Sooner or later, every golfer gets caught in the rain. With the wrong kit, a wet round is miserable: soaked clothes, cold hands, slippery grips and a heavy, waterlogged bag. With the right gear, rain becomes a minor inconvenience, and you will often find the course quieter and your playing partners less determined. Golf rain gear is designed specifically for swinging a club, so it is worth understanding what makes it different from ordinary outdoor clothing.
For playing techniques in wet weather, read our guide to playing golf in bad weather.
Waterproof jackets
What to look for
- Waterproof, not just water-resistant. Water-resistant jackets cope with a shower; waterproof jackets keep you dry in sustained rain. Look for taped seams, which stop water seeping through the stitching.
- Breathability. Golf involves walking and swinging, so you will sweat. A breathable membrane lets moisture vapour escape, so you stay dry inside as well as out.
- Freedom of movement. Golf waterproofs are cut with stretch panels, articulated shoulders and a longer back, so they do not restrict your swing or ride up.
- Quiet fabric. Cheap waterproofs can rustle loudly with every swing, which is distracting. Golf-specific fabrics are softer and quieter.
- Sleeves that stay put. Adjustable or elasticated cuffs keep sleeves away from your hands at address and stop water running in.
- Pockets. Secure, water-resistant pockets for your scorecard, phone and tees.
Styles
| Style | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Full-zip jacket | Easy to put on and take off, good ventilation | Can catch the wind |
| Half-zip pullover | Fewer zips to rub, neat fit | Harder to take off quickly |
| Short-sleeved or sleeveless waterproof | Maximum freedom for the arms, good in warm showers | Arms get wet |
| Packable shell | Light, folds into a small pouch in your bag | Less protection in heavy rain |
Many golfers keep a light, packable waterproof in the bag all year, and a heavier, warmer jacket for winter.
Waterproof trousers
- Ankle zips let you pull them on and off over your golf shoes, which is essential when a shower arrives mid-round.
- Elasticated or adjustable waist for a comfortable fit over other trousers.
- Breathable fabric, as with jackets.
- Right length: long enough to cover the tops of your shoes when you stand at address, but not so long that they drag in the wet.
Some golfers prefer waterproof shorts in warm climates; others wear waterproof leggings or tights in cold rain.
Golf umbrellas
A golf umbrella is much bigger and stronger than an everyday umbrella, large enough to cover you and part of your bag.
What to look for
- Size. Most golf umbrellas have a canopy of around 60 to 68 inches (150 to 170 cm) across. Bigger gives more protection, but is heavier and harder to hold in the wind.
- Vented, double canopy. Vents let wind pass through rather than turning the umbrella inside out.
- Strong, flexible frame. Fibreglass ribs flex in gusts rather than snapping.
- Comfortable handle. A good grip that you can hold for long periods.
- Light weight. You will carry it for hours.
- Easy opening. Automatic opening is convenient, but check it is reliable.
Gloves for wet weather
Normal leather gloves become slippery when wet. Rain gloves, usually sold in pairs, are designed to grip better when wet; many golfers say they grip even better as the rain gets heavier. Keep a pair in your bag, along with a spare normal glove kept in a waterproof bag. Read our golf gloves guide.
Hats and headwear
- Waterproof caps keep rain off your face and glasses.
- Bucket hats with a wide brim protect your neck and stop water running down your collar.
- Winter hats keep you warm in cold, wet weather.
Keeping your bag and clubs dry
- Rain hood. Most stand and cart bags come with a waterproof hood that covers the clubs. Use it between shots, and keep the clubs you are using inside.
- Waterproof bag. Many modern bags have waterproof fabric and sealed zips.
- Towels. Take at least two: one inside the umbrella to dry your hands and grips, one on the bag to clean the club face and ball.
- Head covers stop water collecting around your woods and putter.
- Grip care. Wet grips are a hazard. Dry them before every shot, and refresh worn grips; see how to regrip golf clubs.
Read our golf bags, carts and trolleys guide for more on bags and hoods.
Waterproof golf shoes
Wet feet ruin a round. Most golf shoes are water-resistant to some degree, but waterproof shoes with a membrane and a waterproof warranty keep feet dry for whole rounds in wet grass. Spiked shoes give better grip on wet ground. Read our golf shoes guide.
Layering in cold rain
In cold, wet weather, layering keeps you warm without restricting your swing:
- Base layer: a thin, moisture-wicking top.
- Mid layer: a light fleece, sweater or insulated vest.
- Outer layer: your breathable waterproof jacket.
Add waterproof trousers, a warm hat and winter gloves or hand mittens between shots. See what to wear on the golf course.
Caring for your rain gear
- Dry it properly after every wet round: hang it up at room temperature, not on a radiator.
- Wash it occasionally with a cleaner designed for technical fabrics, following the care label. Ordinary detergents and fabric conditioners can damage the waterproof coating.
- Reproof the outer fabric when water stops beading on the surface, using a wash-in or spray-on reproofer.
- Check seams and zips and repair small problems before they get worse.
- Dry the umbrella open after use, so it does not rust or go mouldy.
A wet-weather checklist for your bag
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Golf umbrella
- Rain gloves and a spare glove in a waterproof bag
- Waterproof hat
- At least two towels
- Bag rain hood
- Spare socks
- Waterproof bag for your phone and scorecard
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between waterproof and water-resistant?
Water-resistant clothing sheds light rain for a while. Waterproof clothing, with a membrane or coating and taped seams, keeps you dry in heavier and longer rain.
Why do golf waterproofs cost more than ordinary rain jackets?
They are designed for a golf swing: stretch, quiet fabrics, cut for movement and breathability for walking. A cheap rain jacket can restrict your swing and leave you damp from sweat.
How big should a golf umbrella be?
Most golf umbrellas are around 60 to 68 inches across. Choose one that covers you and the top of your bag, but is still light and manageable in the wind.
Do rain gloves really work?
Yes. They are designed to grip when wet and often outperform a normal glove in rain. Many golfers keep a pair in their bag all year.
How do I stop my grips getting wet?
Keep the rain hood on the bag, carry a dry towel inside your umbrella, dry each grip before you swing, and keep your clubs under cover between shots.
The bottom line
The right rain gear turns a wet day from miserable to manageable. Invest in a breathable golf waterproof and trousers that let you swing freely, carry a large, vented umbrella, keep rain gloves and towels in your bag, protect your clubs with a hood, and look after your kit so it keeps working. Then, when the rain comes, you will be the golfer still smiling on the 18th green. For more kit advice, read essential golf accessories.
Related: golf jackets and vests and how to care for golf clothing.