You’ve got the day off, you’ve booked your time at the golf course, only to head out onto the road and see storm clouds gathering. Rain-rain-go-away, let me go and golf today!

But alas, the storm clouds rumble and the slick drips begin to trickle down.

We’ve all been there. And if you’re hankering for a round of golf then don’t give up just yet. Prepare yourself, as here’s the ultimate guide for playing golf in the rain (and enjoying it).

Gear Up

If you’re getting ready to head out, as you pack up your gear check the weather where you’re playing.

Every time you head out you’ve got a mental checklist to bring to the golf course. When you go to grab your clubs, tees, water bottle, add a few extras to the list.

Protect Your Head

First, the obvious: grab an umbrella. There’s a lot of distance between holes and you’re going to want to stay as dry as possible during it. You can keep it stored over your golf bag while you play to keep your clubs dry.

And when you’re up to tee, make sure you’ve got your ballcap on. Even though the sun isn’t out, this will help keep the rain out of your face and give you time to line up your shot. You can even get a water-resistant cap if you really want to keep the rain away.

Keep Your Game Consistent and Steady

Next, get yourself the best golf shoes for wet grass. These puppies will ensure you stay on your feet and not slipping and sliding around. If you’re even on damp grass, going through your swing you might find yourself wavering.

The best-case scenario is you miss your shot. The worst-case is you find yourself on the damp grass, club bonking you on the head like a Wile E. Coyote antic gone awry.

Next, make sure you’ve got a towel, preferably a quick-dry one. Microfiber cloths are great for this very reason. If your clubs are slick, give them a wipe with the towel under your umbrella.

But that won’t do any good if you don’t have quality gloves. The more time you need lining up your shot, the more likely your hands will get slick, and your grip will slip. Good, water-resistant gloves will ensure your grip stays firm and your shots will land.

Going Above and Beyond

If you plan to golf where rain is prevalent (such as beautiful Scotland) get yourself all water-proof gear. There are great club bags and covers that will ensure your gear stays dry in anything but the worst of storms.

Consider going above and beyond for your own attire. A quality rain jacket will go a long way in keeping you warm and dry as you play the back-nine.

Don’t forget a spare towel, too, as even the best of towels will soak through after enough drying.

Don’t Forget!

If you’re planning on playing the full course, get yourself a spare scorecard, one that you can ensure stays dry throughout the course of the game. Leave it in the bag and sparingly bring it out unless your main card is close to tattered.

That is unless of course, the game is going that poorly and it’s better for everyone if the wet card remains indecipherable and therefore lost to time.

Finally, no matter what, bring an extra pair of socks. Even with the best shoes, your socks are bound to get a bit damp. And who wants to be moving around with squishy socks the rest of the day?

Keep dry socks available to switch to once you’ve finished the game. Seriously, this is the best golf rain gear you can remember, and you’ll be glad you brought it later.

Play Better in the Rain

If you’re keeping yourself and your gear dry, you’re off to a great start. Alas, it’s only half the battle.

Playing in the rain comes with its own set of challenges that you’ll need to accommodate for.

First and foremost, between each swing make sure you’re drying your clubface. If the face is wet than you’re going to find yourself with far more spin than you’ll desire.

Cut Yourself Some Slack

If you’re playing with some friends or coworkers, come to an agreement on how you’ll play certain shots and lies.

For example, if your ball lands in a puddle on the green, feel free to move it to dryer ground. Compensate for the shots you can’t control and have these conversations before something happens.

The last thing you want is someone to call you out on moving the ball illegally, despite the shot being nigh impossible in the puddle it’s in.

Know Where to Compensate

Playing a ball that landed in the sandpit is far different when the sand is wet. Knowing the difference here and on the green is key to success.

For the sand, your best bet is to create dig beneath the ball and lessen your power, as they’re likely to shoot farther than they would in normal sand.

The rough, however, is the opposite. You’re going to need to hit the ball a bit harder, just a smidge straighter to ensure it gets through the damp grass and back onto the fairway.

And of course, when you’re putting, depending on the shape and angel you take to the hole, the shot can be a whole different beast. Downhill your ball will fly, while going uphill may lead you with a skewed shot way off course.

The good news is the more you practice these shots in the rain, the better you’ll get. More practice only makes you a better golfer (though it won’t save you from buying the first round for your buddies later that night).

Playing Golf In the Rain

Playing golf in the rain doesn’t have to be a chore. If you prepare yourself with warm clothes, extra gear, and a good attitude, you can have just as much fun as you would on a sun-shining day.

Love golf and want more tips on how to score better and have a better time? Check out our other blog posts. We’ve got tips, tricks, and advice for anyone with a passion for the game.