Have you ever gotten caught on the back nine with a “weather event”?
Golf in extreme weather conditions is miserable. New data shows just how bad it’s been with courses being rained out, summer droughts, or flooding in 2024.
The best part?
If you have the right gear for any conditions, those days don’t have to be awful. Rain, wind, heat, or cold. The right equipment for each situation will keep you focused on the golf scorecard and not your comfort.
Today we’re breaking down…
- Why Weather Gear Matters For Your Game
- Rain Day Essentials You Can’t Ignore
- Beating The Heat: Summer Golf Must-Haves
- Cold Weather Gear That Actually Works
- Wind-Proof Solutions For Breezy Days
Why Weather Gear Matters For Your Game
Weather impacts golf more than the average golfer understands.
Industry data tells us that seasonal weather has a direct impact on golf equipment demand, and most importantly, the number of rounds played. 41% more rounds were played in March of 2025 compared to 2024. This swing was directly attributed to weather.
But here’s the thing…
If you don’t have the proper equipment, the best weather days can be ruined. The complete arsenal of weather-specific pieces from your local Sun & Ski sporting goods store becomes a serious game changer for golfers who are no longer going to let weather dictate their tee time.
Think about the pros for a moment. They don’t cancel rounds because of weather. The play in all conditions. Pros have all the proper gear, and amateur golfers should have the same mindset.
Rain Day Essentials You Can’t Ignore
Rain is the number one weather challenge that golfer’s face.
In fact, rain is an issue so many people ignore. Playing golf in the rain without proper rain equipment is a miserable experience. The right rain-specific gear doesn’t just keep you dry on the course. It also maintains your grip, protects your clubs, and keeps you comfortable for all 18 holes.
Essential rain gear includes:
- Waterproof jacket (breathable)
- Rain pants (lightweight)
- Golf umbrella (minimum 60″ size)
- Rain gloves (special material for grip)
- Waterproof bag cover
Here’s something the majority of golfers don’t realize…
Regular rain gloves actually improve grip better in wetter conditions compared to regular golf gloves. They’re made with a material that gets tackier when moisture hits it.
Beating The Heat: Summer Golf Must-Haves
Summer golf is a brutal season without the right setup.
In fact, with golf equipment sales growing by over 38% above pre-pandemic levels, more golfers are recognizing that high-quality weather specific equipment is a must-have.
Heat is serious not only for player performance but also for safety. Having an arsenal of summer heat items is vital.
Your arsenal should include:
- Moisture-wicking shirts and shorts
- Wide brim hats for sun protection
- UV-protective sunglasses
- Cooling towels
- Insulated water bottle holders
Truth is, the heat impacts everything from ball flight, ball speed, and even club selection. Hotter air allows for longer distance on shots but the dehydration effect of summer heat saps your performance rapidly.
Pro tip:
Fill water bottles and freeze them the night before a round. They’ll double as ice packs in your bag that turn into cold water by the back nine.
Cold Weather Gear That Actually Works
Cold weather golf is where the mistake of too much bulky clothing that sacrifices swing mechanics.
In reality, proper layering is what makes cold weather play comfortable. The problem is that many golfers who struggle to choose the best pieces that will not sacrifice their movements.
Cold weather essentials include:
- Base layer (compression-style, moisture-wicking)
- Mid layer (Lightweight fleece, thermal pullover)
- Outer layer (Wind-resistant jacket with stretch panels)
- Winter gloves (Insulated and flexible for feel)
- Thermal beanie or ear warmers (Don’t underestimate head heat loss)
The “secret sauce” of this working…
Every layer has a purpose. The base wicks moisture away. The mid layer traps heat. The outer blocks wind and light rain while still allowing full range of motion.
Winter golf gloves are where technology and innovation have led the industry. Current gloves are made with materials that maintain full flexibility even in freezing conditions while still providing quality grip.
Wind-Proof Solutions For Breezy Days
Wind is the silent killer of scores.
Even seemingly minor wind has a huge impact on club selection and distance. The right wind-specific gear keeps you feeling more stable when conditions turn gusty.
Wind-fighting equipment includes:
- Wind-resistant outerwear (tightly woven fabric with less flap)
- Low profile hats (won’t fly off mid-swing)
- Heavier golf balls (some players use wind-specific balls)
- Weighted headcovers (to prevent flying off)
- Secure bag straps (extra stability on cart/pushcart)
Regular vs. wind-resistant outerwear is where players notice a game-changing difference. Wind-resistant fabrics are designed to slice through gusts with almost no flapping. While also providing maximum movement.
Secret revealed…
Wind has just as much impact on putting as long shots. The wrong gust at the wrong time can put your ball offline even on short putts. The key is keeping your stance lower and more stable against the wind.
Multi-Weather Game Changers
There are a select few pieces that transcend all weather conditions.
These items are ones every golfer should have in their bag no matter what the forecast is. Versatile items that adapt to changing conditions mid round.
Multi-weather golf gear:
- Convertible pants (zip off legs)
- Layerable vests
- Multi-use towels
- All-weather gloves
- Packable rain suit
The beauty of these multi-weather items is flexibility. Weather can change quickly during a single round. Versatile equipment means you can adapt and stay comfortable without lugging around excess weight.
Final Thoughts On Weather Preparation
Gear that’s appropriate for any weather conditions is no longer optional. It’s become required essential equipment.
The golf equipment market continues to see annual growth because golfers are finally waking up to the fact that proper equipment plays a direct role in performance. Rain, summer heat, winter cold, wind. The right equipment keeps you comfortable and focused on playing great golf.
Key takeaways to remember:
- Weather affects every single aspect of the golf game from ball flight to grip
- Invest in high-quality gear that is specific to the climate where you play most often
- Multi-weather pieces are the best items to have for every season
- Proper layering of clothing beats bulky clothing every single time
Weather should not be a condition that dictates when you play golf. With the proper gear, every day is a golf day. Stock up on weather-specific gear and watch your round scores improve drastically for every season.