Golf in the rain: How do I protect myself and my equipment?

Rain doesn't have to be the end of your round of golf. On the contrary: with the right equipment, you have a clear advantage over all those who go unprepared for the round even before the first tee shot. After all, wet club grips, soaked shoes or a soggy scorecard can not only frustrate you, but also cost you valuable shots.

This guide provides you with a checklist of the most important items of equipment to optimally protect you and your equipment from moisture. So you can concentrate fully on your game and simply ignore the rain.

Personal protection: stay dry from head to toe

The basis of every successful round in the rain is dry clothing. If you feel comfortable, you can play freely.

• The rain suit: Invest in a waterproof and breathable rain suit. This not only keeps out moisture, but also allows moisture to escape from the inside. A pro tip from golf legend Tom Watson: Put the suit on in the clubhouse. This will help you to avoid getting into a rush if it suddenly starts to rain and you will get used to the feel of the suit as you warm up.
• Footwear: High-quality, waterproof golf shoes with Spikes are essential. The Spikes give you the necessary grip on the softened ground and prevent you from slipping during your swing. Another tip: wear your waterproof shoes regularly. This way, they will feel normal even when the sun is shining and you won't have to get used to them when it rains.
• Headgear: A cap or wide-brimmed hat keeps your face dry and ensures that you have a clear view - a must, especially if you wear glasses.
• Additional clothing: Be prepared. Take mittens and hand warmers with you to keep your hands warm and dry. And don't forget to keep a spare pair of socks in the car so you can reward yourself with a dry feeling after your round.

Here you will find a comparison of rainwear for men.

Here you will find a comparison of rainwear for women.

Protection for clubs & bags: keeping the material dry

Wet grips are the enemy of every golfer. Protect your equipment to ensure a safe swing.

• The golf bag: Your golf bag is the heart of your equipment and needs special protection. Very few bags are 100% waterproof, which is why a suitable rain cover is an absolute must. It reliably protects the clubs and equipment in the bag from getting wet.
• The umbrella: A large and wind-resistant Tour umbrella is essential. It not only protects you, but also serves as a place to keep your clubs and towels dry. Models with double fabric (double canopy) are particularly stable and do not bend easily even in strong winds.
• Towels: If you take away one lesson from this article, it's this: Pack several towels. It is best to attach a towel to the inside of your umbrella so that you have it to hand. Use it to dry your club heads and especially the grips before each shot. Keep a second, dry towel in a plastic bag in your bag, just for drying your hands and gloves before hitting the ball.

You can find a comparison of numerous different golf bags here.

The small but crucial accessories

Sometimes it's the little things that make the biggest difference.

• Gloves: Several pairs of gloves are a must in the rain. Investing in special rain gloves is particularly worthwhile, as they only develop their optimum "grip" when wet. Always keep your dry gloves in a plastic bag.
• Protection for valuables: Protect your cell phone, rangefinder and wallet by storing them in a small plastic bag or waterproof box.
• Other helpers: A Trolley with umbrella holder keeps your hands free and allows you to enjoy the game even in the rain. A waterproof cover for your Scorecard protects it from melting in your pocket.

With this equipment you are well prepared. The next challenge is to adapt your game to the wet conditions - but that's a topic in itself.