Play a Good Round in Bad Weather

Bad weather in golf is a real challenge. It adds an extra element to an already difficult sport. It taxes your creativity, imagination, and fortitude. And it tests your playing skills. But if you live in an area that's not conducive to golf year round, playing in bad weather is the only way you can extend the season. The goal is not to let the bad weather affect your scores or you golf handicap.s

But to do that, it pays to know what you're doing. That means knowing the keys to playing when it's bad out: In addition to controlling the ball and using your imagination to make different shots, you need to have a game plan before starting out and to execute your short game to save strokes. Helpful to playing well on good days, these keys are critical to scoring low in bad weather.

Always Check The Weather Report

Developing a good game play in bad weather means you must know what to expect out there. Always check the weather report before playing. Is it going to rain? When, and how hard? Is it going to be windy? How hard will it be blowing and from what direction? The weather report tells you what to wear. It tells you what equipment to bring with you. And it tells you how to play the course. In short, it helps you develop an on-target game plan.

In addition developing a game plan, you must execute your short game in bad weather. Everyone misses greens in foul weather—even the pros. So you need to get up and down to score low. But you can't do that without a good short game. If you know you'll be playing a lot in bad weather, work on your short game. Practice drills at home. Take golf lessons from a pro. Read golf tips in magazines. Work on your short game anyway you can. It cuts strokes off your golf handicap in both good and bad weather.

Stay Dry in the Rain

Staying dry is mandatory in the rain. Dress for rain in the locker room, not on the course. Take an umbrella and extra towels. And keep the grips on your clubs dry. You can't hit accurate shots if you're worried about the clubs slipping out of your hands. In addition, your feet will sink into the ground when it's wet, so expect to feel cramped at address. Choke down on the club to compensate. On full shots, think carry not distance. The rain reduces distance, especially off the tee. On the green, wet grass is slower than dray. Hit putts harder and figure on less break.

Maintain Stability In The Wind

Maintaining stability is the secret to playing in the wind. Widening your stance in the wind improves stability and balance, even when putting. Many players keep the ball low in the wind, which is good. So is making solid contact. On approach shots, move the ball back in your stance for better contact. Also, swing harder in downwind. Swing easier— with more club—in a headwind. Allow for more wind than you think and always play two shots ahead. Remember, the wind affects short shots, too. Adjust accordingly. When chipping into the wind, think it's easier to stop the ball. When chipping downwind, think it's harder to stop the ball.

Stay Warm In The Cold

Staying warm in the cold is imperative. But if you start off cold, you'll stay that way. Dress for the cold in the locker. And stretch before you play. Stretching loosens and warms you. Use long johns under your pants and your rainsuit bottom on top. Wear a turtleneck, a sweater, a wind shirt, and/or a rain jacket. And put on a cap or toke. You can lose a lot of heat through your head. Also, walk whenever you can. It keeps you warmer. Above all, keep your hands warm. As for making contact, you lose about two yards for every 10-degree drop in temperature. Adjust for the loss.

Playing in bad weather is a challenge. But for many it's the only way to extend the season. To beat bad weather, develop a game plan and execute your short game. Also, stay dry in the rain, warm in the cold, and stable on windy days. Taking golf lessons and studying golf tips can prepare for playing in bad weather. But using your imagination and controlling the ball are the real keys to keeping your scores—and your golf handicap—in check even in the worst weather.

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