Golf In The Elements: Advice, Tips and Tricks

[pecos24]

Great stuff in this thread!  

Since moving back to Montana I have ditched the umbrella, where I live it gets windy enough where an umbrella is a pain.

After reading through this it looks like I need to invest in a waterproof bucket hat and some rain gloves.  I wear a light rain jacket with a hood but the tends to get in the way.  When it really starts raining I ditch the glove because I would rather golf bare handed than with a soggy leather glove.

One of the best purchases I have made is a pair of SunMountain rain pants.  They keep out the rain plus are heavy enough to block the wind as well. I have pair of Foot Joy cold weather gloves that come in handy during early spring and fall rounds around here.

 

[mchepp]

19 minutes ago, DeadMan said:

 But there's really been only one other time where I've played in the rain, and it wasn't that cold of a rain. And 45 degrees and rain does not sound like something I want to golf in, somehow. I mean, it can't be that bad, right?

This is basically November through the end of February in Portland. Cold rain. Occasionally you'll get a day where it gets to 50. If you want to play you learn to deal. 

[dennyjones]

This thread has taken a direction of equipment to have to combat the elements when playing.   I want to bring up another thought.

Putting.   

Living in mid-Michigan, we get our fair share of rain and I really don't like playing in the rain because it is usually accompanied with strong winds.   Trying to putt on a wet green is a real challenge.   The speed of the putt is affected relative to amount of water on the green.   Since the greens are slower, the ball will not break as much.   The ball will also skip sometimes if the greens are too wet instead of rolling.   Patience is a virtue.  

[gregsandiego]

2 hours ago, dennyjones said:

This thread has taken a direction of equipment to have to combat the elements when playing.   I want to bring up another thought.

Putting.   

Living in mid-Michigan, we get our fair share of rain and I really don't like playing in the rain because it is usually accompanied with strong winds.   Trying to putt on a wet green is a real challenge.   The speed of the putt is affected relative to amount of water on the green.   Since the greens are slower, the ball will not break as much.   The ball will also skip sometimes if the greens are too wet instead of rolling.   Patience is a virtue.  

DennyJones has anyone else asked you to change your avatar?

That dancing cat is stresses me out.

[Buckeyebowman]

7 hours ago, jamo said:

Honestly, I think this is the most important one. Parts of it are going to suck. Embrace it. 

 

9 hours ago, mchepp said:

 

8. A good attitude. It is easy to get down about the weather. 

 

I have to agree. I once read something about taking a walk in the rain. The first thing you have to do is accept the idea that you're going to get wet!

[boogielicious]

16 hours ago, jamo said:

When it does rain, my main strategy is to stay at home, because there's always tomorrow.

 

Said by a young guy. You have many tomorrows left! 

I would add rain shorts to the list. Frankly, if it is above 60, I will sweat under a rain jacket and pants. So I will just wear rain shorts. It keeps stuff in my pockets dry like my phone if I'm using it for the round.

Galway Bay makes nice rain shorts. I bought a pair last year.

http://www.gbagolf.com/Golf_Rain_Shorts_for_Summer_s/1832.htm