A dark sky and the smell of rain doesn't have to mean canceling your tee time. You can absolutely golf in the rain, and for some, it's a badge of honor. To do it well, however, you need to go in with the right gear, smart adjustments, and a mental game that’s just as waterproof as your jacket. This guide breaks down exactly how to prepare for and play a great round in the middle of a downpour.
Before you even think about your rain pants, the first consideration is safety and course rules. Most courses will remain open a light to moderate rain, but they will - and absolutely should - sound the horn and call everyone in at the first sign of lightning. There is no shot worth risking your life over.
A good rule of thumb is the 30/30 rule: if you see lightning, start counting. If you hear thunder before you reach 30, it's time to seek shelter immediately. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder before heading back out. Always call the pro shop ahead of time to check their policy and the conditions. If they're open and the skies are lightning-free, then it's game on.
Playing well in the rain starts at home. Showing up unprepared is a recipe for a miserable a frustrating four hours. Your non-golfing friends might think all rain gear is the same, but you a a golfer knows better. This isn't just about staying dry, it's about being able to maintain your performance.
This is where you don’t want to skimp. Look for gear that is labeled waterproof, not just water-resistant. Materials like Gore-Tex are fantastic because they're not only impervious to water but also breathable, meaning you won’t feel like you’re playing inside a plastic bag. Your rain suit should allow for a full range of motion. Swing with it at home before you take it to the course.
Trying to hold a wet club with a wet standard leather golf glove is nearly impossible. This is where rain gloves become a game-changer. They look a bit like what a wide receiver wears, and they’re made from a synthetic material that actually gets tackier the wetter it gets. Buy them in pairs so you have one for each hand, which gives you complete control. It feels different, but after one secure swing with a wet grip, you’ll never go back. Seasoned rain players often carry two pairs - one to wear and one to keep dry in the bag just in case.
Your golf swing is built from the ground up, and a stable base is ten times more important when the ground is slick. Wet conditions can make you slip and slide, robbing you of power and balance. A good pair of waterproof golf shoes is non-negotiable. They keep your feet dry, which prevents blisters and discomfort, and provide the traction you need to make a confident, powerful swing without ending up on the ground.
It's not just about keeping yourself dry. You have thousands of dollars of equipment that needs protection, too. A wet set of grips can end a round prematurely.
Every golf bag comes with a rain hood for a reason. Once the drizzle starts, put it on and leave it on. It’s a simple step that many golfers forget, and it's your primary defense against water soaking your clubs, headcovers, and the valuables you have tucked away in your bag.
You can't have too many towels on a rainy day. Bring at least three or four. One towel can hang from your bag to get the worst of the mud and grass off a club. A second, more valuable towel should hang under your umbrella or inside your cart to dry grips and hands. A third smaller one in your pocket can be used for the golf ball on the green.. If you have space for a fourth in a waterproof pocket of your bag, all the better.
Okay, so you're geared up and your bag is protected. Now it's time to actually play golf. The rain fundamentally changes how the course plays. You need to adjust your expectations and your strategy to match the new reality.
The ball isn't going to fly as far. It’s pure science. The air is heavier and denser with moisture, creating more drag on the ball. Plus, any water on the clubface between the ball and the grooves drastically reduces spin, which can affect lift and create a lower, less powerful flight (what we call a "flier" out of the rough can happen from a wet fairway, too).
The general rule of thumb is to take at least one more club than you normally would for any given yardage. If you’d normally hit an 8-iron from 150 a , take a 7-iron. It's better to be comfortably long than to strain for extra distance and miss a swing short.
The single biggest mistake a golfer makes in the rain is trying to swing too hard. The moment you try to go "all out," you risk slipping, unbalancing yourself, and badly mishitting the shot. Instead, dial everything back.
Focus on an 80% swing - smooth, rhythmic, and balanced. Think about making a controlled three-quarter backswing and a full, committed follow-through. A smoother tempo will lead to much better contact, which is far more valuable than a few extra miles per hour of swing speed.
Every part of the course changes in the rain:
Playing in the rain is partly a physical challenge but mainly a mental one. A positive attitude is your most powerful piece of equipment. Accept that conditions are tough and that you probably won't shoot your career low. Embrace the opportunity to test your skills in adverse conditions. Learn to laugh off a bad shot - even the pros hit them in the rain. Just focus on the next shot, keeping yourself and your grips as dry as possible, and you’ll find that a rainy day on the course beats a sunny day in the office every time.
So yes, you can golf in the rain, and it can be incredibly rewarding. With the proper waterproofs, a smart strategy for protecting your equipment, and a few key swing adjustments, you can navigate even the soupiest conditions successfully.
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