Winter can be a tough season for golfers. The cold weather, shorter days, and frosty greens might keep you away from the course, but that doesn’t mean your game has to hibernate! Inspired by Donald Hughes from Golf Bidder, here are some creative and fun golf games you can play indoors and outdoors this winter to keep your skills sharp and your spirits high.
Indoor Golf Games
When the weather outside is frightful, bring the fun indoors with these simple putting games. All you need is a bit of space and some imagination:
- Nearest the Skirting Board
- What You Need: A smooth floor or carpet.
- How to Play: Players take turns trying to roll their ball as close as possible to the skirting board without touching it. The closest ball wins.
- Winter Bonus: This game is perfect for warming up your precision and touch during chilly evenings.
- Putting Bowls
- What You Need: A target ball (like an orange one) and five balls per player.
- How to Play: Take turns aiming for the target ball. Points are scored based on how close your balls land, and the first to reach a set score wins.
- Why It’s Perfect for Winter: This competitive game adds a dose of excitement to indoor practice sessions.
- Knock the Tee
- What You Need: Five golf tees and five balls per player.
- How to Play: Set up the tees as targets and try to knock them down. Each hit scores a point, but be careful—missing or falling short deducts a point.
- Winter Perk: A great way to stay focused and improve aim while staying warm.
- Penalty Shootout
- What You Need: A mug or cup laid on its side.
- How to Play: Players try to putt balls into the cup, with points awarded for each successful shot. Balls hitting the sides don’t count.
- Winter Fun: Mimics the thrill of a soccer penalty shootout, bringing some cheer to those cold nights.
Outdoor Chipping Games
For those brave enough to face the winter chill, these outdoor chipping games are sure to keep you moving and having fun. Just make sure to dress warmly and clear the area of anything fragile!
- Knock the Can
- What You Need: Empty cans or similar safe targets.
- How to Play: Line up the targets and chip balls to knock them down. Points are scored for each successful hit.
- Winter Charm: The satisfying “clang” of a hit is guaranteed to make the cold a bit more bearable.
- The Umbrella Academy
- What You Need: A golf umbrella.
- How to Play: Open the umbrella and lay it on the ground. Chip balls into it, scoring points for each ball that lands inside.
- Why It’s Great for Winter: Adds a playful touch to your chipping practice and warms up your short game.
- Chipping Bowls
- What You Need: A target ball and five chipping balls for each player.
- How to Play: Players chip their balls toward the target, aiming to land the closest.
- Winter Joy: Combines strategy and skill while giving you a chance to enjoy some fresh air.
- 10-Yard Bucket Challenge
- What You Need: A bucket or basin filled with water.
- How to Play: Place the bucket 10 yards away and try to chip balls into it. This game may take a few tries, but the satisfaction of success is worth it.
- Winter Advantage: A challenging game that keeps you active and focused, even in frosty conditions.
Make the Most of Winter Golf
Donald’s games are a great way to keep the winter blues at bay while refining your golf skills. Whether you’re indoors with the heating on or bundled up for some outdoor fun, these activities are sure to bring a smile to your face and a boost to your game.
So grab your putter, a few balls, and maybe even a cozy cup of hot cocoa for after the games. Winter doesn’t have to mean a break from golf—it’s just a new season for creativity and fun.
Stay warm, and let the games begin!
