[Tips for Solo Booking] A Few Tips for Booking Golf Courses on Rainy Days

The week of staring at the Gol-Ten app during the rainy season

I think all you golf lovers out there might be able to relate.

As my golf plans approach, I find myself opening the Gol-Ten app every single day (lol).

“It changed to 0.1mm!”
“3mm... that’s going to rain quite a bit.”
“The forecast says it’ll be sunny!”

A week of such emotional ups and downs.

Conversely, as long as it’s sunny on the day of my golf outing, I don’t mind if it rains on weekdays at all (lol).

The weather forecast for this weekend is rain, so I’m currently staring at the app intensely 🐰

Actually, solo booking is recommended on rainy days

When the forecast calls for rain, golf plans with friends often get canceled, don't they?

But solo booking is different.

Before a competition or similar event, I often use solo booking when I

“really want to play a practice round.”

I often use solo booking when I feel that way.

Actually, I have my own way of doing solo bookings on rainy days.

That is,

to be the first one to book the slot.

And

to write a quick note in the comment section saying,

“I will play even if it rains😊”

.

When I do this,

I get the impression that more people feel comfortable booking because they think,

“This person won’t cancel.”

Of course, it doesn’t guarantee the round will happen, but I have personally had rounds go ahead many times using this method.

There were also people who added comments like,

“It’s raining, but please count me in.”

I also asked a golf course about it

I once wondered,

“Is it a nuisance to the golf course to book on a rainy day?”

so I actually asked a golf course.

Then,

“We have people booking by phone, and we have competitions too. We are actually grateful that you come.”

they told me.

Of course, I’m sure the situation varies by golf course, but I still remember feeling relieved when I heard those words.

Rainy days are for “warrior training”

Since I also play competitive golf, I play as much as I can even on rainy days.

This is because competitions are often held even in the rain.

In fact, there is a lot to learn on rainy days.

・The timing for wiping your grip and club face so they don't slip
・Preparing while holding an umbrella
・Choosing the right club for the loss in distance
・Changes in the lie
・How the ball rolls on the green

Since you have more to think about than usual, it’s excellent practice.

The bogey-on strategy for rainy days

There is something I am conscious of on rainy days.

That is,

“thoroughly aiming for a bogey-on.”

I don’t force myself to aim for a par-on, and I tell myself,

“I will absolutely not hit into a bunker today.”

And during the match, I play with the mindset of

“(telling myself) I’ve practiced more for rainy days than anyone else here, so I’ll be fine.”

Actually, as a result of playing with this mindset just recently,

I was able to shoot a 38-38 for a 76

in my member course monthly competition.

Your driving distance decreases on rainy days.

That is precisely why I felt once again that playing golf without pushing yourself is important.

I feel like the percentage of competitive golfers is higher on rainy days (lol).

This is purely based on my own experience, but...

I feel like I often end up playing with skilled golfers when I book solo on rainy days.

Many competitive golfers have the mindset that

"Tournaments happen even in the rain, after all."

and we sometimes start our round laughing and saying,

"Today is a day for some warrior training, right? (lol)"

I actually quite like that atmosphere.

Things you can only gain because it's a rainy day

Of course, golf on a sunny day is the best.

But there are also many things you can learn precisely because it is a rainy day.

Challenges you wouldn't notice on a sunny day.

Ways of thinking.

And experience.

That is why I

don't give up immediately even when the forecast calls for rain,

and instead think,

"Today is a day for warrior training."

With that mindset, I make my solo bookings ☔️⛳️

Do you all play rounds even on rainy days? 😊