Can You Play Golf in the Rain? (Explained!)

Yes,  you can play golf in the rain. According to the USGA*, there is no rule to say you cannot play in the rain only when the weather causes imminent danger, such as a lightning strike.

You can play golf in a downpour, and you can still have fun! In this blog post, we will go over the main reasons why you should play golf during rainy days too.

Here are a few quick reasons why playing in the rain can be fun and advisable and some bonus tips on how to make playing in the rain more fun and enjoyable!

1. Softer Greens in the Rain

The greens may be softer and more receptive on a rainy day because of moisture. If you have trouble with overrunning your chip shots or your putting is overshooting the hole then playing in the rain can help because the greens are softer and the ball will hold up more.

The main advantage of softer greens for the average golfer is they are more forgiving and your ball will stay on the green longer.

So the wet course is not such a bad option for beginner golfers who have trouble with their short game or making those 6-foot putts!

2. The Challenge of Playing Golf in the Rain

Playing in the rain can be a challenge no matter what your handicap is because of the lack of visibility.

When you are playing golf, there are many hazards that lie at ground level which makes them hard to see during bad weather conditions – unless you know where they are beforehand.

Therefore, some people think it will make their game more challenging and fun as they have to deal with all these different obstacles when other players don’t have to worry about those things.

Golf courses generally try not to close for precipitation; however, if lightning or strong storms arrive then play may cease temporarily while course staff waits out the storm’s passage over its premises before resuming operations again.

3. Practice in the Rain – Play Better in the Rain!

You know the old saying that practice makes perfect right?

Well, if you play golf in a state that gets changeable weather then you should defiantly hone on your skills in at least light rain – why?

Because it will be a good warm-up for the summer when thunderstorms are more likely, your local league match or inter-club match will not get canceled just because it is raining so make sure your preparation includes playing in some rain.

Is it Hard to Play Golf in the Rain?

You may like not playing in a downpour, most golfers hate it so why is it hard to play in the rain??

It is not that it is hard to play golf in the rain, it’s just more challenging.

But if you know how to properly grip your club and swing then you will be able to make a decent shot even off of the tee so don’t let weather conditions stop your fun!

Also, make sure you have the right gear for wet weather golfing conditions, this includes the following basic rainy weather checklist:

1. Cotton clothes are not recommended as they will soak through quickly and restrict your movement.
2. Golf shoes with decent spikes to provide traction on slippery greens or wet fairways,
3. Rain gloves for grip and warmth in chilly weather, an umbrella over the bag if you plan ahead of time.

What Other Golf Gear Should I Be Using in the Rain?

Apart from good waterproof shoes and a trusted umbrella what else do I need to play golf in the rain?

The answer is not much, but there are some items that you should always carry in your golf bag to prepare for adverse weather conditions.

The first item is a rain glove which will usually consist of rubber on the palm side and terry cloth or knit material on the opposite side with an elastic band along the wrist to secure it.

This might be a little be overkill – but you will notice the difference for sure.

What else should I carry in my golf bag in the wet weather?

A rain hat with a visor is always good to have in your bag.

The last thing you want to do while out on the course, especially if it’s an outdoor tournament, get wet and cold from the head down when swinging away at that tricky par five.

Finally have considered buying a nifty tool like a Mudslinger?

A must-have for any golfer, Mudslinger is a 5-in-1- tool to remove dirt and mud from sports shoes, cleats, work boots, golf shoes, or any type of shoe.

The spikes separate to allow you to go over and between the spikes on your shoe.

The multiple triangular spikes will help loosen and remove debris from bumpy surfaces.

This cheap tool can save you hours of frustration when playing golf on the muddy and soft fairways.

Does a Wet Golf Ball Go Further?

So how does the rain affect performance on the golf course and even more importantly how does rain affect golf ball distance?

Steady rain restricts ball carry because it causes the golf ball to spin less and thus it doesn’t carry as far.

Also, soggy, wet fairways and semi-rough will restrict how far the ball “kicks” on after landing.

The wet ground will restrict how far a golf ball kicks once it lands because of its dew point – water has to stay on top of grass or other surfaces for this phenomenon to take place so when there is rain the soil becomes saturated with moisture.

When it rains the atmosphere becomes damp and humid, thereby reducing the air density which in turn reduces the ball carry.

Does Rain Ruin Golf Clubs?

The main consideration when playing in the rain is damage to golf clubs – and rust is top of the list. Here are a few ways you can look after your clubs when playing in the rain:

1. Keep the clubhead covered with a towel or cloth to stop water from getting into it.
2. If you’re using an umbrella, be careful not to let any raindrops fall on your clubs when opening and closing it – this could lead to serious damage if enough drops accumulate over time.
3. Always wipe down your clubs after every shot this helps to remove any traces of water and prevents rust build-up.
4. If you’re using a golf bag, ensure it’s properly closed to help keep out rainwater as much as possible.
5. And finally, your clubs will be best protected if they are stored in their own protective sleeves when not being used on the course.

By simply wiping down your club with a soft cloth you can eliminate most water droplets and prevent future corrosion worries.

Ready to Get Wet on the Golf Course?

We hope that this article has given you plenty of reasons why it’s worth braving those cold drizzles and taking advantage of these rare sunny days!

And even if it isn’t the best of weather, as answered in this article – can you play golf in the rain? Yes!

Whether you’ve been playing golf for years or just a few months, rainy days should be taken as an opportunity to get out on the course and fine-tune your skills.

As long as there is no lightning insight and it’s not pouring too hard, you can still have fun with your friends while staying dry under your umbrella!

* citation source: USGA rules on suspension of play due to inclement weather.