"I Hate the Jangma Season"... "But Still, Know This"

Know-How to Remember During Heavy Rain Rounds
Safety 'First', Bring Plenty of Gloves and Towels
Aggressive Short Game, Strong Putting, Club Maintenance

The rainy season has begun. This is unwelcome news for golfers. However, staying indoors is not an option. The desire to step onto the course is strong. Many golfers enjoy the challenge of playing in the rain. When playing in wet conditions, special attention must be paid to safety concerns such as lightning, and thorough equipment checks and preparations are necessary. These are essential tips to know for a happy round during the rainy season.

Safety is paramount during rainy rounds. If thunder and lightning occur, the round must be stopped immediately. Although the probability of being struck by lightning is only one in 600,000, there have been fatal accidents caused by lightning strikes on golf courses. Golf courses are particularly prone to lightning because negatively charged particles seek the shortest path to the ground, which is often the fairway. Holding a golf club there is dangerous.

When playing on the field during the rainy season, you must be perfectly prepared to have a happy round.

Even when it rains, occasional sunlight can be harsh. Golf courses, along with ski resorts, have high grass reflectivity, making them some of the sunniest places. Sunscreens should have a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 50. If you dislike the sticky feeling of sunscreen on your hands, opt for powder or spray types. Hats are also important; it is best to wear one with a wide brim. Waterproof models are ideal.

More attention is needed for equipment. When it rains, it becomes a "battle against moisture." Rain gear and umbrellas should always be kept in the golf bag. Bring plenty of gloves to prevent mishits caused by slippery grips. Using gloves specifically designed for wet rounds is wise. Even if they get wet, a quick shake will dry them fast, making the investment worthwhile. If you dislike this, use regular gloves. Synthetic leather gloves are better than sheepskin. Change gloves every 3 to 4 holes. Although it may be bothersome, wipe the grip with a towel after every shot. Hang wet gloves and towels inside the umbrella.

If rainfall is light, wear rain pants only. This allows for a freer swing and prevents interference from the protruding part of the raincoat around the waist during putting. In severe weather, thorough warm-up is necessary. Arrive early at the golf course and warm up sufficiently. Maintain body temperature by drinking warm tea at the shelter. During the round, be careful not to slip on slopes when going up and down the teeing ground. Avoid overexerting yourself to retrieve balls in out-of-bounds (OB) areas or water hazards.

It is difficult to swing properly in the rain. Gripping the club too tightly causes the whole body to stiffen. Also, it is easy to lose grip at the moment of impact. Make your swing more compact than usual. During the rainy season, the fairway is wet, so do not expect the ball to roll. Use at least one club longer than usual with irons. Choosing clubs with some margin and using a three-quarter swing improves accuracy. Grip the club lower down. After holing out, first move to the cart or shelter to rest.

When it rains, the ball does not roll well. Play the short game aggressively.

When taking shots, maintain your usual "pre-shot routine." Rushing shots to avoid getting wet can lead to mistakes. If you hit an OB shot and have to take another, you will get wetter. Play the short game aggressively. Even if the green is wet and you are not using a sand wedge, you can aim directly for the pin. Attack the hole generously with a pitching wedge as if trying to hit the pin. If water is pooled or standing water interferes with your stance, it is considered "casual water" and relief is granted. If the ball is embedded in the ground, pick it up, clean it, and drop it without penalty.

Be aggressive with bunker shots as well. Wet sand is hard. To get sufficient distance, strike just behind the ball with the clubface square. For putting, hit boldly with the feeling of overshooting the hole. The friction caused by moisture is surprisingly strong. Golf courses do not mow the grass during the rainy season to prevent pests and diseases. Ignore small slopes and make strong putts that cut through the water flow.

Finishing the round is not the end. Take care of your clubs that worked hard in the rain. Clean the grips with lukewarm water and detergent. After thoroughly drying with a dry towel, wrap them in newspaper and stand them up. Be careful to prevent rust inside the club shafts. Wipe wet caddy bags with a dry towel and store them in a well-ventilated place. Dry umbrellas and rain gear thoroughly. Remove moisture from golf shoes and stuff them with newspaper inside.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.