I don't know which is worse, the gray skies or the cold winds. Just makes it so hard to play outside. Plus all the clothes! Too many layers and parts to cover. So easy to just stay inside with TV, or get busy doing things other than golf.

Well, the clubs may be in the closet, but don't go into hibernation. Some can get to a warm climate, or live there. But if not, try these tips to get you through the urge to nap:

• Go outside every day. Take the dog for a walk. Walk around the building where you work. Stand outside in the sun for at least 15mins whenever you can. Keep your mood (and vitamin D) up!
• Go to the indoor driving range (if one's available) or practice putting in your garage, driveway, and living room. Swing your club regularly. Keep your golf memory alert in your body.
• Develop athletic strength. Go to the gym and lift, swim or run. Strengthen and stretch your back in a Pilates or yoga class. Or take a hot dance class - salsa!
• Catch up on your reading. Maybe a how-to book for golf, or something about your favorite player. Try to learn from the pioneers - research Babe D. Zaharias.
• Get together with friends. It's like withdrawal to not see your golf buddies. Go to lunch or coffee. Make plans for golf dates or weekends when the weather clears.
• Take advantage of any break or warm spell. Bundle up and play 9 holes for fun.
• Go for a drive. Explore a course you would like to try. See if you can walk it and get a feel for how you would play it.

Before you know it, the flowers will be out and so will your clubs. All the winter bears will start waking up. But you, my friend, may already be ahead of them on the journey of ladies' golf.

Terry Foody, RN, MSN is a Public Speaker and Personal Consultant on Healthy Living. She can be reached at 859.277.5291 or email at terryfoody@juno.com or on the web at www.terryfoody.com

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