Wind and rain, what is the best approach Jeff?
 

Hi Jeff,

I was wondering if you could expand on your earlier thread about wind and talk to us about playing in the wind and rain.

I consider myself a good wind player, unless it is a strong left to right wind with trouble on the right, then I can get the ball sailing right. This is even worse if there is rain and the club is getting slippery.

I have heard all the practical advice before about lowering expectations but is there anything else you can add?

Thanks bud.

Swingin' In the Rain (and in Humiditiy, too!)
 

Not Jeff, but go to www.dryhands.com and buy a bottle or three. Tell'em Lynn Blake Golf sent you!

:salut:

thanks Yoda.......been looking for this and never could find it locally!

Yoda, Is this legal for play in the U.K? I know you know.

Yes it is. We got a ruling on this from none other than John Paramour of the European Tour on the final day of the Scottish Open. I can't remember the exact wording but it was deemed that dryhands was not an artifical aid as it was used to keep your hands dry as opposed to making your hands stick to the grip.
Alex

Thanks Yoda and thanks Alex, you mentioned you had asked for the ruling on dry hands but not what the ruling was. Who put you onto Dry Hands in the first place Yoda? :scratch: :wink:

I'd still like Jeff's thoughts as I do use dry hands already, I guess it really is a mental thing.

Dry Hands
 

Thanks for the Dry Hands tip, GP. I strongly recommend the product to all students and interested others. In fact, I yesterday personally squeezed an application directly into the palm of Larry Nelson.

Since the unofficial ruling Alex previously described, I have contacted the owner of Dry Hands. He emailed me the USGA letter specifically approving the product for tournament play. I will post it here ASAP.

:salut:

Of all the elements, wind is by far the worst to play in. When rain is added to the mix it really takes more mental focus and preparation than anything else.

The most important part of playing in the rain is keeping your equipment dry. If you walk, make sure you have a stand bag and a good rain hood. Seaforth makes a very nice rain hood that is easy to get clubs in and out of. I keep my gloves in a ziploc bag to make sure they stay dry while in the bag. I also keep several small towels in a waterproof bag so I can keep my grips dry.

Good rain gear is also important. Many companies offer lightweight and breathable jackets and pants. When it is hot I find rain gear to be very uncomfortable so I always have a change of clothes in my car or locker in case I get wet. Moisture wicking clothes are definitely better in the rain because they do dry faster than cotton. I will also keep extra socks in my bag because I hate to have wet feet.

Like I said before, wind is the worst because it is so inconsistent. You may hit a perfect shot and catch a gust and make a bad score. However, rain can be planned for and even used as an advantage. By being prepared you can plan on having an advantage over most players. Having a "mudders" attitude will allow you have confidence when you play in the rain. Look at the wet conditions as being able to be more aggressive with approach shots since the greens will hold better. Depending on how much rain there is the putting surfaces will be slower which will also allow you to be more aggressive.

The most important thing about playing in wind and rain is to remember that no matter what you are going to get wet and you will get some bad breaks. Your preparation will give you an advantage. The next time there is bad weather and no one is playing at your course, use this as your opportunity to work on this aspect of the game. Our college golf coach made us play on the bad days and practice on the nice ones. When a tournament came along and the weather turned bad we were ready.

Thanks Jeff.

I'll print a copy of the dry hands ruling off and keep it in my bag Yoda.

For those who don't have it, I can confirm that it is truly a great product. It is akin to liquid chalk so your hands stay really dry. Getting it in the UK was difficult, I eventually got it from a Pole Dancing Emporium!!!

Mrs Styles was unamused when she seen the package arriving lol!

So that what you are telling us and Mrs Styles.......so what did you really get? ;)
Alex