Don’t let a little rain ruin your round or scorecard…

Unlike many sports, golf is not exclusively a summer game and played in all weather and conditions. It is therefore important to ensure the best protection from wind, rain and even snow and buying the right golf waterproofs.

It can be difficult to identify the most suitable attire for you; with an array of styles, technologies and brands, we provide a breakdown to assist your clothing dilemma.

Types of wet weather wear

There are waterproof options for pretty much every part of the human body. This includes jackets, hats, trousers and gloves.

No matter what part of flesh you are striving to keep dry there are a few general rules to ensure supreme performance. All material must be super lightweight and easily transported when not in use. It must also allow for complete freedom of movement and not impede the swing in anyway. Finally all quality waterproofs should be fast drying to help ensure comfort once conditions start to improve (with any luck).

Waterproof Tops and Trousers

Leading brands include Galvin Green and Nike that specialise in contemporary golfing wear. Their releases include tops that act as pullovers or front zips to block wind. Many now feature double zips as an extra barrier. The pullover option is ideal for wear during a round when weather is variable.

Selected tops now include hoods to help keep rain from the back of the head and neck.

Golfing waterproof trousers are also popular and usually designed with extra pockets. They are thin, tailored and designed to keep out water with draw string base sections on each leg.

It almost goes without saying -do not buy trousers that are too long, they will simply collect water from the ground with added cut grass thrown in for good measure. This will weigh you down and even reduce your grip to the ground.

Most golfing waterproofs are ideal for wear off the course in general bad weather. Their fast drying properties make them ideal for moving from outdoors to indoors quickly and can be easily removed for storage or washing.

Style

This type of clothing is less focused on attractive style and more oriented on performance. They are often produced in dark colours to hide wet patches and offer a loose fitting to compensate for undergarments. It is wise to try on any clothing before buying and be sure to consider layers you may be wearing on any given golfing day. The last thing you want is to experience a ‘hulk’ like effect with your clothes clinging to you and offering significant bulk.

Costs

As with any golfing item, the price of waterproof wear varies considerable depending on manufacturer and included fabric technology. Full outfits begin from as little as £40 but can reach £400 for leading designs.

Before buying, it is worth considering what you need from your waterproofs. Ask yourself the following questions:

1.        How often do you play?
2.        Are you especially fashion conscious or just keen to stay dry?
3.        Are you a fair weather player that will only occasionally need such items?
4.        Are you easily distracted by being wet on the course?

If you are a regular wet weather player, investing in quality proofs will be extremely worthwhile.

Material

The vast majority of wet weather clothing includes a blend of micropoly and lycra. The ability to move freely comes from the inclusion of spandex. This mix of material allows for versatile wear.

Water and wind is repelled by SwingDry TPU laminated polyester that acts as a wall against the elements with the softer undercoat providing the required comfort.

Brands such as Galvin Green and Adidas utilise GoreTex technology which enables the material to both keep out rain and clear internal moisture.

New technology is constantly being added to golf clothing so expect lighter, more flexible options to hit the marketplace in coming years.

Conclusion

It is important to make sure you commit the best golf waterproof range possible. Do not be afraid to try different brands until you find what feels best for you. At the end of the day, staying dry and comfortable is the most influential feature of any protective course wear.

If you are looking a quality supplier, Foremost Golf can offer a wide variety of waterproof clothing at great rates. They stock all the major brands and styles to meet the needs of all avid winter players.