Okay, so I’ve been seeing a lot of chatter online about who the “best bad weather golfers” are. It got me thinking, I should really try and figure this out for myself, get some first-hand experience, not just rely on what I read. So, I decided to do just that. I put my own little experiment into motion.
Gearing Up
First things first, I needed the right gear. It’s not just about playing in bad weather, it’s about being prepared for it.
- Waterproof everything: Jacket, pants, shoes, even my golf bag got a rain cover. I went full-on waterproof.
- Gloves:I packed about four extra pairs of gloves, all weather ones of couse. Wet gloves are useless.
- Towels:I brought more towels than I use after a shower. Kept them in plastic bags to keep them dry until I needed them.
- Umbrella: A big, sturdy golf umbrella. Not one of those flimsy ones that turn inside out with a gust of wind.
- Warm layers: Thermal base layers, a fleece, you name it. It gets cold fast when the wind picks up.
I felt like I was preparing for an expedition, not a round of golf!
Hitting the Course (in the Pouring Rain)
I picked a day that was forecasted to be, well, awful. Lots of rain, some wind. Perfect. I booked a tee time at my local course, the kind of place that doesn’t close unless there’s lightning.
When I got there, the looks I got! The pro shop guy practically raised an eyebrow when I checked in. But hey, I was committed.
The first few holes were… challenging. The rain was coming down sideways, and I was already soaked despite all my waterproof gear. My grips were slipping, my glasses were fogged up, and every shot felt like a lottery.
My Strategy (or Lack Thereof)
I quickly realized that my normal game plan was out the window. I tried to:
- Club up: With the wind and rain, I figured I needed more club to get the same distance. Sometimes it worked, sometimes… not so much.
- Shorter swing: I tried to keep my swing more compact, thinking it would give me more control. It mostly just resulted in weaker shots.
- Stay positive: This was the hardest part. It’s tough to keep your spirits up when you’re cold, wet, and playing terribly.
The Results (and Some Surprises)
Honestly, my score was terrible. I lost a few balls, I definitely took some extra strokes, and I probably looked like a drowned rat the entire time.
But… there were moments. Moments where I hit a solid shot despite the conditions. Moments where I actually felt like I was battling the elements and, for a brief second, * was difficult, but rewarding in its own way.
So, Who Are the “Best Bad Weather Golfers?”
After my little adventure, I have a new appreciation for anyone who willingly plays golf in bad weather. It takes a special kind of stubbornness, a willingness to embrace the suck, and a whole lot of preparation. I don’t think I can name any specific players, but I can tell you what I think makes a good bad weather golfer:
- Patience: Things are going to go wrong. Accept it.
- Preparation: The right gear makes a huge difference.
- Mental toughness: It’s easy to get discouraged. Don’t.
- A good sense of humor: You’re going to look ridiculous. Laugh it off.
Would I do it again? Maybe. Probably. It was a miserable, fun, and definitely educational experience.I proved to myself that I at least can play golf in bad weather, even if I’m not very good at * that counts for me!
