How to Stay Dry on the Golf Course—Top 10 Tips
If you’re an avid golfer, you know how good it feels to step onto the green on a cool, sunny day—the perfect weather for a round of golf. On the flip side, you also know how disappointing it can be to watch the forecast change as clouds begin to roll in ahead of your scheduled tee time.
But before you pack everything back into the trunk of your car and call it a day, consider powering through and playing your round! You don’t need to let the wet weather spoil all the fun. Playing golf in the rain is not only possible but can be enjoyable with these helpful tips to stay dry on the golf course.
1. Pack an Umbrella
A good quality golf umbrella is one of the simplest steps you can take to waterproof your golf game. Golf umbrellas are often large and sturdy, shielding both you and your equipment from the weather and gusts of wind.
Strong as these umbrellas are, make sure you never open the umbrella downwind, or it may become useless rather quickly!
Note: If you have concerns about your umbrella attracting lightning, fear not! Just like it's a myth that golf clubs attract lightning, the same holds for umbrellas.
2. Choose the Right Gloves
An adequate grip on your club is essential to a good swing in golf. In the best of weather, you’ll need a good pair of golf gloves to ensure the consistency of that grip and your game. When it storms, the need for good gloves skyrockets.
Luckily, there are specially-made rain gloves that are more than water resistant. Some have technology that can improve your grip when they get wet.
Keep a couple of pairs of rain gloves handy. You never need to lose your grip on the club just because of a little wet weather!
3. Toss in a Hat
A hat is always an excellent addition to your bag when heading for the course. On a sunny day, it’ll protect your skin from sun exposure. In the rain, it’ll keep your face from getting wet and make it easier to see through the downpour while you swing.
4. Protect Your Gear
A good-quality water-resistant golf bag is perhaps the most important item on this list for playing golf in the rain. If you get a little wet, you’ll dry off with a towel and call it a day. But if your clubs get wet, this can severely damage them in the long term.
Protect your clubs by choosing a golf bag made with water-resistant material and zippers designed to keep out the rain. Go a step further and purchase a rain hood for your bag. This way, you can access your clubs without running the risk of too much rain getting in and wreaking havoc.
5. Invest in Waterproof Shoes
If you’ve invested in a good-quality pair of golf shoes, there’s a good chance that they’re already waterproof! Double-check before heading onto the course. The last thing you want to deal with while trying to focus on your game is wet feet.
Additionally, spikes can help improve your grip on the earth when the rain makes the grass slick and slippery.
If your shoes aren't already waterproof, you can invest in some. Look for labels marked “waterproof” not “water-resistant,” as they will keep your feet completely dry.
If you don't want to replace your current golf shoes, you also can look into waterproofing shoes yourself using sprays and other protectors, but we recommend buying waterproof shoes.
6. Have Lots of Towels Handy
You can never have too many golf towels, even on the sunniest days. In the rain, you’ll want to make sure you keep everything nice and dry. Even the biggest golf umbrella will miss a few wet spots.
Wipe your hands and golf clubs with a towel after every use to prevent water damage.
7. Bring Hand Warmers
You can't properly grip your clubs if your hands are too cold and damp to move! Have a couple of hand warmers in your pockets when heading onto the course. It can make a huge difference to both the quality of your game and your experience.
8. Go Big and Get a Rain Suit
When it comes to waterproofing your golf game, nothing trumps a rain suit! Waterproof trousers and jackets, often constructed with polyester and other highly water-resistant materials, can keep you dry on the course.
You can also find rain suits with lining better suited for cooler months so that you can keep up your game all year round.
9. Pack Dry Clothes
Bring a change of dry clothes to swap into after you make that final swing. It can make the ride home more pleasant. Whether you want to grab a drink with your friends at the country club or just hit the showers, having clothes to change into makes all the difference.
10. Lean Into It
If you check the forecast and see rain on your golf day, lean into it! If you’re prepared and have the right mindset going in, playing golf in the rain can be a fun experience.
FAQs
How Do You Prepare for Golf in the Rain?
Pack a rain bag ahead of time in case of wet weather, complete with an umbrella, rain gloves for grip, towels, and waterproof shoes. Have this bag packed and ready to go at any time so you can adapt if you spot rain in the forecast.
How Do I Keep My Feet Dry While Golfing?
Besides waterproof shoes, invest in some wet weather socks! Materials such as bamboo, wool, and nylon have strong wicking capabilities that can keep your feet dry and cozy on the course.
Conclusion
Time on the course doesn’t come often enough. When the special day does finally arrive, there’s no reason a little rain has to slow you down. With the right preparation and mindset, you can bring the sunshine along with you and enjoy a beautiful day of golf no matter the forecast!
