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View Full Version : Pampered Touring Pros & the rain



TheNewBrad
10-27-2008, 06:53 AM
Okay sorry to do it to everyone but I think I have one rant left in me. Let me start off by saying that this has nothing to do with nationalities and is not a comment about one tour being stronger than the other. Whew!!! Here goes....

Although most would prefer golf to played in the sunshine with the birds chirping, mother nature doesn't always work that way. I really like that in the British Open, they play in rain, wind & shine. The players turn out in their top quality gear including the best outerwear; their caddies hold an umbrella over them when they're not hitting. They're really looked after as much as possible in the conditions.

It really is a test of golf in the wild weather & adds something to the occasion. It can be gripping stuff. Who could forget Padraig Harrington's 5 wood from the fairway on the 17th hole on day 4? Simply heart in the mouth stuff. A howling wind, danger left, danger right, danger at the back & he nailed it.

I saw a recent PGA event when play was suspended because it started to rain. Now, I'm not talking about a thunderstorm because I acknowledge that lightning is dangerous & play should be suspended. However, in this instance this was a simple delay because of rain.

I really got the feeling they were like 'pampered pooches'. I couldn't for the life of me understand why organisers didn't have play continue in the rain. It eventually stopped but that meant part of the 3rd round was played on the 4th day, so golfers were backing up for 1+ rounds on that day. Perhaps I'm missing something?

[rant over]

JB
10-27-2008, 06:57 AM
I disagree entirely. Most outdoor sports are stopped because of the rain. It is about preventing injury and making the game still fair and presentable.

ClairefromClare
10-27-2008, 08:39 AM
I volunteered for an event that got called for rain--shortened the tourney from 72 to 54 holes. I swear, I have never been so wet in my life. Caddies couldn't keep the clubs, dry; the grounds crew couldn't keep the greens squeegeed. I hate 54 hole tourneys, but I was miserable out there!

julie_m
10-27-2008, 11:42 AM
I don't know if anyone saw Padraig Harrington on "Playing Lessons with the Pros." It started to rain but he said "that's Ireland for you," and still did the episode. Not only that, but this gentleman actually held the umbrella over the lady host and helped her wipe her clubs. There are still the few gems out there who don't just figure "I'm not paid enough for this!"

TheNewBrad
10-27-2008, 04:39 PM
I don't know if anyone saw Padraig Harrington on "Playing Lessons with the Pros." It started to rain but he said "that's Ireland for you," and still did the episode. Not only that, but this gentleman actually held the umbrella over the lady host and helped her wipe her clubs. There are still the few gems out there who don't just figure "I'm not paid enough for this!"

It's good to see Padraig is as nice a guy as he appears.

Re the rain, I've been caught in it a few times whilst playing a round this Southern Hemisphere winter. Most times when it hit I was having a good round (just my luck!!), therefore, I didn't want to finish my round early. So, I donned what wet weather gear I had & finished it with my playing partner. Hence part of the reason for some of my other posts about wanting to find a good set of wet weather gear.

MO_Hacker
10-27-2008, 06:01 PM
I agree with you Brad, as long as there isn't lightning in the area keep playing. I really need to pick up some good rain gear. I bought some FrogTogs before a round in the rain, I ended up taking off the jacket because it was just too hot with it on. Gotta buy some gore-tex.

JB
10-27-2008, 06:05 PM
We have a rain gear review coming next week by a great company. Plus freebies.

Gummi Bear
10-27-2008, 07:30 PM
If you're cheap, or poor, and need rain gear...

Head to your local camping specialty store (REI or similar) and pick up some silicone spray sealant in an aerosol can. Spray your favorite windshirt or similar and it will be pretty well waterproof for a good while, or until you wash it. When I was a kid 3M Scotchgard was the cat's meow.

Here's the stuff I've used before: http://www.atsko.com/products/waterproofing/silicone-water-guard.html It's by the makers of Sno-Seal, and they specialize in water proof coatings for your stuff (I've used it on my boots since I was a young Scout)