Hot Weather: Look after yourself
Published on 26th January 2026 in Course News, GSC/Pro, Guests News, Latest NewsIn order to ensure a safe playing environment for all members and prevent unnecessary inconvenience to those wanting to play when the temperature rises the following will apply – Whenever the temperature reaches 40 degrees during play the siren will be blown and all players must leave the course and return to the club house immediately.
Tomorrows forecast for Clayton South is currently 44 degrees, and as such, the team will be monitoring temperatures and if we reach 40 degrees the siren will sound in line with our Extreme Weather Policy.
The policy can be viewed by CLICKING HERE. The Hot weather section of the document is on page three.
Golf Australia also have a Heat Policy that may be of interest, and this can be found HERE.
Regardless of the forecast, and the time we reach 40 degrees, Members are reminded to be mindful of looking after themselves in the warmer weather. Here are some handy tips to stay cool on the golf course –
PURCHASE A SPECIALLY DESIGNED COOLING TOWEL
Cooling towels are inexpensive and can keep you 20 degrees cooler! Just soak the towel in water, wring it out, and place it on your neck for some added relief on those hot summer days.
PLAY EARLY
There is every chance the more popular tee times will involve you playing in the hottest part of the day – So plan ahead and sacrifice some sleep to play as early as the timesheet will allow. If you have the option, you can also play Twilight rounds, or later in the afternoon or evening, when the crowds might be less and the temperatures may begin to cool down.
WEAR LIGHT-COLORED CLOTHING
If golf shorts just aren’t your thing, no worries. You can still wear pants on the course; just make sure that they’re made of loose, cool material or moisture wicking. Wear white shoes, shirts, and hats if possible.
BRING AN UMBRELLA
Umbrellas aren’t just for rain. If you’re riding in a cart, you might be able to forgo this shade device, but if you’re using a pull cart, you might consider attaching an umbrella to the back to provide moving shade as you walk the course.
REMEMBER YOUR CAR – SHADE WILL HELP
Consider the time it takes to check in, play your round and have a drink or a bite to eat afterwards could be as much as 5 or 6 hours. Regardless of when you arrive to the course – your car will be sitting outside for a long time. As our carpark doesn’t have a great deal of shade, consider investing in a sunshade for your car windscreen.
REMEMBER SUNSCREEN – AND TO REAPPLY
Repeat after me: sunscreen is my friend.
Put sunscreen on before you leave your house, or at the beginning of your round. And remember to reapply, especially on exposed areas like your face, neck, shoulders, arms, and ears. Even if you’re wearing a hat or sunglasses, you want to make sure you don’t burn!
MAKE SURE YOU KEEP HYDRATED!
Again, while this might seem like common sense, many people don’t drink enough water on a daily basis, and when you’re spending time outdoors in the sun, you need to drink a lot more fluids. And not just water. It can help to alternate between water and sports drinks such as Gatorade, to help build back those lost electrolytes.
Most importantly – remember, we are out there to have fun.
If it’s too hot for you or you’re struggling to keep up with your playing partners – there is no issue with you calling it quits and coming back another day.