Golf Rainwear: Be Prepared For Rainy Conditions

The weather on a golf course can be unpredictable. A sunny morning can turn into a gloomy afternoon during an 18-hole round. Or a foggy day can lead to a damp outing.

One way to tolerate wet and cooler conditions and still play golf is with nylon raingear, usually consisting of a long-sleeved golf jacket and full-length, drawstring pants that fit over regular golf apparel.

More expensive rain suits are waterproof on the inside as well as the outside, creating a shield against the wetness. It is important to look for a material that “breathes” so that condensation does not build up inside the rain wear.

Although the rain gear amounts to an extra layer of clothing, it should be lightweight enough so as not to interfere with the swing. A poncho, for example, tends to restrict arm movement and is not practical. A foul-weather jacket should extend to hip level to for the best protection from the elements. A good collar and a “storm flap” on the front of the raincoat also help. Zippered pockets keep the hands, golf balls and scorecard dry.

On the rain pants, zippers along the leg allow a golfer to put them on and take them off without removing shoes.