We’ve all been there – just about to tee off on the first hole and we spot some threatening-looking rain clouds in the not-too-distant sky.
As the heavens open, you might even start questioning your decision to take up a sport where you can so often be caught out in the open in the pouring rain.
But weather shouldn’t be a disaster for your golf. Yes, it presents additional challenges, but nothing you can’t overcome.
It’s often about being prepared for that notorious British weather.
Read on for our top tips for playing golf in the rain.
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Invest in the correct equipment
It may sound too obvious to be a ‘tip’ but ensuring you don’t start down the first fairway without a good quality golf umbrella is rule number one.
In between shots you’ll want to keep yourself as dry and comfortable as possible, because let’s face it, no one wants to be sodden before you reach the back nine.
Wet weather golfing equipment goes much further than the humble umbrella though.
Spending that little bit extra for a top of the range waterproof golf coat is definitely advised. Some of the GORE-TEX offerings on the market are excellent at providing that waterproof, yet breathable protection that will keep you wet without restricting your swing.
Waterproof shoes and socks are another must-have for those wetter days on the golf course. A round wearing saturated socks is no one’s idea of fun – and with discomfort comes the possibility that your mentality towards your game will suffer.
Look after that equipment
It may sound too obvious to be a ‘tip’ but ensuring you don’t start down the first fairway without a good quality golf umbrella is rule number one.
In between shots you’ll want to keep yourself as dry and comfortable as possible, because let’s face it, no one wants to be sodden before you reach the back nine.
Wet weather golfing equipment goes much further than the humble umbrella though.
Spending that little bit extra for a top of the range waterproof golf coat is definitely advised. Some of the GORE-TEX offerings on the market are excellent at providing that waterproof, yet breathable protection that will keep you wet without restricting your swing.
Waterproof shoes and socks are another must-have for those wetter days on the golf course. A round wearing saturated socks is no one’s idea of fun – and with discomfort comes the possibility that your mentality towards your game will suffer.
Adjust your game
The saying “all the gear, no idea” could be levied at players who follow our first two suggestions, but don’t change the way in which they play golf.
Conditions on the course are going to have a massive impact on how you’ll need to play your shots.
First of all, there’s going to be less run from your tee shots, so consider moving up a club from your usual selection, or giving your drive a bit more power, as once it takes that first bounce, it’s unlikely to travel as far as it normally would.
Approach shots will need to be tailored to the weather too. Expect your ball to grip more on first bounce, so aiming short of the pin could leave you lamenting your shot choice – you may even back-spin from clubs you didn’t know you could get back-spin from!
Finally, the obvious difference on each hole will be green speeds. You’ll need to a bit of added momentum from each putt, with the greens likely to run slow.
So, from tee to pin, there are adjustments to be made when golfing in the rain.
Take advantage of the rulebook
Obscure rulings might sometimes catch even the pros out, but wet weather golf uncovers a couple of possibilities to benefit a golfer struggling in the rain.
Most courses and competitions will allow a free drop in ‘casual water’ – that is, water that has accumulated from the rainfall, outside of the standard water hazards.
So, if you find yourself a puddle on course, know that you can pick up your ball and drop within six inches of the puddle to ensure you’re not going to cause too much of a splash with your swing!
With wet conditions comes the possibility of a muddy ball. Striking a ball which is impaired by a muddy coating will undoubtedly have an impact how it travels for you.
Just remember the ‘lift, clean and place’ rule which allows you, as you would on the green, to pick up your ball and remove that offending mud before replacing it and playing your shot.
Change your attitude
As with any sport, a good mental attitude can have a dramatic impact on your performance – and playing in the rain will no doubt have some effect on your thought process on course.
There’s a chance the tricky conditions and potential effect on your scoring will frustrate golfers, but it’s important to be realistic.
Inclement weather makes golf a more challenging sport, there’s no doubt about that, so preparing yourself for a higher score can iron out any frustrations that might worsen your stroke number further.
There’s a lot to consider when playing golf in the rain, from mindset to gear, so being fully prepared for that next wet weather round can ensure you keep the bogeys and double bogeys to a minimum.