Heavy Rain Round "Remember This"

Early Monsoon Start, Prioritize Grip Management, Rain Gloves Essential, Lift Rather Than Roll, Putt Strongly

When playing a round in heavy rain, grip management is more important than anything else.

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] It is the rainy season.

Rain has been falling since last week. Before the rainy season, temperatures and humidity were high, and rain forecasts have become frequent. Signs of abnormal climate are also appearing. Clear and humid days continue, then suddenly darken with localized heavy rain pouring down. This phenomenon is analyzed to be similar to the squalls in the Southeast Asia region. Heavy rain is an unwelcome ‘guest’ for golfers. It is necessary to know some tips to enjoy rounds during the rainy season.

For the time being, it is a ‘war with the rain.’ You have to play rounds while the rain comes and goes. Amateur golfers are overwhelmed. There are many things to prepare. When it rains, grips become slippery, and raincoats get in the way. Swings become uncomfortable, and concentration drops. If the rainfall is not heavy, only wear waterproof pants. It is difficult to swing normally when hands and grips are wet. You need to frequently wipe your hands and grips with a dry towel.

Prepare extra gloves than usual. Rain gloves are essential. Even if they get wet, a quick shake dries them fast, allowing you to recover more than the investment cost. After swinging, do not put gloves in your pocket; hang them inside the umbrella. This helps them dry. Also bring extra raincoats, towels, socks, clothes, and shoes. If you got soaked, change clothes after the front nine. Hats with wide brims effectively block rain. Even without sun, your skin can tan. Apply enough sunscreen.

Here is the secret to maintaining your score during the rainy season. Increase trajectory and carry rather than roll. When it rains, the ball’s roll disappears. When driving, tee the ball slightly higher than usual. For irons, choose one or two clubs longer than usual. If you normally use a 9-iron on a good day, use an 8 or 7-iron during the rainy season. Hold the grip slightly shorter and make accurate contact with a 3/4 swing rather than a full swing.

When it rains, ignore the slight slope and hit powerfully toward the hole.

When hitting iron shots down, the clubhead can dig into wet ground or grass. Instead of digging, scoop the ball. For bunker shots, strike behind the ball with the clubface square. Before tee shots and putting, clean the ball well to remove debris or moisture. Around the green, instead of safely rolling, use pitching shots to lift the ball and directly target the hole. Putt boldly. Stroke strongly with less focus on the line. Maintain your usual routine even in heavy rain.

Finishing the round is not the end. It is time to ‘comfort’ the clubs that worked hard in the rain. Clean the grips using lukewarm water and detergent. After thoroughly removing moisture with a dry towel, wrap them in newspaper and stand them up. Be careful to prevent rust inside the club shafts. Wipe wet caddie bags with a dry towel and store them in a well-ventilated place. Also dry umbrellas and worn raincoats well. For golf shoes, remove moisture and insert newspaper inside.