Golf Etiquette in Wet Weather: What Foreigners Need to Know

Why Rainy-Day Etiquette Matters in Japan

Golf etiquette in Japan is notoriously strict—and rainy-day golf is even stricter. During tsuyu (梅雨) season, the difference between respected golfers and problem players becomes obvious. This guide explains Japanese golf etiquette during wet weather so you stay welcome at courses and avoid embarrassing situations.

Dress Code: The Rainy-Day Rules

What Japanese Golfers Wear in Rain

Upper Body:

• ✅ Waterproof jacket (Gore-Tex or equivalent) — mandatory
• ✅ Long-sleeve shirt (moisture-wicking) — required
• ✅ Thermal base layer — recommended (June rain is surprisingly cold)
• ❌ Cotton shirts — absolutely not (absorbs water, uncomfortable)
• ❌ Regular rain jacket — inappropriate (golf-specific waterproof required)

Lower Body:

• ✅ Waterproof golf pants — mandatory
• ✅ Long pants only — no shorts allowed in rain
• ✅ Moisture-wicking material — preferred
• ❌ Jeans — never acceptable
• ❌ Shorts — forbidden (even if rain slows)

Feet:

• ✅ Golf shoes with spike cleats — standard
• ✅ Waterproof socks (merino wool) — highly recommended
• ✅ Bring 2-3 extra socks — change if feet get wet
• ❌ Sneakers/running shoes — inappropriate
• ❌ Wet socks all day — will mark you as inexperienced

Key Rule: Dress for Japan’s rainy golf, not American casual golf. Japanese courses expect serious gear, not fashion.

On-Course Etiquette: Rainy-Day Specifics

Equipment Care (More Important in Rain)

Club Maintenance During Play:

1. Dry grips after EVERY shot — Japanese players do this religiously

2. Use towel properly — Designated towel, not random fabric

3. Clean club head — Remove mud/grass after shots

4. Wet weather advantage: Other players notice and respect proper technique

5. Wet weather disadvantage: Sloppy players become instantly obvious

Why it matters: Wet grass sticks to clubs. Leaving clubs dirty:

• Damages fairways for next players
• Shows disrespect to course
• Marks you as amateur internationally

Ball Handling (Different in Rain)

Standard (Dry Day):

• Mark ball once, no issue
• No discussion needed

Rainy Day (Tsuyu) Rules:

1. Mark ball on EVERY putt — Even on fairway approaches

2. Explain markings to group — “Marking for visibility in rain”

3. Clean ball frequently — Every 2-3 holes minimum

4. Check cup for water — Tell marshal if water in cup (rare but happens)

5. Document wet conditions — Photos if course is muddy (for later discussion)

Cart Etiquette (More Critical in Rain)

Mandatory in Rainy Conditions:

• ✅ Stay on cart paths ALWAYS — No driving on wet fairways (ever)
• ✅ One person drives while one walks — Split to reduce cart traffic
• ✅ Place cart in neutral on slopes — Prevents sliding in mud
• ✅ Don’t stop near greens — Park 20+ meters away
• ✅ Take only one seat — Save space for other items

Violations = Course Ban:

• ❌ Driving cart on fairway (will damage course)
• ❌ Stopping near green (marks up turf)
• ❌ Racing/speeding (unprofessional)
• ❌ Parking carelessly (blocks marshals)

Real consequence: Get reported for cart violations and you’ll be asked to leave. No refund. Reputation destroyed.

Pace of Play (Adjust Expectations)

Normal Summer Round: 4 hours 15 minutes

Rainy Season Round: 4 hours 45 minutes – 5 hours 15 minutes

What to DO:

• ✅ Accept slower pace = rain slows everyone
• ✅ Be ready before your turn (line up putt while others hit)
• ✅ Walk briskly between shots
• ✅ Skip unnecessary practice swings
• ✅ Don’t take photos/videos during play

What NOT to do:

• ❌ Rush other players
• ❌ Hit “ready golf” without permission (Japanese courses don’t do this)
• ❌ Complain about pace
• ❌ Skip hole (slow play is expected, not frowned upon)

Green Etiquette (Stricter in Rain)

Pre-Putting Rules (Normal + Rainy):

