What to do when you can't hit the golf course

At this time of year, bad weather might make it impossible to get out on to the course. We’ve come up with 5 alternative golf-related activities to keep you busy this winter.

Closed: When the worst happens, what are your alternatives? Andrew Milligan/PA Wire

Golfers are a hardy bunch. We’ll play in most weathers. Bit of wind? Great for practicing your drives. Waterlogged greens? We all love a water feature. Two feet of snow? Time to get the coloured balls out.

But sometimes we have to admit defeat. Standing staring out the window as the weather refuses to improve, there’s that moment of realisation that you’re not going to be able to play today. And then what?

Before you start getting the car ready for a trip to B&Q or a visit to the in-laws, we’ve got 5 alternatives to keep you busy when you can’t get on the course.

1. Head to a driving range

The closest you’ll get to a proper round of golf is to visit your local driving range. Most are covered and will let you practice your swing whatever the weather. Make the most of your time at the range by taking your full set of clubs.

Aim to hit around 10 to 20 shots with each club, recording distance and any recurring themes, such as always slicing with the irons or not getting enough length on your drives.

You can even practice your short game. If the range doesn’t have any short markers, simply lay up a coloured ball and see how close you can get to it.

2. Hit the nets

Golfing nets have come a long way in recent years with many now including sensors that can give you feedback and details of your shot. Or you could opt for simple driving or pitching nets that can be set up in your back garden.

With the driving net you won’t get as good an idea of where your shots are going as you do on the driving range, but any golfer can feel when they’ve made a good, clean swing. You could even use your phone to film your swing and see what needs changing.

3. Pick up a golfing game

It’s time to kick your teenage kids off their tablets or games console and for you to get into the swing of things. Golfing video games are a great way to get your golfing fix and to try courses you couldn’t afford to play in real life.

If you’re lucky, your local course might be in the game so you can play it from a different perspective and maybe even learn a thing or two. Or you could have a bit of fun playing one of the many golfing app games, which tend to have more of an arcade feel.

Indoor putting: You could always practice your putting

4. Try indoor putting

This is the low-budget, low hassle option. You don’t even need any specialist equipment, just your golf balls, a putter and a cup.

You can go all out and buy an automatic putting machine that returns the ball and includes a soft playing surface to mimic the green.

If you’ve got the house to yourself, why not set up a few challenges. Use books under the material to give your ‘green’ hills and drops.

Clean clubs: Use the time to get your clubs looking spick and span

5. Clean and re-grip your clubs

And if nothing but the real thing will do, then maybe it’s time to get the clubs out and give them a thorough once over. This will include cleaning them from grip to head and even going as far as to re-grip them. It’ll mean that when you do finally get to go back out on the course, you’ll have clubs that feel brand new.

You can also use the time to clean out your bag, sorting through you tees, washing your towels and gloves and generally getting yourself ready for your next game. Whenever that may be…