A few years ago, someone asked me if I had any tips for playing golf in the rain.

Without thinking, I answered...

"Yeah... don't."

I still think that's pretty good advice.

Now, before you stop reading...

I know there are times when you don't have a choice.

Maybe you're on a golf trip.

Maybe it's league night.

Maybe the foursome has been planned for months.

If that's the case...

We're teeing it up.

But if I'm simply deciding whether to play on a rainy Saturday afternoon?

I'll usually wait for another day.

Life's too short to play miserable golf if you don't have to.

Besides...

At my age, I've become a little more selective about the conditions I volunteer to stand in for four hours.

That said...

If you are going to play in the rain, there is one thing I've learned that makes a huge difference.

It's not a new swing thought.

It's not a different golf ball.

It's not some secret rain technique.

It's much simpler.

Keep your hands and your grips dry.

What the Experts Say

Five-time Open Champion Tom Watson built his reputation by playing great golf in difficult weather.

His number one piece of advice?

Keep your hands and the grips of your clubs as dry as possible.

Watson recommends packing extra towels, storing spare gloves in a plastic bag, investing in rain gloves for wet conditions, and protecting your grips under an umbrella whenever possible. He also reminds golfers that wet greens play slower with less break, so expect putts to need a little more pace and approach shots to stop faster than usual.

It's amazing how much confidence you lose when you're worried the club might slip during your swing.

Rain changes the course.

Don't let it change your grip.

Jim's Take

I've learned something over the years.

Golf is supposed to be fun.

For me...

Standing on the first tee in 48 degrees with steady rain isn't my idea of fun.

If I have the choice...

I'll stay home.

If I don't...

I'll make the best of it.

And if I'm going to play...

You'll find at least three towels in my bag.

One for me.

One for my clubs.

And one that's staying dry until I really need it.

This Week's Challenge

Before your next round...

Take two extra towels.

Seal one inside a zip-top plastic bag.

If the rain comes...

You'll be surprised how valuable one completely dry towel becomes on the back nine.

Jim's Golf Tip

You can't control the weather. But you can control how prepared you are for it.

Until next week...

Move Better. Eat Better. Play Better.

— Jim