Playing golf in the rain may not be your favourite thing, but given the current Australia-wide rainy conditions, and the fact that the La Nina effect is likely to last for months, you may not have much choice if you want to get those rounds in. Which, lets’ face it, we all do. If you’ll only play golf in fine and sunny conditions, your game may well get a little rusty (excuse the pun) over the next few months as you wait for the perfect conditions. And sometimes you may not have a choice; say, if you’re playing in a tournament and rain is forecast, or if the heavens open when you’re in the middle of a round.
But just because it’s raining doesn’t mean you can’t play – or that you can’t play well. Golf can certainly be played in all weather conditions, and that includes rain. (The only time you really shouldn’t get out on the course is during a storm, as lightning can be very dangerous for those holding a metal club.) And with a few adjustments to your game and equipment, rainy conditions don’t have to derail your game completely. Here’s how to make wet weather golf possible, playable – and even enjoyable.
Extra equipment you’ll need to take
If you know it’s likely to be wet, come prepared with some extra equipment, such as:
- Umbrella – preferably a good quality, sturdy one
- Rain hood for your golf bag to ensure your clubs and grips stay dry
- Rain-proof clothing, such as pants, jacket and shoes, to ensure you stay as warm and dry as possible
- Hat or rain hood to keep the water out of your face
- Cleaning towels and groove brush
- Extra socks
- Wet weather gloves, that will give you more grip in wet conditions and will help your hands stay warm and dry without losing your feel
- Hand warmers – useful if it’s really cold to help you grip your club properly
- Umbrella holder for your golf buggy
Adjust your game for rainy days
When it’s raining, you’ll obviously need to make adjustments to your technique to allow for the effects of the weather.
Club up
Rain has the effect of making your ball fly shorter than normal, so you’ll probably need to use extra club to compensate for this effect. Spend your time during the first few holes monitoring how your ball is reacting to the conditions, and figuring out how much shorter it is travelling. This handy information will help you adjust better for subsequent holes.
Chip and putt more firmly
The ball won’t run as far or as fast over wet ground, so factor this into your short game. As well, chips and pitches will tend to ‘grab’ more. You’ll need to chip and putt more firmly than normal, as the rain will slow down the greens. And remember that the ball won’t curve as much, so factor a straighter ball path into your play as well.
Ensure solid contact
Rain will fill up the dimples on your ball with water, thus preventing you from making clean contact with the ball. Wet or damp hands aren’t going to help. Make sure you still get a solid hit on the ball by using a marker on the ground, and only putting your ball down just before you’re ready to hit.
Approach shots with care
The greens are slower and more receptive when it’s raining, and approach shots are likely to stop dead on landing, so you’ll need to hit your approach shots with care. Plan for less roll and adjust your stroke accordingly.
Hit more firmly from the rough
Long wet grass is also likely to grab the club more as you swing through, and slow the progress of the clubhead. If you’re hitting from the rough, keep your grip firmer than usual to prevent the grass from grabbing and slowing the club, and impacting your stroke.
Grip the club lower
Counteract the effect of wet ground (which causes you to sink into it a little) by gripping the club lower by a quarter to half an inch. This small adjustment will usually be enough to negate the effect of sodden, marshy ground.
Hit your bunker shots with extra speed
Wet sand quickly becomes muddy and sticky in the rain, meaning you’ll have to use more speed when hitting out of a bunker.
Practical tips to help
Take a spare scorecard
Your rainy-day scorecard is likely to end up looking like mushed pulp after awhile, so counteract this by only writing down your scores every few holes, rather than every hole. Limiting exposure to the elements will help your scorecard stay as intact as possible, but if it’s looking worse for wear, make sure you have an extra one or two along.
Bring extras of everything
One towel and pair of socks is probably not going to cover it in rainy weather. Bring as many towels as you can fit, and at least one change of socks and shoes (because there’s nothing more miserable than having cold, wet feet). If you don’t have specific wet weather gloves, bring three or four pairs of regular gloves and keep rotating through them as they get wet.
Keep it clean
In order for your clubs to perform their best, they need to have clean grooves. You’ll need to clean your clubs after each use with a dry towel, or better still, with a groove cleaning brush, to remove the dirt and mud and improve your touch on the ball.
Adjust your expectations
Even with all of the above preparations, you’re still likely to find yourself not playing as well as normal. That’s okay. Adjust your expectations in the rain, and don’t get frustrated when things don’t go to plan.
Wear light, mobile layers
Trying to hit your shots while wearing layers of waterproof clothing can be challenging, as all that gear can feel a bit restrictive. Choose light layers that have some give in the fabric, so that you can keep moving freely even while wearing all your rain gear.
Use a golf buggy
You may need to brave the elements when hitting your strokes, but you certainly don’t have to when moving around the course. Spend as little time in the rain as you can and use a golf ride-on buggy to get around the course. That way you can stay as dry as possible, making your round that much more comfortable.
Even walker golf buggies can be helpful, as many have the option of a fixed umbrella holder, allowing you to keep your clubs and bag dry. Plus, it can be difficult trying to carry your bag and an umbrella at the same time, particularly if it’s also windy. Just secure your umbrella to the walker buggy and forget about it – your umbrella won’t get blown away AND you and your bag will stay much drier.
Have a look at Parmaker’s range of golf buggies here, which can all be used with an umbrella for protection.
Too wet to play? Get in some practice anyway – at home
If it’s really teeming, storming or the ground is far too sodden, you might be better off getting in some practice at home rather than venturing out for a round. You can find plenty of practice drills online that you can try at home, or head to your nearest covered driving range to really put in some work on your swing. But be aware that plenty of other golfers will probably have the same idea, so it might get a little crowded.
The most important thing about playing in the rain is to go ultra-prepared, which will make your round as comfortable and successful as possible.
Click here to read more about the pros and cons of playing golf in the rain.
