What To Wear When Golfing in the Rain

For you committed players out there, golf isn't just a fairweather sport - it's an all-year commitment. This means occasionally having to brave the elements no matter how unpleasant they may be. While playing golf in the rain is possible and at times enjoyable, it's important to prepare adequately.

If you're looking for some pointers, you're in the right place. We'll swing you through everything you need to take with you for a rainy day of golf. Let's get into it. 

Outerwear

We're putting this first because it's arguably the most important when it comes to dressing warm. Outerwear encompasses many things, so let's break it down a little further for you. Ultimately, if you're facing some significant rain, your two best friends will be a rain jacket and waterproof trousers. This will protect you from head to toe and should provide the foundation for your rainy golfing outfit. 

Layers, Lots of Layers

Second most important? You need to remember to layer up. Chances are, if it's raining like cats and dogs, it's going to be pretty chilly too. Of course, you don't want to layer up to such an extent that your movement is restricted, as that could ruin your whole performance. However, using compression gear beneath your clothing or adding a fleece jacket is a great way to fight off the cold without worrying about hindering your play. 

Spiked Shoes

The rain is going to make a golf course much slippier and softer than what you're used to. Although courses often have preventative measures in place, there's only so much they can do, and you will notice the difference. Spiked shoes ensure that you'll stay in place for every swing. However, you'll want to remember to check the dress code of the course before you attend, as many only allow soft spikes rather than metal. 

Towels

This may sound unnecessarily obvious, but you might be surprised by how easy it is to forget such a staple. Taking a golf towel to the course is a must. You'll be using it frequently the entire time, either to wipe down your hands and face or (arguably, more importantly) to dry off your clubs between swings. Too much water exposure could lead to rusting, so staying dry is imperative. 

Golf Umbrella

There's a reason why golf umbrellas are known for their size; they're an integral part of any game in the rain. We aren't talking about your average umbrella here. You need to invest in a quality product with all the sturdiness the occasion calls for. The last thing you want to do is go for a budget option just for it to turn inside out while you're taking your swing. Don't take the risk - pay for quality. 

Rain Hood

If you aren't familiar with the term, this doesn't refer to the hood you might find on your coat or jacket. This is a hood for your golf bag. Many bags will come with a rain hood built in, but if not, you should think about adding one. It'll help to prevent rain from getting inside your bag and compromising the contents. Again, this is important for reducing the risk of rust. 

Cap, Bucket Hat, or Beanie

You might think wearing a hat on the course is only useful for protecting yourself from the beating sun, but they're helpful for the rain, too. This is largely because they can redirect the rain away from your face, preventing your vision from being obscured. We strongly recommend looking for a hat with some water resistance, but using any kind of hat is better than nothing at all. 

Waterproof Golf Jacket

We started this guide by discussing the importance of outerwear, and a waterproof jacket definitely falls into that category. However, a waterproof golf jacket is the next level up from that. They're designed specifically for this sport, keeping you completely dry from the onslaught of rain without restricting your movement in any way. 

Gloves

Rain makes everything slippery, not just the ground. Your clubs are also going to get increasingly difficult to handle as you go on, even if you're doing a stellar job at keeping them dry. This is why gloves, preferably with increased grip, are essential. It's also helpful to keep your hands warm. Playing with freezing hands is not only no fun whatsoever but could get painful after a while. 

Thick Socks

In the same way that it's important to keep your hands warm, it's also important to keep your feet warm. There's a lot of walking involved with golf, something that many players tend to inadvertently forget, so keeping your feet protected is a must. Thick socks will help to keep you dry, warm, and comfortable from the start of the course to the finish. When in doubt, layer up. 

Waterproof Golf Shoes

Lastly, it's time to talk about footwear. You need to be protected from head to toe, and for some reason, many of us forget the importance of shoes in that equation. Of course, you still need to abide by the golf course dress code, but waterproof or water-resistant shoes will make a significant difference. Don't forget about the spikes we recommended earlier, either. If that isn't an option, make sure your choice has a strong grip on the soles. 

Need Water-Resistant Gear and Apparel? Shop Stitch Golf!

There's no reason a bit of rain should stop you from playing your favorite sport, especially with the wide range of golf gear out there designed specifically to make your game a more enjoyable experience, come rain or shine. At Stitch Golf, we aim to provide exactly that with our expansive collection.

Take a look through our range today and see for yourself why we remain one of the most popular golf gear vendors among players both new to the game and highly experienced. We have no doubt you'll find plenty to love.