Playing Golf in Bad Weather – Part 1

Playing golf in bad weather is a challenge, but when you prepare yourself your round of golf doesn’t have to suffer.
Even seasoned golfers find it difficult to play effectively in inclement weather.

Rain, wind and cold will affect the way you dress, your swing, the flight of the golf ball and the speed and breaks on the greens.

No amount of practice or instruction can fully prepare you for bad weather. Being prepared for bad weather will make it easier for you to compete when the weather turns sour. Here are some things to consider when dealing with bad weather on the golf course.

Playing Golf in the Rain

If you expect that your round of golf may encounter rain, then take some time to warm up in your rain suit. Get comfortable with how your rain suit will affect the way you strike your golf ball. Rain suits today are more flexible, but are still restrictive and will change your swing.

Another important factor is making sure your hands and the grips on your golf clubs remain dry. Make sure you bring a couple of extra towels and gloves.

You may want to consider buying golf gloves that are now made for rainy conditions.  Be sure to carry an Umbrella to keep the rain off you when you are not taking your shot.

When playing golf on a wet course your feet will tend to sink a bit into the ground.

You can adjust to this change by choking up on the club a half inch or so.

One big thing that most amateurs don’t take into consideration is the distance the golf ball will travel. The rain will reduce how far your shot will carry and the ball won’t roll much either.

Depending on how wet the course is, you may find that you golf ball will plug and not roll at all. Be sure to take at least one more club than normal.

When playing from the rough, the wet grass will get between your club face and the ball affecting the way the ball reacts. Consider your lie when selecting the golf club you use.

The way the ball rolls on the greens will definitely change. The water on the greens will cause your ball to roll slower, stop quicker and break a lot less than normal. Be prepared to strike your putts more firmly and plan on less break than usual.

Being properly prepared for bad weather is the key to having a good round of golf. Be sure to check the forecast before leaving the house.  If lightning is in the forecast, consider postponing your round.  If lightning moves in while out on the course, get off the course and back to the clubhouse until it passes.

Most Country Clubs and golf courses have weather monitoring devices and will sound an alarm when the weather dictates.

Finally, prepare yourself mentally for playing golf in bad weather.  Know that your round will probably play longer than usual.  Recognize that no matter how prepared you are for the weather, it can and will change.

Get your golf game in tune with simple golf swing advice.

Playing golf in bad weather is challenging.