How to Prepare for Playing Golf in the Rain

You've planned a golf outing with your buddies but the forecast calls for rain. You can cancel the game or plan to dodge the raindrops. Before you decide, consider that you may play your best round yet if you're prepared.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Pack like the pros. They know how to stock their golf bag for bad weather, including a large umbrella, a complete rainsuit, several towels and plenty of extra gloves to keep your hands dry.
2. Keep your hands in your pockets to keep them warm and dry until you're ready to play at each hole.
3. Protect your clubs from the elements. Cover the top of your golf bag to keep the rain from running down the shafts and wetting the grips. If your club does get wet, wrap a handkerchief around the grip.
4. Trade your glove towel in for a dry one when it gets wet.
5. Stuff your towel between the spokes of your folded umbrella to keep it dry.
6. Note that your game will change with the weather. Expect to add at least one stroke per hole to account for the rain. Remember that a wet green equals a slow green, so you can aim right for the flag. Who knows? You might come in under par.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're in mid-play and it starts to thunder or lightning, or if you hear a tornado siren, head immediately for shelter. It's not worth it to risk your life for golf, because after all, it is only a game. You can always get a rain check and come back on a better day.