Rainy Day Golf: Essential Gear & Grip Tips You Need to Know

Thu, 11/18/2010 - 17:00 -- Don Trahan

Playing Golf in the Rain: Surge's Tips for Staying Dry and Scoring Well

Stuck playing in the rain? Whether it's a tournament or you're just toughing it out, the right preparation can save your round. Surge recently shared his go-to tips, and it all comes down to two things: stay dry and stay warm.

Get a Big Umbrella

A 64-inch Gust Buster is Surge's pick — it holds up in the wind and gives you a dry home base. Hang a towel or two underneath to wipe down clubs and grips between shots.

Protect Your Head

You lose heat fast through your head, so skip the standard cap that gets soggy. Surge uses a waterproof wide-brim "Seattle hat" that covers the back of your neck and keeps water out of your face all day.

Keep Your Hands Warm

Cold, wet hands kill your game. Grab water-repellent mittens or hand warmers — hunting stores are a great source.

Choose the Right Rain Gear

Know the difference between water-resistant, water-repellent, and waterproof — it matters. A few buying tips from Surge:

  • Buy bigger so you have room to swing
  • Make sure it's quiet — no crinkling noise
  • Layer by season: sleeveless in summer, long-sleeve when it's cool
  • Brands like Pro Quip, FootJoy, and Nike all make solid options

Waterproof Your Feet

All-weather golf shoes are a must. Pair with warm socks in cooler temps — cold feet are just as distracting as cold hands.

Solve the Grip Problem

Two tips to keep hold of the club:

  1. Use wet-weather grips like Tacky Max that stay tacky when wiped down.
  2. Try the handkerchief trick — wrap one around the grip and it gets surprisingly tacky when wet, keeping your hands from slipping.

Bottom Line

Rain doesn't have to mean a bad round. Pack your gear, know your layers, and have a grip plan. A little prep goes a long way.

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