How to Prepare for a Rainy Day

The Wells Fargo Championship started out this week in perfect weather conditions. Round one saw some sensational scoring with seventy-nine players shooting under par. When the players awoke to the second round yesterday the situation had changed. A weather system moved in and now the world’s best PGA Tour players were going to be tested by Mother Nature.

Although we all might not shoot under par when we play like tournament leader Jason Day, amateurs can learn something very important when we watch these competitors tee it up in the rain. Like anything else in golf, having a routine and sticking to it will lower your score.

So, from this PGA Coach’s perspective here’s seven helpful tips you should employ the next time you tee it up in challenging weather.

For amateurs, golf is an entertainment endeavor. Unfortunately, we have all faced a time where we had to play in bad weather. Maybe it was a tournament you signed up for or even worse, rain on a golf trip! If rain is in your forecast, embrace it. Know you will get wet and later that day you will be dry again. All golf equipment can get wet and will dry. A positive attitude will not only ensure you are one step ahead of the field, but it also helps the time go by quicker.

This may sound funny, but I cannot tell you the number of times I have witnessed golfers arrive to the course and be surprised by the conditions. Take five minutes before you leave the house and check the forecast. If you’re anything like most of my friends, I bet you have four different weather apps on your smartphone. Use them.

Once you know the conditions you’re facing, make sure you pack the proper supplies. Bring an extra golf towel, wear an extra layer and don’t forget the rain gear or umbrella. Bring rain gloves or extra regular gloves. Having the correct equipment makes the day far less frustrating.

When you hit the practice range before you play, make sure you are wearing everything you will be wearing when you play. You may take items off, but practice being bulky. It feels different and might throw you a little off. Make sure you hit some shots with your jacket and rain gloves on.

Make every effort to keep the clubs, gloves and whatever else comes out of the golf bag dry. Use your umbrella. If you are riding in a cart, make sure you store everything in a dry place. It can get tiresome to compete with the rain, but the added advantage it gives your performance is well worth it.

The ball performs differently in wet conditions. Starting with the driver, wipe off the face before you swing. When we strike the ball from the fairway it reacts more like the rough. Water gets in between the ball and the clubface grooves causing a reduction in spin. Plan your shots out accordingly.

Most golfers just throw those clubs, gloves, etc. in the trunk and leave them there after the round. Take an extra ten minutes when you get home and open your bag up. Take the wet items out of the bag. Even if your next round is days or weeks away, you’ll save more gloves and towels this way.

We all play a sport that’s impacted by weather. If you expect to play well in wet conditions keep these points in mind. Making sure you embrace the round with a positive attitude and proper equipment will certainly ensure your “Day” will be just like Jason’s.