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It takes a very dedicated golfer to enjoy playing a full 18 holes in the rain.

I’ve got a friend who is so passionate about golf that he is on the course everyday, regardless if it is raining or snowing. So long as the course is open, he is out there!

While you wouldn’t catch me getting drenched in the storming rain on the golf course, I will admit that a person who appreciates these poor weather conditions will learn more about their swing and adaptation skills than any other golfer who only plays during perfect weather.

When playing golf in the rain, there are three things that make it very difficult to enjoy the game:

1. You are no longer comfortable due to being wet and soggy, which can have a negative impact on your focus and concentration levels.

2. You have less control over the club because your hands are wet, thus loosening up your grip.

3. The game also takes a lot longer to complete, due to the ball not traveling as far, slower plays through each hole, and of course, having to take more shots to finish each round.

Playing Golf In The Rain Has It’s Pleasures

The upside to playing golf in the rain is the fact that the ball stops very quickly on the green so instead of worrying about unwanted distance, the ball practically sticks when it
lands, like throwing a dart at a dart board. Your putt shots will also roll a lot slower than normal, making it easier to control the ball.

Here are a few tips for the golfer who is on the course when it rains:

1. A wet grip can cause a good shot to go bad, so carry several small towels with you.  Stuff them in your golf bag and use the towels to keep your grip as dry as possible during the game.

2. Always keep one or two umbrellas with you at all times. The extra umbrella can come in handy if one of your playing partners forgets to bring one.

3. Have two or three extra golf clubs with you as well. They will inevitably get wet and can be quite uncomfortable to swing with.

4. Your body and hands are not the only things that should be kept dry. Your golf bag needs to be free from moisture and rain with a plastic covering. Most new golf bags have a fairly decent cover that comes with them at the time of purchase, but if you
do not have one, visit the nearest golf sporting store to see what is in stock.

5. If you plan on playing golf in the rain on a regular basis, invest into a high-quality, full bodied rain suit. You can also find these at most golf sporting stores. Your game in the rain will be much more enjoyable with a rain suit.

6. When it comes to your swing during rainy weather, ease back slowly and swing much smoother than normal, with less strength you would normally use. Consider this a safety tip because the wetness could cause your club to literally fly out of your hands and cause a bad accident.

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Hit ‘em straight (and dry…)

Ben

Since you are probably thinking about your wish list for Christmas, I thought I’d put up a post about the golf gift that keeps on giving - a new golf bag… 

 A high quality golf bag is an invaluable investment for the regular golfer. This is especially true if you enjoying walking the course and prefer not to use a cart.  Besides, it is highly recommended to walk as often as possible when playing golf.  And during your game, you want a golf bag that will be comfortable, yet durable.

Tour Bags

When shopping for a quality golf bag, there are several sizes for you to choose from. If you have ever watched a professional golf game on TV or in person, you will notice that the pros typically use giant leather tour bags. They are waterproof and equipped with large pockets that are able to carry most anything a caddie may need during the game.

Needless to say, these bags are extremely heavy, some weighing over 50 pounds.  Luckily for these players, they pay someone to carry their golf bags for them. Many Caddies get paid very well, with some even earning a percentage of their player’s tournament wins.

Cart Bags

The average golfer like yourself will probably never need a 50 pound tour bag just to carry your clubs around the golf course on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.  So the next size down that is more ideal for normal, everyday players is called a cart bag.

Cart bags are typically made of leather and nylon. They are also made to fit on a golf cart. On the other hand, cart bags are still a bit bulky and are best suited if you plan on driving the golf cart around all day. Personally, my favorite is the carry bag, as described below.

Carry Bags

Although cart bags are ideal, an even better solution for recreational golfers are called carry bags. These golf bags are much smaller and weigh far less than a full-size bag such as the tour bag and cart bag. You will find that cart bags are able to carry all of your clubs, a few  accessories, and of course your golf balls. However, there is little room for anything else.

Carry bags are available in a wide range of sizes, designs, and price. For children you can find these bags in smaller ¾ sizes. For adults who would like a little “extra”, you can pick up a deluxe model carry bag that has more pockets and a backpack strap which enables you to hold onto your bag using both shoulders – quite comfortable.

As far as prices are concerned, with carry bags, you get what you pay for (like any product for that matter). Low-quality bags can sell for $40-$50. However, cart bags in this price range do not have the most aesthetic appeal and are not very comfortable. Cheap carry bags such as this are fine if you only plan on playing golf once or twice per year. It would be a better choice to invest at least $100 into a high-quality carry bag.

Of course, it’s even better if you get wrapped up with a bow under (or beside) the Christmas tree.
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Hit ‘em straight

Ben