Do Golf Courses Close When It Rains? Understanding Course Policies and Conditions

Golf courses don’t always close when it rains, but the course's specific policies and the severity of the weather play a significant role in whether play is allowed. While light rain may not stop a round, courses often close in cases of heavy rain, standing water, or lightning to protect the players and the course itself.

When Do Golf Courses Stay Open in the Rain?

Golf courses may stay open during light rain or when conditions are manageable. However, several factors influence whether the course remains open:

• Light Rain: If the rain is light and doesn't affect the course too much, many golf courses will remain open. The ground may be a little softer, but play can often continue, especially if the rain isn’t continuous or heavy.
• Cart Path Only (CPO): If the rain has softened the course’s grounds, courses may enforce a "Cart Path Only" policy. This means players are allowed to use golf carts but must stay on the cart paths to avoid damaging the turf. This allows play to continue without compromising the course conditions.
• Good Drainage: Some courses have excellent drainage systems that can handle a moderate amount of rain without causing standing water or muddy conditions. In such cases, the course may remain open, even after a light rain.

When Do Golf Courses Close Due to Rain?

Although many courses remain open in light rain, certain weather conditions can lead to a temporary closure. Here’s when you can expect a golf course to close due to rain:

• Standing Water: If the rain is heavy and causes standing water on the course, play will usually be suspended. Standing water can damage the course’s greens and fairways, so to avoid long-term harm, courses may close until conditions improve.
• Soft Ground: If the ground becomes too soft, golf carts can cause significant damage by leaving tire tracks that could ruin the course. In such cases, courses may restrict cart usage or even close the course until the ground dries sufficiently.
• Lightning: Lightning is a serious concern during storms, and safety is the top priority. Golf courses typically suspend play when lightning is in the area and will remain closed until the threat has passed. This is a common policy for all types of weather conditions involving lightning.

How Wet is Too Wet to Play Golf?

The condition of the course can significantly impact whether it is suitable for playing golf after rain. Generally, if the course is too wet, it becomes difficult to play because of the soft ground, which can slow the ball’s roll, make it harder to get traction for shots, and increase the likelihood of damaging the course.

Here are a few signs that the course might be too wet to play:

• Muddy Fairways: If the fairways are muddy and soft, playing on them may damage the turf, and golfers will have a hard time making clean shots.
• Unplayable Greens: If the greens are waterlogged or have standing water, putting can become impossible, and the surface can suffer long-term damage.
• Puddles or Standing Water: If puddles form on the fairways or greens, it’s a clear sign that the course is unplayable, as it could create uneven surfaces and prevent a proper shot.

Do Golf Courses Refund When It Rains?

Refund policies for rain-related cancellations can vary greatly between golf courses. In general, if the course is closed due to weather conditions, or if play is suspended for a significant amount of time, courses may offer partial or full refunds. However, most golf courses don’t provide refunds for rain delays unless play is halted early into the round or the course is unplayable.

It’s always a good idea to check the course's cancellation or refund policy in advance, especially during seasons when rain is common. Some courses may allow you to reschedule or offer rain checks if conditions prevent you from completing your round. Calling ahead to confirm the course's current conditions and policy will help avoid any surprises.

Conclusion: Know Before You Go

In conclusion, golf courses do not automatically close when it rains. While light rain may not stop play, heavy rain, standing water, and lightning can cause golf courses to temporarily close. To avoid any inconvenience, it's always best to call ahead and check the course’s conditions and policies before you head out.