If you’ve bought into the mindset that tough weather can actually be your edge, here’s how you take it a step further: preparation. That’s how you earn the right to step on the first tee, look around at the wind and rain, and think, “I’ve got this.”

Let’s start with the basics. You’ve got to dress for it. Sounds simple, but it’s a game-changer. You have to stay comfortable — and just as importantly, you’ve got to be able to swing in whatever gear the day calls for. So, practice in your rain gear. Wear the layers you’d actually compete in. Pull on the mittens, the beanies, whatever you usually avoid. Get used to the feel. Don’t make the first time you swing in that gear be on the first tee of your qualifier. And when it’s game time? Bring backups. Extra socks, gloves, a towel or three, maybe even a full change of clothes. Dry feet at the turn? That’s a total morale boost. Pro move: toss in a second pair of shoes.

Next up — play in those conditions. Seriously. Don’t dodge the bad days. Lean into them. Play in the drizzle. Head out when it’s gusting. You’ll start to understand how your ball reacts, how your tempo changes, how different the course feels. That kind of experience builds real, quiet confidence. You’ll know what to expect because you’ve lived it.

And finally — practice in that stuff. This is where most players fall off. They don’t want to hit balls into the wind. They avoid soggy short game reps. So when the tournament comes and it’s gnarly out? They’ve got nothing to lean on. If you’ve got access to a launch monitor or simulator, use it. Learn how spin affects flight. Learn how to flight it down without freezing your hands off. But honestly, nothing replaces real reps in real weather.

Here’s a quick wind tip: less spin = more control. And less spin comes from a smoother swing. The harder you swing, the more spin you create — and the more the wind can mess with it. So when it’s howling, club up, swing easy, keep it down, and trust it. You don’t need to force it. You need to own it.

The best players in bad weather aren’t just tougher — they’re prepared. Mindset plus preparation? That’s your advantage. So the next time the forecast stinks, don’t just survive it. Take over.

👉 Up Next: We’ll dive into a simple truth — practice doesn’t make perfect… it makes permanent. Let’s make sure you’re locking in the right things.