Tag: Are Driving Ranges Open in The Rain or Closed?

Driving ranges are a convenient location for perfecting your golf skills; hence amateur golfers like myself frequent them. Gold is an outdoor game, so it is naturally affected by weather changes, especially rain. But are driving ranges open in the rain or closed?

Enclosed driving ranged like TopGolf will be open rain or shine. However, outdoor driving ranges will typically be open unless it is raining hard or there is lightning in the area. In a light to medium rain most driving ranges will remain open.

I have had the opportunity to explore a few driving ranges and concluded that it depends on the rain intensity. This blog will help answer your question, provide details, and give additional information to help you make an informed choice.

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Are Driving Ranges Open in the Rain?

Technically, yes. Driving ranges remain open while it’s raining. Hence, you don’t have to worry about canceled plans because of a bit of downpour. In my experience, driving ranges have remained open in most weather conditions, significantly since the fields can absorb water to an extent.

Only two conditions prompt driving ranges to shut down entirely or partially; lightning and water puddles. Following are a few reasons lightning and water puddles cause the facility to shut down:

1. Hazardous Conditions

The combination of lightning and rain is dangerous because water conducts electricity. Even though driving ranges always reserve an elevated space for golfers instead of making them stand on the field, the situation is still hazardous.

Lightning falling close to where you’re standing can put you in danger of electrocution. Therefore, you will notice driving ranges temporarily shutting down under such weather conditions.

2. Inconvenient for Diving Range Picker

Driving range pickers are responsible for collecting and cleaning the balls left on the field by golfers practicing their skills. The picker driver takes the vehicle around the range, picking up the ball, cleaning them, and depositing them in a collection area.

This role becomes tricky when there are lightning and water puddles. Puddles make a few regions inaccessible for the pickers, while lightning makes the situation hazardous.

Since the Range cannot continue operations without continuous collection of golf balls, they choose to close the facility down while the conditions persist. They open it again once the puddles recede or the lightning shifts away from the area.

How Rain Affects your Game

As mentioned above, driving ranges rarely shut down due to rain, so you don’t need to change your practice plans in most cases. However, that does not mean that your practice will remain unaffected. Rain will affect your game in the following ways:

1. Change Ground Texture and Humidity

Although the field can absorb the water from the rain significantly, the moisture affects its texture. The wet grass absorbs the force of the ball more than the dry grounds, reducing the intensity of the reaction. Thus, the ball doesn’t bounce as much, and the speed drops significantly.

Additionally, a downpour also increases humidity in the air, increasing the friction and causing the ball to slow down automatically. That also affects the force with which the ball hits the ground, reducing the impact force.

2. Affect Grip

Some driving ranges have covered arrangements for the launch areas while others don’t. The ones without the cover leave the players exposed and drenched, affecting their grip on the club.

All amateur and pro golfers know how critical grip is for good results. Unfortunately, rainwater makes the club slippery, making your hands lose their stable hold. The instability eventually affects the quality of your swing and may even cause the club to fly away from your hands.

3. Impair Focus

Precision is critical for golf, whether you are an amateur or a pro. Unfortunately, rain affects visibility and concentration, making it difficult to aim the swing as accurately as you usually would. Few players can overcome such a challenge without taking additional measures to maintain their focus.

Precautions to Take when Playing Golf While it’s Raining

You can’t change the impact on the distance the golf ball covers while it’s raining. However, you can take a few measures to prevent the weather from worsening your performance. Following are the top actions to take when practicing golf at a driving range while it’s pouring:

1. Keep an Umbrella

An umbrella will be a trusted part of your gear when the weather is scorching hot or raining. It will keep you protected against natural elements as much as possible, allowing you to maintain your concentration.

While an umbrella has its limitations, its presence will make the weather more bearable for you.

2. Wear the Right Gloves

Rain will weaken your grip and make it difficult to swing the club the way you want to. However, getting suitable gloves can help. Look for gloves made for rainy conditions and take them along to the driving range.

I typically have 2-3 different types in my gear, so I am well-prepared for the weather.

3. Protect your Gear

The last thing you want is to get your clubs and other accessories soaked because the moisture can impair their quality. Use an umbrella or buy a protective shield to ensure the water does not pour down on your belongings.

Additionally, make sure that you take everything out and dry it once you head back. Such precautions will help you prevent damage and elongate the gear’s life.

4. Use Rain Suit

A rain suit is a perfect way to prevent the water from soaking you. It might make you feel a little uncomfortable, but it is still the best solution under the circumstances. Staying out in the cold rain can make you ill, so wearing the rain suit is a fair precautionary measure.

5. Wear Waterproof Shoes

Finally, you’ll need waterproof shoes when playing to prevent rainwater from seeping inside. Regular shoes cannot keep the water out, becoming damaged and uncomfortable. Therefore, waterproof shoes are a great option.

Wrapping Up

In short, driving ranges open in the rain unless there’s lightning and excessive water puddles. Therefore, you can enjoy your golf practice as long as you take the necessary precautions.

While driving ranges can offer a fun outdoor experience for golfers, sometimes the weather isn’t cooperative. This begs the question “are driving ranges open in the rain or closed?”

Driving ranges do stay open if the rain is light to moderate. However, if the rain is heavy enough that it poses a risk to the players or the condition of the golf course then driving ranges will be closed as a precaution. 

Other factors like lightning and high winds can also play a role in whether or not the driving range stays open or not. Another factor is whether the driving range is at a normal golf course or at a place like TopGolf. 

In this article, I’m going to help you understand what weather conditions will typically force most outdoor driving ranges to close so you can plan ahead!

