Beat the Heat: Essential Tips for Playing Golf in Philippine Summer
Summer golf in the Philippines means 35°C heat and brutal humidity. Here's how to play your best round when the sun is trying to melt you.
Last Sunday I teed off at 11am at Alabang Country Club. Bad idea.
By the 9th hole I was pouring water over my head, my shirt was drenched, and I'd given up on par. The sun in Philippine summer doesn't just beat down — it actively conspires against your scorecard.
But here's the thing: you don't have to suffer. With a few strategic adjustments, you can play your best golf even when it feels like you're teeing off inside an oven.
1. Tee Off Before the Sun Gets Angry
Early tee times are your secret weapon. Aim for 6:30–7:30am. The air is cooler, the course is quieter, and you'll finish before the midday furnace kicks in. Plus, morning dew makes the greens receptive — your approach shots will actually hold.
2. Hydration is Not Optional
Bring two bottles of water. Drink before you're thirsty. Add electrolyte tablets if you have them — you're losing salt faster than you realize. Pro tip: freeze one bottle overnight. By the turn, it'll be perfectly cold.
3. Sun Protection: The Boring Stuff That Works
Wide-brimmed hat or visor. SPF 50 sunscreen on face, neck, and arms — reapply every 4 holes. Long-sleeve UV-blocking shirts exist for a reason. You'll look like a nerd, but you won't turn into jerky by the 18th.
4. Adjust Your Expectations (and Your Swing)
Heat affects ball flight. Warm air is less dense, so your drives will carry farther — but also balloon more. Club down on approach shots. And accept that your stamina won't last 18 holes the same way it does in December. Play smart, not hard.
5. Strategic Rest: Shade is Your Friend
Between holes, find shade. Stand under a tree. Sit in the cart shelter. Let your core temperature drop. Two minutes in the shade can save you from bonking on the back nine.
6. Clothing: Light, Loose, Breathable
Ditch the cotton. Go for moisture-wicking fabrics. Light colors reflect heat. Loose fit allows airflow. If your polo is sticking to your back like cling film, you're wearing the wrong shirt.
🏌️ Course of the Week: Orchard Golf & Country Club
If you're playing in summer, pick a course with tree coverage. Orchard Golf & Country Club in Dasmariñas, Cavite is perfect for this. The Palmer Course has mature trees lining most fairways, offering natural shade and cooler playing conditions.
Course Condition: 8/10 — Well-maintained greens, consistent fairway conditions
Value: 7/10 — Premium membership but worth it for summer play
Vibe: 8/10 — Relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere
Difficulty: 7/10 — Palmer Course offers a good challenge without being punishing
Want to look cool on the course while staying cool? Check out our Chickenpie golf gear — UV-blocking polos with Mr. Chicken swagger. Because if you're going to sweat, you might as well look good doing it. Shop now at chickenpie.co/shop
Summer golf in the Philippines isn't for the weak. But with the right prep, it's where you build character — and surprisingly good tan lines. Get out there early, stay hydrated, and remember: the sun might be brutal, but your swing doesn't have to be.
Happy swinging. 🐔⛳
Sunday Swings: Random thoughts and observations from the week.
Sometimes philosophical, sometimes ridiculous. Always honest.
