Can you play golf in the rain?
Emily Ross
Published Jan 22, 2026
Golf is one of the few sports that can be played when it is raining. According to the USGA*, there is no rule to say you cannot play in the rain only when the weather causes imminent danger, such as a lightning strike. You can play golf in a downpour, and you can still have fun!
Is it OK to play golf in the rain?
Is it OK to play golf in the rain? Yes. You can play golf in the rain provided it poses no threat to player safety, and if the course remains playable and not waterlogged. If water begins pooling on the fairways and greens, or if lightning is present, it is recommended to halt play until conditions improve.
How does rain affect golf?
Rain makes greens slower than normal as the moisture on the ground and the ball slows it down. In instances of rain over a number of days greenkeepers will likely not be able to mow greens as normal meaning the grass will be longer and even slower. Putts on wet greens also take less break.
Is golf hard in the rain?
When you want to distract yourself by checking out the gallery, you're instead left to look at a sea of umbrellas. Golf is a hard enough game when it's 75 degrees and sunny. In rain, it can be, well, water torture.
How do you prepare for golf in the rain?
Tips for playing golf in the rain:
- Adjust your expectations.
- Stay patient.
- Take extra club.
- Play more bump-and-runs.
- Make practice putts pre-round.
- Know local course rules.
- Use extra speed in bunkers.
- Take a spare scorecard.
What is too much rain to golf?
Re: What amount of rain (mm) would you play in? My general rule is that over 5mm is too much. If the forecast calls for 5-10mm during the time I'm playing, then it's likely a no. Less than 5mm throughout the round isn't bad really - hardly worthy of putting on rain pants.
What do you wear golfing when it rains?
How to Play Golf in the Rain
- An umbrella: Pack one of those big golf umbrellas. ...
- Good rain gear: Jackets, pants, and headwear designed to be worn in the rain. ...
- Dry gloves: If you wear gloves, keep a few in plastic bags in your golf bag.
Can you golf in 1mm of rain?
If it's one to five millimetres, real golfers shouldn't care. That's a light shower, a softening of the greens, thank you! Dress appropriately. New high-tech gear allows you to enjoy golf in cold, heat, or rain.
How do you play golf after heavy rain?
1. Stay Warm & Dry
- Rain Hood. Your rain hood that comes with your bag is the most important part of playing great in the rain. ...
- Rain Gear. The next most important thing to keep dry when playing in the rain is yourself! ...
- Hat. Again, simple but easy. ...
- Hand Warmers. ...
- Umbrella. ...
- Golf Gloves. ...
- Golf Shoes. ...
- Golf Towels.
Is 0.5 mm of rain a lot?
Slight rain: Less than 0.5 mm per hour. Moderate rain: Greater than 0.5 mm per hour, but less than 4.0 mm per hour. Heavy rain: Greater than 4 mm per hour, but less than 8 mm per hour. Very heavy rain: Greater than 8 mm per hour.
What does 0.01 inches of rain look like?
1/100 (0.01) of an inch of rain – The first measurable amount of rainfall reported by The National Weather Service. This would not leave puddles on the ground and would slightly wet the surface. This might occur during a light shower for 2-5 minutes or even a drizzle for 2 hours.
What does 3mm of rain look like?
Rainfall is measured with a rain gauge. This one goes up to 12 cm or 120 mm, so 3 mm would just be a few drops at the bottom.
How much rain is 1mm per hour?
Light rain describes rainfall which falls at a rate of between 0.25 millimetres (0.0098 in) and 1 millimetre (0.039 in) per hour. Moderate rain describes rainfall with a precipitation rate of between 1 millimetre (0.039 in) and 4 millimetres (0.16 in) per hour.
What does 100mm of rain mean?
One millimeter of rainfall is the equivalent of one liter of water per square meter. The standard way of measuring rainfall or snowfall is the standard rain gauge, which can be found in 100-mm (4-in) plastic and 200-mm (8-in) metal varieties.
Is a rain gauge?
A rain gauge is a meteorological instrument to measure the precipitating rain in a given amount of time per unit area. The instrument consists of a collection container which is placed in an open area.
Is 0.2 mm rain a lot?
A rainfall total of 0.2 mm is quite a small amount of rain, and unlikely to have much impact on many activities. Therefore, days of rain greater than or equal to 1 mm, 10 mm, and 25 mm are often used as indicators of the number of "wet" days.
Is 1 to 2 inches of rain a lot?
Rainfall rate is generally described as light, moderate or heavy. Light rainfall is considered less than 0.10 inches of rain per hour. Moderate rainfall measures 0.10 to 0.30 inches of rain per hour. Heavy rainfall is more than 0.30 inches of rain per hour.
What does 1mm rain mean?
However, 1 mm of rain refers to the "depth" of rain that would be received in 1 meter² (m²) or a square of one metre in length and width. So 1 mm of rain translates to 1 litre of water in a single metre square.
How Much Is 10mm of rain in 24 hours?
Roughly equivalent to 0.8 inches of rain in 24 hours; that's no drizzle.
How long does hard rain last?
It is likely true for the very heaviest rains, which exceed one inch per minute and last no more than a few minutes, that sustainable rainfall rate diminishes with increasing time that the rain lasts.
What does it mean when there is a 70% chance of rain?
Still, most people stay dry. 40%-50% - SCATTERED - Roughly half of the area will encounter a shower or storm. 60%-70% - NUMEROUS - Much of the area is covered so it's likely you will get wet. 80%-100% - WIDESPREAD - The entire area is covered with showers and storms so everyone gets rain!
What does a 50 chance of rain mean?
A 50 percent chance of rain means there is a 50 percent chance for any one spot in the forecast area to get wet during the forecast period.
How do you hit irons in wet conditions?
To ensure that you hit the ball first and minimize the wet turf's effect, aim for a spot on the ground an inch in front of the ball. Make sure the clubhead and your right knee reach the ball simultaneously. Time it right and you'll hit all ball—and be putting for birdie.
Does rain affect golf ball distance?
Rain inevitably makes golf just that little bit harder. It almost always results in slightly reduced distances, and it can be hard to maintain technique, concentration, and motivation as you do battle with the elements. But a rainy day doesn't have to be a complete write-off.
What is considered moderate rain?
Rain and drizzle are the only forms of liquid precipitation. Rain is classified as light, meaning rain falling at a rate between a trace and 0.10 inch per hour; moderate, 0.11 to 0.30 inch per hour; heavy, more than 0.30 inch per hour.