By ED TRAVIS
I have a confession to make. Unless it’s coming down in buckets or the wind is gale force, I like putting on my rain gear and playing golf in the rain. Most golfers at the first sign of “liquid sunshine” head for the 19th hole which makes the course less crowded and even if seeing tee shots roll an extra 20 yards is but a memory, trying to execute the shots called for to compensate for the conditions is fun.
That is, fun if you are wearing good rain gear. The jacket has to be waterproof, breathable and perhaps most important not restrict your swing. A rain pant must have the same advantages and shouldn’t look like they belong your big brother. In other words, besides getting wet you could be wasting your money. Here is a selection of the rain gear we at California Golf like and think you will too.
Galvin Green
The Apollo is full-zip GORE-TEX Paclite jacket that is 100% waterproof with a lifetime guarantee. Front pockets, adjustable chest tabs and GORE-TEX stretch technology allow a free range of motion in this lightweight and breathable rain beater that rolls into the size of a sleeve of golf balls for easy packing in your golf bag. The sleek design is great on and off the course and there is a choice of seven color combinations. $450
The Arthur pant goes with the Apollo jacket and made with the same quality and features. Galvin Green knows how rain pants fit is important and key to your comfort (and staying dry). They offer 22 different sizes ranging from S to 4XL with options of having a short, standard or long leg. $360. https://www.galvingreen.com/
Linksoul
The Polartec Rain Suit is made from lightweight stretch interlock nylon-polyester-polyurethane fabric tagged as Neoshell Technology and sized to fit over your usual outfit. In addition to being waterproof, wind resistant, soft and quiet as you swing the Polartec rain suit the material breaths to wick away moisture without letting any in. The jacket ($375) has front zipper pockets and is full zip with elastic around cuffs. Pant is ($350) similarly constructed. https://linksoul.com/collections/outerwear
Sun Mountain
A Tour Series jacket from Sun Mountain has a lot to like. There are3-layers plus it is lightweight, quiet and breathable and they offer a two-year waterproof guarantee. In other words, and most importantly it is “playable.” Fully seam-sealed with 4-way stretch and a waterproof zipper the Tour Series jacket also has storm-flapped zippered hand warmer pockets and laser cut adjustable cuffs. Priced at $199.99 the matching pant is the same price and features an Auto-Fit waist. https://shop.sunmountain.com/golf-outerwear
