Golfers know that weather can change quickly. A sunny morning can turn cloudy by lunch, and sometimes a round that starts perfectly ends under gray skies. A little rain is part of the game, but it’s important to understand when it is fine to play through light showers and when it’s best to pack up the clubs and wait it out.
Light rain usually isn’t a problem. Many golfers actually enjoy the quiet that comes with a soft drizzle. The greens can slow down a bit, which can make putting easier, and the fairways may even play softer. As long as the rain is steady but not pouring, and there’s no sign of lightning or high winds, most courses will allow play to continue. Wearing a good rain jacket, keeping extra towels handy, and making sure grips stay dry can make a big difference in comfort and control.
Heavy downpours, on the other hand, change everything. Once water starts pooling on the greens or running down the fairways, the course becomes unplayable. Wet conditions can damage the turf and make footing unsafe, especially on slopes or near bunkers. In those situations, it’s better for both the course and the golfers to take a break and wait for things to dry out.
Lightning is an absolute stop sign. Any time there is lightning in the area, play should stop immediately and everyone should seek shelter. Even if the storm seems far away, lightning can travel several miles. Most golf courses monitor weather radar closely, and if lightning is detected within a certain range, they will suspend play and clear the course until it’s safe to return.
So how does a course decide when to close? The superintendent and staff monitor the forecast, radar, and actual course conditions throughout the day. If rain is steady but draining well, play may continue. If puddles form, carts start tearing up the turf, or lightning shows up on the radar, the staff will close the course temporarily to protect both players and the grounds. Sometimes they make the call hours ahead of time, and other times they wait to see how the weather develops that morning.
For league players, it’s always best to stay flexible and check messages early. If the course decides to close, that decision is usually based on safety and course preservation, not just convenience. Playing on a flooded course can cause long-term damage that takes weeks to repair.
Golf teaches patience, and that includes learning to respect the weather. A short delay or even a canceled round is always better than risking injury or damaging the course we all love. So when rain is in the forecast, grab your umbrella, keep an eye on the radar, and be ready for whatever the day brings. Sometimes the rain passes quickly and we get to play after all. Other times it’s the perfect excuse to dry off, relax, and plan the next round.
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