Play golf in bad weather

The benefits of playing golf are too many to mention. Golf is an excellent form of exercise, combining low-impact exercise with the great cardiovascular benefits of walking. There are also social benefits, being part of a club or association provides the opportunity to make friends and also network in your business. One thing that disappoints me is how many people stop playing just because the weather is bad. There are no laws stating that you can only play golf in summer weather. It’s a challenge to play in bad weather, I’ll grant you, but a worthwhile challenge that will give great satisfaction if a game is completed. If you prepare correctly, it is perfectly possible to enjoy a round of golf, even in wet conditions.

If the weather is cold, it is obvious that you will need warm clothes. You may want a warm jacket for those long walks between takes. Make sure you don’t wear anything too bulky, as you’ll still need to balance yourself effectively. It’s a good idea to dress in layers so that clothing can be taken off and put on depending on changes in conditions and body temperature. If the temperature is very cold, below freezing for example, it is important that you make sure you have enough layers. Thermal baselayers are perfect for helping to keep heat close to the body. I know players who swear by wearing two pairs of socks to make sure their feet stay warm. Wearing a hat is also a great idea, a wool hat will help keep you warm. You can always wear it under a rainproof hood if there is wet weather too.

Wet weather brings its own requirements. Make sure you have waterproof golf shoes. If they are made of leather, they must be treated to hold water, to keep the feet dry. I would also recommend buying a good quality rain suit, the cheap ones usually tend to break down and don’t last as long as the better ones. With a rain suit, you can wear wool products underneath to keep warm, without the wool getting soaked. You should also make sure you have an umbrella and a towel. You can store the towel in the spokes of the open umbrella between takes. The towel should be used to dry the grips of the clubs throughout the game. If you bring a spare towel, you’ll have a cover in case the one you’re using gets too wet or dirty. Hand warmers or gloves will make sure your hands stay warm and dry enough to grip your clubs properly. You can always use your towel to dry your hands between feeds if you choose not to wear gloves.

Cold and rainy weather will mean you can’t hit the ball as far, especially if there is more wind to deal with. However, you will feel a great sense of accomplishment as you complete the game even though the elements were against you. Chances are your game will improve too, so make sure you keep a positive mind, even though the weather tries to tempt you to be a little bummed out.