Golfing in the rain can be challenging, but with the right approach, it's still a fun and rewarding experience. The game can be just as enjoyable in wet conditions – but only if you do it right!
To make the most of your round, here are 12 smart things to do when golfing in the rain...
1) Get the right waterproof rain gear.
Playing with wet clothes throws off your concentration, your technique, and your whole game. This is why spending money on top-notch rain gear is crucial to enjoying golf in the rain. Pair waterproof golf jackets with rain trousers to keep your footing solid and stay steady with every shot. Waterproof clubhead covers and a rainproof golf bag will keep the clubs dry when you're not using them. This easy step will help your golf gear to stay in good shape and work well for years to come.
2) Don't forget your umbrella!
Rain gear will keep you dry during play, but a strong, wind-resistant golf umbrella is also essential. Make sure you pick a brolly that's solid enough to withstand high winds and driving rain. While walking from one hole to the next, a good umbrella will protect against sudden showers and strong winds. It's also a great place to hang your gloves between shots! Speaking of which...
3) Use golf gloves for better grip.
Golf gloves can give you an edge by enhancing grip on drives. Playing without gloves can damage the grip, leading to unpredictable shots. But don't use the opposite-handed glove as it changes the grip. Also, make sure to dry grips, gloves, and hands before each shot. Any moisture on the grip or gloves cuts down on friction, giving you less control over the golf club.
4) Stock up on dry towels.
When the grips get too wet, it's hard to keep a good and steady hold. Think about bringing a dry towel with you (stock up, if possible). This can help to dry clubs, balls, and even hands between shots and holes. Besides the golf towels, keep an extra cloth handy to wipe the club faces. In rainy weather, mud, dirt, and sand will accumulate on the clubs fast. Make sure to wipe them down before each shot if you want to see the best results.
5) Wear the best spiked golf shoes.
Spikeless golf shoes might feel better and look nicer, but when it rains, leave them in the closet – they won't give enough traction in wet conditions. For rainy days, you'll want to get a pair of top-notch golf shoes that are water-resistant and have spikes made of tough leather. Wearing spiked shoes will help your spikeless ones last longer and give a solid foothold. Look for designs with membranes like Gore-Tex that stop moisture from getting through the material so your feet stay dry the whole time.
6) Get to know your ball's flight.
On a damp squishy course, golf balls that go high up tend to dig into the ground and even vanish from sight. Losing sight of the ball in the rain often leads to frustration. Every golfer has a unique trajectory; some players shoot it high, while others keep it lower. When it's raining, shots that don't go as high might work better. Keep your eyes on the ball from the moment it leaves the club until it touches the ground. Look for visual cues or pick out a spot close to where it lands. This practice will help you to avoid needless penalties and walk right up to the ball with confidence.
7) Understand the embedded ball rule.
The ground softens in the rain, making the ball embed in its pitch mark. Players unfamiliar with the embedded ball rule might play from a tough spot or incur a penalty. The updated golf rules (after 2019) state that if a ball is embedded into its own pitch mark on cut areas, players can pick it up and drop it without a penalty. Just check that the ball is in its own mark, not in someone else's divot or a random dent. Stick a tee in the spot, pick up the ball, clean it if needed, and then drop it within one club length (not closer to the hole) using your longest club except the putter.
8) Go for pitch shots over chips.
When the course gets wet, chip shots that roll on the ground become less useful. A drenched surface will slow down the ball and stop it from getting to the hole as it would when dry. This makes pitch shots a smarter choice. Pitches fly through the air and give more consistent results in these situations. Take more risks and rely on wedges to get the ball in the air instead of counting on it to roll. Solid contact and controlling distance are crucial, so choose pitching confidently rather than hoping for a chip shot to do the job.
9) Increase the putting backstroke.
Rain-soaked greens slow the ball down big time and turn the regular putting stroke into a distance error. The ball just doesn't go as far on wet surfaces; that's where control of backstroke becomes the best skill. For example, on wet greens, a putt that normally requires a 20-footer in dry conditions may now need the same stroke for a 15-footer.
Use structured drills like the measuring tape method, which trains backstroke lengths for specific distances like 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50 feet. This pre-built reference system can help make quick adjustments when the greens turn into slippery floors. Master putting tempo and backstroke ratios in the wet and you'll gain shots on the field.
10) Take extra golf balls.
Rain on the golf course may result in low visibility, slippery grass, and less control over the shots. What this means is that you're more likely to lose your balls. Think about taking a few more golf balls than you would on a sunny day, just in case they end up in the rough. Low-spin golf balls can also make playing in the rain a bit easier because they go farther.
11) Don't expect roll out from the drive.
As you set up a shot from the tee, keep in mind that rainy conditions affect drives more than dry sunny weather. Wet fairways mean the ball won't travel as far through the air. When the ball touches down, it won't roll and won't move forward on the ground at all. Because of these two things, it's even more crucial to hit the driver the right way. Try to strike the ball at the proper loft and angle, otherwise both distance and placement will be affected.
12) Expect less, enjoy more.
Understand that rain might affect the results, and manage your expectations accordingly. Instead of worrying about your score, try to enjoy the game and welcome the challenge of golfing in the rain. A good attitude can help to stay on track and play better even when the weather isn't great.
To excel in wet weather, you need to prepare, adapt, and keep a positive attitude. These 12 smart things to do when golfing in the rain will keep the game steady and even deliver great performance in tough conditions. While you tweak swing or travel to golf courses, accepting the challenges of wet weather will make you a better player. Keep dry, stay positive, and have fun with the unique experience of a rainy golf day!
