How to get the most out of a rainy day

FRIDAY, OCT. 12: With the forecast not looking good for the next few days, my thoughts were on how to get out there and still enjoy your golf when the weather is not conducive.

Playing golf in the rain creates some unique challenges. You need to adjust your game accordingly. When you see the forecast with potential for rain, be prepared to play in it. Pack all the equipment you will need to handle the challenges.

An umbrella is generally useless in Bermuda as it is too windy. As a result, I have not bothered with one in my time here.

Good waterproofs designed to actually be worn in the rain rather than just look good are crucial.

You should spend as much as you want on these items as it will be worth it getting some high quality waterproofs that will last a long time.

Good rain gear costs a little more but is worth every penny. One of my favourite brands is ZR or Zero Resistance. It is very waterproof and not too expensive.

One very important tip is never wash your rain suit in a washing machine as that will remove the coating that the fabric has that repels water, the jacket then tends to absorb the rain rather than keep you dry.

Dry gloves: Most golf shops stock the ‘rain glove’ a fabric that bizarrely grips better in the wet. This is probably the most important item to have in your battle with the elements. If you cannot hold the club, you cannot hit a good shot.

Dry towels: Keep several dry towels in your bag, because the one you have outside will get wet eventually.

When playing in wet course conditions, keep the following in mind:

On a wet day, the greens will be slower. Hit your putts firmer than you do when the sun is shining and remember that the ball will not break as much. But be carefully to try to swing longer rather than just hitting the ball harder otherwise you speed control will suffer.

If you hit a ball in the bunker, the sand will be firmer, so you won’t have to swing as hard to get the ball out. The key point here is swing easier and make sure you still complete the follow through.

The golf course will play longer because it’s so soft. The good news is that the fairways and greens get softer and more receptive. The fairways and greens become, in effect, wider and bigger, respectively, because your shots do not bounce off into trouble as much.

Try not to let the conditions affect your normal routines. The best rain players always take their time and stay patient.

In terms of club selection, the longer irons become much more difficult to hit so I recommend using the more lofted hybrids instead as the moisture between the clubface and ball reduces the spin on the ball and so you need the extra loft of the hybrids to get the ball airborne.

Finally, the courses in Bermuda all have fantastic drainage, so within just a few hours of the rain stopping courses are playable. Most destinations around the world are not that lucky.

• Paul Adams is the PGA director of golf at Rosewood Tucker’s Point.