weather Intelligence includes heat in each tee time's score, so a 7:00 a.m. round and a 2:00 p.m. round on the same day show the difference.
Sources
- National Weather Service — Heat index
- National Weather Service — Heat illness and first aid
- NWS Fort Worth — DFW 1991–2020 climate normals
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