How To Play Golf in The Rain (Overview)

Written by Todd in Online Golf Instruction

Golf can be played in a wide range of weather conditions.

I have played golf in 35 degree weather, 105 degree weather and in rain.  There isn’t much that can keep some of us off the golf course.

There are also the situations where a gofler might be playing in a tournament or a high school golf match and has no option than to play in adverse weather conditions.

One of the most difficult conditions to play in is the rain.  Golf is challenging enough and then you add some rain and the game becomes extremely difficult.

How To Play Golf in the Rain?

The key to playing golf in the rain is ensuring you keep your hands and your grips dry.  Without a quality grip on a club, doubt creeps into the mind and the swing changes.  Even worse, when the hands slip there can be some rather bad shot.

Below are some tips to help you shoot your best scores.

5 Tips for Playing Golf in the Rain

  • Keep your hands dry
  • Carry extra towels
  • Don’t forget your umbrella
  • Carry a quality rainsuit
  • Develop a routine and stay patient

Do golf courses close when it rains?

The umbrella is a key item for when there is rain in the forecast!

Tip #1: Keep your hands dry

This is the single most important tip of them all and there are several ways to make this happen.  One option is to make sure you have all of the accessories with you: extra towels, a rain hat, and an umbrella.  You develop your routine and spend time to keep your hands dry.  

A second option is to buy rain gloves.  I prefer this route in heavier rains.  If it is only slightly raining I will stay with the regular glove, but as soon as the rain turns more serious the rain gloves are a true benefit.  The wetter the gloves get, the better your grip actually is.  It seems strange, but once you wear the gloves you can see the major benefit to wearing these rain gloves.

Can you play golf in the rain?

Tip #2: Carry extra towels

I always carry an extra towel stuffed away in my golf bag.  You never know when it is going to rain and you need that extra towel.  Overtime, your first towel might get saturated and you are no longer able to dry things off if you don’t have a second towel.  A major key to playing in the rain is being prepared and having the 2nd towel with you at all times is a great idea.

Tip #3: Don’t forget your umbrella

A major part of playing in the rain is keeping the rest of your body dry.  Golf takes 4 hours and being wet for a period of time of longer than 30 minutes can become very uncomfortable.  Even when it stops raining, you want to be able to play the rest of your round in normal conditions.  If your clothes are wet, you will be uncomfortable and possibly cold if the temperature is below 60 degrees.

The umbrella not only keeps your body dry, but it can stay over your golf clubs a high percentage of the time and play a role in keeping your grips dry.

Tip #4: Carry a quality rainsuit

Along with the extra towel, you want to ensure you also have a quality rainsuit.  This is one area where you don’t want to buy something cheap.  Invest the money, especially if you are a tournament level golfer and need to battle through the rain and still shoot a quality score.  The rainsuit should keep your dry, but still allow you to make a quality golf swing.

Tip #5: Develop a routine and stay patient

The routine for how you are going to use your umbrella, take off your glove between shots and utilize your towels will be important to helping you settle in and keep everything dry.  The more routine focused you can be, the drier your items will stay and it will help you settle into the round of golf.  Stay patient on the course and if you are competing remind yourself that everyone else is battling the rain as well.  Don’t get aggravated by the conditions, instead embrace the challenge and try to keep a positive mindset.

Are golf courses open in the winter?

Be aware of the forecast and approaching weather conditions. Take cover if there is lightening or thunder.

How Does Rain Affect Golf?

The number one impact that rain impacts golf is on the golfers ability to have a quality grip on the club.  It can also impact the golf course the more rain that comes down.  Puddles can start to form and the course softens up.  This may take some roll of your tee shot, but makes approach shots easier as the ball will stop close to where it lands as the greens soften up.

Many golfers will grow frustrated or not be prepared for the conditions and struggle in the difficult conditions that the rain creates.  If you are a serious golfer, make sure you check out the checklist below to be prepared for the rain.

Can you play golf in the winter?

Checklist For Golf in the Rain

  • Umbrella
  • At least 2 towels
  • Rain Gloves
  • 3-4 Regular Golf Gloves
  • Extra Pair of Socks
  • Rain Gear (Rainsuit and Rain Hat)
  • Golf Bag Cover

Is it harder to play golf in the rain?

Yes, gripping the golf club is more difficult and the golfer must remain patient and maintain a routine.  Many golfers will grow frustrated and play worse in rainy conditions.  The number one weather condition most golfers despise the most is rain.

Hopefully the weather clears out during your round. Make sure you stay dry during the rain so you can enjoy the rest of the day.

Next Steps: Are You Prepared?

Are you prepared for your next round of golf in the rain.  Make sure you compare our checklist above to what you currently have in your golf bag.  Go ahead and get the rain gloves, extra towel and an extra pair of socks in your bag right now. If you don’t have a quality rainsuit, shop around and buy something of high quality.  The next time you play int he rain, you will be thankful that you took the steps today to be prepared for the unfortunate weather condition that can occur and make golf extra difficult!

Take Action – What You Can Do Today to Get Better

What does this mean for you?  I believe in the following recipe to get better:

1 – Improve your motion in the golf swing by identifying a golf instructor.  Here are some options:

Here is a list of golf instructors that we have reviewed:

2 – Train to swing faster and improve your swing speed.  Here are some options:

Looking to gain more Speed and Distance in your swing. Two Options:

3 – Understand course strategy and work to break through your next barrier.  Here is a series on breaking through:

We have provided guides on how to break 100, 90, 80 and 70. Check out more below, if interested.

4 – Practice Frequently

Did you know that I build a golf simulator in my garage and have played over 500 rounds of golf on my SkyTrak system?  It has been a game changer and one worth checking out. Here are some of my other posts on golf simulators frequently asked questions:

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