May has been unseasonably hot for Ireland, and long may it last. When you’re out playing in this weather, keep in mind how the heat can impact your golf game. Not only will you feel physically different, but warm weather affects how the golf ball behaves, and understanding that can give you a real edge.
Warm air is less dense than cold air, which means there's less resistance on the ball in flight. In practice, this translates to extra distance, typically anywhere from five to ten yards further with your longer clubs on a hot day compared to a cold one. Factor this in when selecting clubs on approach shots.
Pro tip: That reliable seven iron into a par three might need to come down to an eight.
The ground plays a major role, too. Firm, dry fairways in summer produce significantly more run after the ball lands. Shots that would stop quickly on soft winter turf will bounce and roll out considerably further in warmer months.
This can be your friend off the tee on open fairways, but it demands more thought around the greens, where a ball that normally checks up might run through the back.
Chipping and pitching strategy changes on hard ground. A bump and run becomes more reliable when the ground is predictable and firm, while high-spinning pitches risk unpredictable kicks on baked surfaces.
Pro tip: Play for more release and trust the roll.
Greens in hot, dry conditions can become fast and slick, particularly in the afternoon when the sun has been on them for hours. Early morning greens tend to be softer and more receptive. Read your putts with pace in mind; less is often more on summer greens, especially on downhill lines.
One more thing to keep in mind: heat haze can make distance perception slightly harder on long holes. Take your time lining up shots, use your GPS or rangefinder rather than relying on feel, and trust your yardages.
Walking five or six miles in the heat with a bag of golf clubs on your back is a genuine physical challenge. Don't underestimate it.
Walk at a comfortable pace rather than rushing between shots. Consider using a trolley or golf buggy to conserve energy so you have energy left in the tank when the round is on the line down the stretch. Take your time in any shade you find while waiting to play. There's no prize for standing in the sun.
Between shots, bring your focus inward. Keep your pre-shot routine calm and unhurried. Rushing in the heat leads to sloppy swings and poor decisions. Take a breath, sip water, and play each shot deliberately.
Most of all, enjoy the game and this wonderful weather, because it won’t last forever!!
Posted on 27 May 2026.
