If you have played golf at all during the past three months, chances are you have had to play in the rain.
It seems barely a weekend has gone by, especially in the eastern states, when it hasn’t rained.
Even the pros were hit hard, firstly at the Australian Masters, then in the lead-in to the Australian Open. And, of course, the final round of the Australian PGA Championship was delayed a day because of far too much precipitation.
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Andre Stolz takes cover from the rain and works hard to keephis glove and hands dry. Photo: Brandon Malone
For most people, the enjoyable game of golf becomes quite unpleasant but it can remain a great game if you know how to handle yourself in the rain, just like the pros.
Here are my top eight tips for scoring well in wet conditions.
1. Waterproof gear is a must. Pants and jackets to keep the water off are great and, in summer, you can’t beat the sleeveless waterproof top.
2. Keep your hands dry. This means wiping your hands with a towel before every shot. This is not to keep your hands dry but it stops you transferring water onto your grips.
3. Umbrella. Seems obvious but far too many players take to the course without one. This will help shield you and your clubs from getting wet. You can also keep your gloves and towels dry by hanging them inside the brolly, just like Andre Stolz is doing here.
4. Bring extra towels and gloves. Better to be safe and sure by having back-up dry towels and gloves.
5. Keep your grips dry. The most important part of playing in the rain. Wet grips equal mis-hit shots. Keep them and your shafts dry by wiping them after each shot.
6. Invest in a rain cover. A plastic rain cover will add to the waterproofing ability of your golf bag.
7. Glove off between shots. If you are wearing a glove, rain will get on it. Instead, take it off every time you aren’t touching a club and hang it inside
the umbrella.
8. Swing easy, stay cool. Remember every player is experiencing the same conditions and the player who will score the best is the player who copes with the conditions the best. Don’t let the rain get to you and swing well within yourself.
