Play golf in the rain – be prepared with the right equipment
Are you the fair-weather golfer who cancels your round the moment clouds start gathering on the horizon – or perhaps even walks in mid-round when the showers arrive? Let's change that! Here are some great tips from our expert Daniel Hansson to help you both perform and enjoy your golf even in wetter conditions.
Invest in proper rain gear with the right features
– Rain gear designed for golf focuses on freedom of movement in the swing, in addition to being waterproof and windproof. The rain trousers are also always easy to put on and take off – and pull over your shoes. Leading brands such as Galvin Green, Abacus and FootJoy offer several different models so you can find a rain suit that suits you.
Waterproof and great grip underfoot
– Waterproof golf shoes are a must if you want to play in all weathers. That way you'll keep your feet dry and comfortable throughout the entire round. Make sure you also invest in a pair with a sturdy outsole (or even softspikes if you prefer) – so you get great stability in your swing even when the grass is wet.
Kit yourself out with the right equipment
– That you need a good and large golf umbrella probably goes without saying. But it's often a little "flatter" than a regular umbrella, so that you can see ahead when you attach it to your trolley. And that leads us to the next step. Namely an umbrella holder, which is brilliant for those of you who play with a trolley. It keeps your hands free, and you can also neatly hang your towels under the umbrella to keep them dry.
TIP: bring more than one towel if there's a chance of rain during your round. So that you can, for example, use one to wipe down your ball and clubs from grass, and another to dry your grips and hands.
Keep your gear dry with a waterproof bag
– When you're playing in heavy rain, it's all about keeping your gear as dry as possible for as long as possible – especially the grips on your clubs. If you're a dedicated all-weather golfer, it's well worth investing in a waterproof golf bag. Otherwise, there are various rain covers available for golf bags that can handle varying amounts of rainfall!
Rain accessories that make a difference
– Rain gloves make a tremendous difference to your grip. If you've ever tried to play a golf shot with a wet grip, you'll know just how difficult it can be. Having a pair of rain gloves ready in your bag is a good idea even when it's not raining – if your hands get sweaty on a warm July day on the course, a pair of rain gloves will do wonders for your grip there too.
Accessories are of course down to personal preference, but I find that a rain hat or a water-resistant cap is really worth having. That way you can keep the rain out of your face.