1. Mark ball immediately — Don’t step on line

2. Place mark behind ball — Not to side

3. Aim line never stepped on — Ever

4. Don’t stand in sight line — Even slightly off

Rainy-Specific Green Rules:

1. Wet greens are fragile — Heavy footsteps leave prints for hours

2. Walk lightly — Heel-to-toe, not stomping

3. Don’t repair while others putt — Wait for turn after shot

4. Fix YOUR ball mark — Even tiny divots must be fixed

5. Walk around green perimeter — Not across if possible

6. Don’t remove water from green — Marshals do this, not players

Green Violations You MUST Avoid:

• ❌ Walking across green casually (will mark it)
• ❌ Not fixing ball mark (disrespectful to next group)
• ❌ Repairing while others putt (distracting)
• ❌ Leaving water on green (affects play)
• ❌ Touching green needlessly (leaves marks)

Weather-Specific Etiquette

Lightning (Emergency Protocol)

What Happens:

1. Course marshall sounds horn (different tone = lightning alert)

2. All players must stop immediately

3. Return to clubhouse/shelter

4. Wait for all-clear signal

Your Responsibilities:

• ✅ Stop play IMMEDIATELY upon horn
• ✅ Walk quickly (don’t run) to clubhouse
• ✅ Don’t use umbrella during lightning (conducting rod)
• ✅ Wait patiently for all-clear
• ✅ Don’t argue/question safety decision

Violation = Course Ban: Lightning safety is non-negotiable.

Flooding (Playability Questions)

If fairway is waterlogged:

1. Ask marshal’s permission before proceeding

2. Don’t cut through flooded areas (damages course)

3. Use designated cart paths only

4. Report hazardous areas to marshal

5. Accept marshal’s decision if they say “don’t play”

If course cancels due to flooding:

• Course policy = course decision
• Refund policies vary by course
• No arguing with marshal
• Accept gracefully

Heavy Rain (When Play Continues)

During Heavy Rain Downpours:

• ✅ Continue play normally
• ✅ Maintain etiquette even more carefully
• ✅ Help others (assist with towels, gear)
• ✅ Show respect to course staff
• ✅ Don’t complain about weather to other players

Japanese player expectation: Rain is part of golf. Playing in heavy rain shows:

• Commitment to the game
• Respect for the course
• Understanding of Japanese golf culture
• Appropriate skill level (not intimidated)

Lunch & Break Etiquette

Lunch Timing

• Must finish front 9 by 12:00 PM (tightly enforced)
• Take lunch 12:00-1:00 PM (standard window)
• Resume back 9 by 1:15 PM (strict schedule)
• In rain, schedule may shift by 15-30 min; ask marshal

Lunch Behavior

• ✅ Change wet socks if possible
• ✅ Store wet clothes in locker (not in common area)
• ✅ Use provided towels/dryers for equipment
• ✅ Order lunch from course restaurant
• ❌ Don’t bring outside food
• ❌ Don’t leave wet gear on seats
• ❌ Don’t monopolize warming area

Waterlogged Course = Faster Lunch

• If course is very wet, lunch may be shortened to 40 min
• Accept without complaint
• Be ready to resume play quickly

Interaction with Course Staff

How to Communicate Respect

Speaking to Marshals:

• Use respectful language (“Thank you for managing pace,” not “We’re too slow”)
• Follow all instructions without question
• Bow slightly when receiving guidance (seriously—appreciated in Japan)
• Never argue about rules or conditions

With Other Players:

• Acknowledge good shots (“Nice shot!” = universal)
• Don’t give unsolicited advice
• Help with gear if someone struggles
• Share umbrella protection if you have extra

With Course Staff/Caddy:

• Address as “san” (even without name: “caddies-san”)
• Thank staff repeatedly throughout day
• Offer water bottle/drink to caddy
• Tip caddy ¥5,000-10,000 if exceptional service

The Japanese Golf Bow

When to bow:

• After being given instructions by marshal ✅
• When thanking caddy (especially in rain) ✅
• When leaving course (small bow to staff) ✅

How to bow:

• 15-30 degree angle from waist
• Hold 2-3 seconds
• Brief nod is acceptable alternative

Result: Japanese golfers will respect you significantly more.

