Rain, Not Always A Pain

The biggest smiles seen at local golf courses these past few weeks would be on the faces of golf course superintendents. All area golf courses are looking as green as Augusta National during the week of the Masters. I am hoping that a column on playing golf in the rain will bring sunny days and warmer weather.

Playing in the rain requires two main things: the correct equipment and a good attitude.
Let’s start from the top. Be sure you have a good golf umbrella; the extra coverage with the larger umbrella is worth the money. If you have a push cart some even have an attachment that you can use to hold your umbrella while you walk.
After the umbrella is the hat; golf in the rain is not a time to worry about fashion. Find something that can keep the water from running down the back of your neck. When all else fails just wear your cap backwards and use the brim.
Yes, a rain suit is a great addition to your golf attire/equipment, but a rain jacket will serve the purpose just as well. Be sure the jacket is one size larger than needed; you want to be able to swing without restriction. Make sure any rain jacket you decide to use is specifically designed for golf. Some water proof clothing used for other outdoor activities may not give you the needed movement to swing a golf club properly.
Do ALL you can to keep your grips dry; once they are wet you may as well head back to the clubhouse. Extra towels come in handy and can stay dry when tucked under the umbrella between the spokes. A couple of quick wipes, a good scrub and your grips will be ready to go.
Rain gloves are an essential part of the necessary equipment. Most companies have their own line of rain gloves and some even sell gloves that work best when soaking wet. Be sure to get one for each hand. Keep your rain gloves in your bag on a regular basis. You will be grateful when that rainy day arrives.
Waterproof shoes, a must in any golfer’s wardrobe. Black shoes seem to stay cleaner and tend to go with any pair of pants. Keep you spikes clean and change them often to insure solid footing on the wet surface.
At times the rain can make the golf course play more accommodating. Rain can sometimes make the golf course play a little easier. The fairways become a little wider as the amount of roll the golf ball gets is reduced. When putting you can be more aggressive as the excess water will slow the golf ball down. Just be sure to stay out of the heavily saturated rough. That can be no fun. Another benefit of playing golf in the rain is that the golf courses tend to be less busy and therefore easier to play at a faster pace. Just allow for the loss in distance on approach shots and all should be fine for an enjoyable yet wet day on the course.
Casual water can be your friend if you know the rules. Here is the definition from the rules of golf - “Casual water” is any temporary accumulation of water on the course that is visible before or after the player takes his stance and is not in a water hazard. Take your drop to the nearest point of relief no closer to the hole and not more than one club length.
Enjoy playing golf in the rain; it beats a dry day at work.
Gord McGarva has been playing golf since 1979 and enjoys playing golf in rain.