How can I play golf well in the rain?

2013 may prove to be the wettest year ever in Western North Carolina with 30 inches of rain having fallen so far. It is raining now and the forecast is for more severe thunderstorms and flash flooding. Many parts of the country are experiencing multiple days of steady rain creating soggy golf courses and frustrated golfers.

In the second round of the PGA Championship at Oak Hill CC, Rochester, NY last weekend, the players warmed up in constant pouring rain. At the end of Friday’s round, Adam Scott led the field with a 2-under 68 on a course playing really long in the rain. How was he able to do that?

How playing the game is different in the rain

• Playing golf in the rain creates new physical and mental challenges. The golf course will play differently and you have to adjust your game to fit the conditions.
• Take 2-3 clubs with you when the course is playing “cart paths only.”
• Rain will shorten the flight of your ball. To get more distance, tee the ball up for a higher trajectory as there won’t be any roll when it lands.
• Take 1-2 clubs longer than normal to swing easily with a firm grip and good balance. Make sure you have enough club to clear the greenside bunkers. A shot hit short of the green will most likely be plugged in the wet sand.
• This is the time when you can aim at the flagstick as the soft greens will hold.
• When the golf course is wet it will play longer with minimum roll. The fairways will play wider because your ball won’t bounce into as much trouble.
• Wet greens will be slower and the putts won’t break as much as when the greens are dry. Hit your putts more aggressively to avoid three putts from leaving the putts short.

Proper equipment is necessary for playing in the rain

If you have a caddy, it will be his job to keep your gloves and clubs dry. If it is your responsibility, here are some suggestions for preparing your equipment to play in the rain.

• Waterproof shoes are necessary. Carry  an extra pair of socks in your bag in case your shoes aren’t waterproof. Golf shoes with spikes will give you extra traction.
• Rain pants, jacket and a hat designed to sustain heavy bouts of rain are essential.
• Have a golf umbrella large enough to keep your towels and gloves dry by hanging them from the spokes. If it looks like rain, put extra towels in your golf bag for drying your hands and grips.
• Keep several golf gloves in a plastic bag to stay dry. There are golf gloves especially designed to grip better when wet. Take your glove off after every shot and hang it inside the umbrella instead of putting it in your pocket.
• Most importantly, put non-slip golf grips such as cord grips on your clubs so your hands won’t slip when swinging. You will have more feel if your golf club grips are dry.

A positive attitude is necessary for playing in the rain 

Playing under adverse conditions can wreck havoc with your golf game. You will probably miss more shots than normal, 3-putt from misjudging slow greens, and score higher if you don’t have a good attitude. Here are some suggestions for having a good mental strategy.

• Know that everyone is playing under the same conditions. With a good attitude you will have an advantage over the players who are frustrated and complaining about the conditions.
• Think positively about all shots. Accept miss-hits and give the next shot your best effort.
• Stick to your pre-shot routine. Do not rush through it or skip steps. It will only     confuse your brain patterns.
• Smile at adversity. It will give you an advantage.
• Imagine yourself dancing and having fun in the rain like Gene Kelly.

For more information about how to play with a better mental golf game for lower scores and more enjoyment, contact Joan at 828-696-2547 or visit the Positive Mental Imagery website at www.positivementalimagery.com