Common Mistakes: What Foreigners Get Wrong

Mistake #1: Overdressed = Understandable, But…

• Wrong: “I’ll just wear my rain jacket over shorts”
• Right: Full waterproof pants + long sleeves minimum
• Why: Looks unprofessional; marks you as tourist

Mistake #2: Rushing Pace

• Wrong: Hitting before group ahead is completely clear
• Right: Wait for all players to reach green, then hit
• Japanese standard: Much slower than American “ready golf”

Mistake #3: Not Fixing Ball Marks

• Wrong: Fixing only obvious divots
• Right: Fix EVERY impression from your ball
• Consequence: Other players will judge you

Mistake #4: Leaving Wet Gear Everywhere

• Wrong: Leaving waterproof jacket on clubhouse bench
• Right: Putting it in locker/dryer area immediately
• Why: Course staff shouldn’t clean up after you

Mistake #5: Arguing About Rules/Cancellations

• Wrong: “This isn’t that wet, why are we canceling?”
• Right: “Thank you for checking safety; we appreciate it”
• Result: You’ll be invited back; argumentative players are banned

How to Leave a Great Impression in Rain

Before You Leave

1. Rinse equipment at wash station (if available)

2. Dry clubs with provided towels

3. Return any rented gear to pro shop

4. Thank caddy specifically (“Caddies-san, thank you for excellent service in difficult weather”)

5. Tip ¥5,000-10,000 if service was good

6. Tell staff positives (“Excellent course maintenance; really impressed”)

7. Small bow to staff as you leave

Post-Round

• ✅ Tell friends/social media: “Fantastic experience”
• ✅ Write 5-star review mentioning rainy-day professionalism
• ✅ Return next time (loyalty appreciated)
• ✅ Refer other respectful golfers to course

Result

• You’ll be welcomed back on future rainy rounds
• Staff will remember you positively
• You’ll get better service next visit
• You’ll be invited to exclusive events

FAQ: Rainy-Day Golf Etiquette

Q: Is it OK to ask to skip a hole if it’s too wet?

A: No. Play all holes. Skipping is never acceptable in Japan.

Q: What if my waterproof jacket has a hole?

A: Fix it before next round, or you’ll be asked to change. Have backup waterproof.

Q: Do I really need to bow?

A: Small nod is minimum. Full bow gains respect; appreciated in rain when you’re soaked.

Q: What if I play poorly in rain?

A: Completely normal. Japanese golfers expect worse scores. Focus on etiquette, not scorecard.

Q: Is it disrespectful to take photos during rainy rounds?

A: Yes, unless asked by others. Rainy rounds = serious golf, not tourist photos.

Final Etiquette Rule: Respect the Course

The Golden Rule of Japanese Golf (Especially in Rain):

“The course is more important than the score.”

In rainy conditions, this means:

• Don’t drive carts on fairways (damages grass)
• Fix everything you damage (ball marks, footprints)
• Follow pace expectations (don’t speed up, don’t slow down artificially)
• Dress professionally (waterproof = professional)
• Thank staff genuinely (they worked harder in rain)

Violating this principle = instant reputation damage

Next Steps: Prepare for Your Rainy Round

1. ✅ Get proper waterproof gear (see Article #1)

2. ✅ Book early morning tee time (7-8 AM)

3. ✅ Review this etiquette guide morning-of

4. ✅ Arrive 30 min early (show punctuality)

5. ✅ Thank staff, play respectfully, enjoy!

Related Golf Guides

• 📍 [Rainy Season Golf in Japan: Complete Tsuyu Guide](/rainy-season-golf-japan-complete-tsuyu-guide/)
• 📍 [Best Golf Courses for June in Japan](/best-golf-courses-june-japan/)
• 📍 [How to Book a Golf Course in Japan as a Foreigner](/how-to-book-golf-course-japan-foreigner/)
• 📍 [Golf in Kanto: Tokyo and the Surrounding Regions](/golf-in-kanto/)

---

Published: June 2026

Keyword Focus: Japanese golf etiquette, golf etiquette rain, tsuyu golf rules, rainy golf rules, Japanese golf culture

Perfect for: International golfers, first-time visitors, respectful players