What to wear golfing in the rain

Let dedicated rain gear do the work#

If you play often in a wet climate, a proper golf rain jacket and rain pants are worth owning. Buy them from a specialist in rain gear and size them to go over your usual layers.

Everyday golf clothes, including polos, fleece layers and light shells, are not rain gear. Expect them to get wet.

Keep the layers underneath simple#

Under a rain jacket, a polo and a light layer are usually enough. Heavy cotton fleece holds water once it gets wet, so on a damp day a lighter layer under the jacket is often more comfortable.

Towels, gloves and grips#

Bring at least two towels: one kept dry for your hands and grips, and one for clubs and balls. Hang the dry one from the spokes inside your umbrella, an old trick that still works.

Pack spare gloves in a plastic bag and change them when one gets soaked. Some golfers carry gloves made specifically for wet weather.

Hats#

A brimmed cap helps keep drips out of your eyes and off your glasses. Pack a spare so you have a dry one for the drive home.

After the round#

Dry everything out: hang your clothes, open the bag, take the headcovers off and spread the towels out to dry. Check the care label before anything goes in the dryer.

Know when to stop#

Courses suspend play for lightning and close when greens are waterlogged. If you hear thunder or the course sounds its horn, leave the course and follow the staff's instructions.