Are Driving Ranges Open in The Rain or Closed?

As I mentioned above, driving ranges and golf courses will typically stay open if the rain is light or moderate.

However, if the rain is heavy enough to soften the turf of the course — which makes driving a golf cart difficult — or could potentially cause players to slip and fall, then the range will usually be closed.

Keep in mind, owners of these ranges want to avoid as many accidents as possible. If an accident due to rain occurs, they can be held liable for any injuries sustained.

This is why they are typically very cautious when it comes to keeping a driving range open in poor weather conditions.

How Much Rain Does it Take For a Driving Range to Close?

Depending on the driving range or golf course you’re visiting, the amount of rain it takes to close will vary significantly. 

For instance, some driving ranges have a drainage system that is more than adequate when it comes to collecting rainwater and keeping courses relatively dry. 

However, some do not, which can lead to drainage problems and flooding during heavy rainstorms.

Generally, if a rainstorm lasts less than 1-2 hours, a driving range will not close. Instead, it may cause a rain delay which means you won’t be able to play until the rain has stopped.

On the other hand, a heavy rainstorm that lasts throughout the day, and doesn’t become less intense can certainly keep a driving range closed.

Risks of Golfing When It’s Raining

Now that we’ve answered the question “are driving ranges open in the rain or closed?” Let’s discuss the risks involved with golfing in rainy conditions.

Slipping & Falling

When swinging a golf club in the rain — especially if you’re swinging at a high speed/torque — then getting the proper amount of traction on the turf will be difficult.

This can lead to slipping and falling. Thankfully, though, you can prevent this from happening by wearing the right golf shoes.

I recommend going with spiked shoes. Even though spikeless shoes have been gaining popularity in recent years, they don’t provide the proper grip in wet conditions.

Diminished Grip on Your Clubs

Losing your grip on your golf club is another risk you face while golfing in the rain. 

While you may think this isn’t a big deal, a club can be a dangerous weapon for bystanders. If you lose your grip while swinging, it could fly out of your hands and hit someone nearby.

Many accidents like this occur on driving ranges and golf courses throughout the country. 

This is why you should keep your hands dry by keeping them under a golf umbrella and using a towel to wipe off your gloves in between swings.

There’s also golf gloves and grips out there that are specially designed to repel water.

Lightning Strikes

While you may only have a slim chance of being struck by lightning (a chance of around 1 in 500,000 to be exact) it’s still a possibility. 

This is especially true when you have a metal golf club in your hands as these can act as lightning rods.

This is why if a rainstorm is accompanied by high winds and lightning, golf courses and driving ranges will typically shut down as a precaution.

Are There Any Advantages to Golfing When it Rains?

It goes without saying, but rain doesn’t offer the most ideal conditions when it comes to golfing. 

With that being said, there are actually a few advantages as long as it isn’t a heavy rainstorm accompanied by lightning and high winds. 

Benefits include:

• Softer Greens: attacking pins becomes much easier when you’re dealing with softer greens (a result of the rain). This means balls will stop much quicker.

• Less People: driving ranges are usually packed (depending on the area you’re in). However, when it rains, casual golfers will typically steer clear of driving ranges and golf courses which can provide a much better experience for you.

• Bunker Shots Become Easier: damp sand is often a lot easier to play from in comparison to dry and soft sand. Light rain can help you generate more spin on your bunker shots, which can help stop the ball closer to the hole.

• Greens Become Easier to Read: putting on a wet green typically leaves behind a faint trail that reveals the line. This can be helpful — for instance, if your friend hits the ball before you on the same line, you will then know exactly which way your putt will break.

What Should You Wear When Golfing in The Rain?

If you do choose to visit a driving range in the rain, you should prepare for these conditions by wearing the proper clothing. Here are a few items that are essential for golfing in the rain:

1. Raincoat

A raincoat helps when it comes to keeping you dry because it’s designed to repel water. It also can protect your skin from high winds.

When shopping around for rain coats you can wear while golfing, I recommend finding one that is flexible and light. 

This will help you stay dry without limiting your movement when swinging a golf club!

2. Rain Pants

You may never have even heard of rain pants before, but these do come in handy, believe me!

Rain pants absorb and repel water, which can be essential for those who plan on driving golf carts and don’t feel like sitting on a wet seat.

3. Waterproof Golf Shoes

Getting your feet wet when golfing can cause you to lose control of your stance and potentially slip. Not to mention, it’s just uncomfortable!

This is why I recommend buying a good pair of waterproof golf shoes. 

While most on the market are waterproof, you should always check the product description or specifications to make sure.

4. Gloves

Non-slip gloves (either made of leather or polyester) can help you keep a good grip on your golf club in wet conditions.

Be sure to choose gloves that are designed for outdoor use in rainy weather. NOT regular golf gloves.

5. Golf Umbrella

Golf umbrellas have been a life-saver for me when golfing in the rain. 

They can help ensure your clubs stay dry while keeping you dry at the same time. I don’t recommend using one in high winds though, as they can be blown away.

6. Microfiber Towel

You should always have a microfiber towel handy for water that happens to find its way onto your gloves, clubs, or grips.

Personally, I keep 2-3 towels in my golf bag at all times. I use one to wipe my grips and the rest to wipe grass and mud off the clubface.

Final Thoughts

So…are driving ranges open in the rain or closed? The answer depends on the range you’re visiting (and the specific rules they follow) and the severity of the rain.

Generally, driving ranges will stay open in light to moderate rain, but will close during heavy rainstorms, especially if they are accompanied by lightning, high winds and hail.

If you plan on visiting a driving range, be sure to check your weather forecast for the day to ensure you won’t be sent home!