Many of us braved Arctic conditions and near gale force winds at the weekend in pursuit of our passion.
I was lucky enough to play at Collingtree Park on Friday in temperatures close to zero and with a wind fresh off the nearby M1 motorway buffeting almost every shot.
But it was a great challenge, especially off the back markers where we were able to pit our meagre skills over the distances faced by the European Tour pros when the course staged the British Masters back in 1995 and '96.
Conditions were similarly difficult over my home course (Greetham Valley) on Sunday morning, where our fourball reckoned we were up against a 'four-club-wind' on some holes. But on neither day would I have wished to have been doing anything else.
It was a sharp learning curve developing the technique to smack the ball into, across and down the wind, while keeping it in play.
Some 'fair weather golfers' wouldn't contemplate venturing out in such conditions - bright and sunny though it may have been - but even after 30 years playing the game I learned some vital lessons.
Dress sensibly
No.1 priority is waterproof over trousers. They deflect the wind and keep the lower half of your body warm, dry and your clothing clean.
Some winter golfers invest in thermals - sensible but can be restricting.
On the top half of your body, best to keep the layers thin and numerous. Roll-neck sweater, lambs wool jumper and lightweight wind top worked for me - with a waterproof jacket in the bag if it got wet, too.
A pair of mittens are always a good accessory, especially if you're pulling a trolley.
Finally, as well as a sturdy pair of golf shoes - dark solid colours show less dirt - wear a cap or woolly hat to retain most of the warm that escapes from the top of your head.
Technique
I once got a tip from the legendary Johnny Miller - who incidentally designed the Collingtree course. He told me 'when you're driving into wind - tee the ball high and hit it solid.'
It's good advice. A ball teed low in an attempt to drive it under the wind, tends to encourage a steep angle of attack and the ball flies high and slicing.
Off the fairway, taking a slightly wider stance to keep your centre of gravity low and better balanced. Concentrate on digging your toes in within your shoes.
Around the green, reduce the obvious tension in your arms with a 'soft' grip on the club and, again, widen your stance to improve your balance and feel.
Course management
The secret I've found is not to be too ambitious. Use your strokes and play for position on the fairway, which provides the best chance of a chip and a putt if you can't reach a par-4 in two or a par-5 in three.
A driver isn't always a necessity into the wind. Punch out a 3-wood or rescue club, then drill your approach into position.
On par-3s, at this time of the year, holes tend to be cut close to the front edges and sides to save wear and tear on the greens.
Set up with enough club to find the heart of the green - rather than 'short-siding' yourself. When a pin is cut close to the edge inevitably there's a hazard or deep rough close by, which you need to avoid.
In conclusion
Take the advice that passionate golfers offer. We tend to play in all weathers and talk from experience of coping in all conditions.
Our motto at Golfmagic is 'golf in an Arctic blast is better than no golf at all' - but only just!
Tell us, about your golf in bitter conditions on the forum.
