While many say that it never rains on a golf course, the reality is that it does, often far too frequently. This can be unpleasant but can also damage your clubs or make them challenging to use should you continue playing. To assist with this we take a look at the best golf bag rain covers.
Playing Golf In The Rain
A round of golf can often be played in light but steady rain. If the rain starts falling harder, you would have to rush for the clubhouse. A sudden cloudburst causing heavy downpours can occur quite often while playing a round of golf.
Golf clubs and golf bags are expensive items and it is essential to protect them from rain damage. With a quality golf bag rain cover, your clubs and, golf bag will be protected from rain damage and if you continue playing in light rain, the rain cover will prevent your club grips from getting wet.
To help you in deciding which rain cover will best suit you we will look at the best 6 Golf Bag Rain Covers.
At a glance: Our Top 6 Golf Bag Rain Covers
Selecting a Golf Bag Rain Cover
Waterproof golf bags are expensive and do not protect the clubs from potential rain damage. Selecting a durable rain cover that is lightweight, foldable and, easy to store is a more affordable and wiser option.
Several important factors have to be considered in selecting a rain cover, such as design, different types (Full or Hood), waterproof/water-resistant, type of material used, quick access to golf clubs, storage, maintenance, and price.
Design
It is important to check the specifications of a rain cover before making a selection as not all rain covers will be designed to fit your specific golf bag.
Rain covers with a universal design will fit most golf bags but if you are using a junior or pencil golf bag that is smaller the standard universal bag will be too big. Other rain covers are designed to only fit specific models of golf bags.
Certain models of rain covers are designed to work with specific models of golf pushcarts and there are also universal designs that will be compatible with most golf carts.
The following video will show you how to fit a golf bag rain cover
Styles
There are two styles of golf bag rain covers, namely, full or hood.
A Full Rain Cover will provide good protection from rain, and, sun (UV) damage for the entire golf bag
A Hood-style Rain Cover has a large hood-shaped cover that fits over the top of the golf clubs and will thus also protect the top of the golf bag. The rest of the bag however is not covered and has no protection from inclement weather or sun damage.
A hood-style rain cover is not recommended in heavy downpours but can be used in mild to moderate weather conditions. The hood can be pulled back allowing for easy, quick access to your golf clubs even with the hood being in place on the golf bag.
What is the Difference between Waterproof and Water-Resistant?
Knowing the difference between waterproof and, water-resistant can be the difference between having a wet golf bag and golf clubs or a dry bag and clubs during a heavy downpour of rain.
An international rating that is known as an IPX rating has been established and all products are certified by an independent company to indicate the degree of dust and water protection of a product.
An IPX rating of IPX 5 or IPX 6 will provide water protection from light and moderate rain, and, rain covers with this rating will be classed as water-resistant. The material used will not be strong enough to keep water out during a heavy downpour.
A waterproof golf bag rain cover will have an IPX Rating of IPX7 and will prevent water from entering your golf bag even during a heavy downpour.
Not all golf bag rain covers indicate the IPX Rating on their specifications.
Material
Almost all manufacturers of rain covers use either PVC or a nylon material as they have ideal characteristics which are needed in a rain cover.
- Nylon: Nylon is a synthetic material that is mostly waterproof and does not absorb any moisture. It stretches but does not shrink and is very durable and wrinkle-free. The material is lightweight and easy to fold to make it easy to store in the golf bag.
Nylon material is also easy to clean and relatively cheap. A huge advantage is that the product is rip-free.
- PVC: PVC is a material commonly used in products like raincoats and shower curtains. The material is waterproof and highly durable. PVC is a cost-effective, safe material that is tough and durable.
Quick Access to Golf Bag and Clubs
Easy access to your golf clubs while the full golf bag rain cover is fitted is important as you want to replace your club as quickly as possible to prevent water from entering the bag.
This is normally achieved by including a zipper and flaps for quick and easy access to the contents of the pockets on your golf bags. A negative aspect of zippers is that the entire cover must be unzipped to get to a golf club.
A Hood cover is designed to be pulled back, so you can reach in, get a club and then secure the hood back in place. It is a positive aspect of the Hood Rain Cover
Storage
The covers are designed to be thin so they can be easily rolled up into a compact shape that can easily fit into a pocket on a golf bag and therefore easily removed or replaced as required.
Care and Maintainance
These covers must be laid out flat, cleaned if needed, and allowed to dry out completely before being rolled up to store. Mould or mildew could occur if the covers are not completely dry before being rolled up and stored.
Price
A waterproof rain cover from a reputable manufacturer with a good name brand can cost between 30 to 60 dollars. Cheaper covers are normally water-resistant and not waterproof so it is advisable to pay that little bit extra to ensure that your golf bag and clubs are fully protected from the elements.
Reviews of the Best Golf Bag Rain Covers
Quick Overview: Our Top Picks for 6 Golf Bag Rain Covers
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | |
|---|---|---|---|
OUR RATING: 4.6/5 | Rain Tek Waterproof Golf Bag Rain Cover |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
| OUR RATING: 4.5/5 | Rain Wedge Easy Access Golf Bag Rain/Hood Cover |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
| OUR RATING: 4.4/5 | Aditat Waterproof PVC Rain Cover for Golf Bag and Carts |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
| OUR RATING: 4.3/5 | Cheng Yi Golf Bag Rain Cover |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
| OUR RATING: 4.3/5 | Amy Sport Golf Bag Rain Cover Waterproof Hood Projection |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
| OUR RATING: 4.1/5 | Seaforth Full Bag Slicker |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
The following golf bag rain covers are recommended:
1. Rain Tek Waterproof Golf Bag Rain Cover
The Rain Tek Waterproof Golf Bag Rain Cover is specifically designed for three-wheel carts and is made from durable, lightweight nylon.
It has a Full Bag Style that is dustproof and waterproof to ensure the entire golf bag is protected from the elements.
It is fitted with an easy hinged club access hood cover that makes it easy to take a club out of the bag quickly and easily. The cover has a unique high wind protection strap for a more secure fit.
It has convenient side and lower pocket access and a Rainproof pocket for the scorecard.
2. Rain Wedge Easy Access Golf Bag Rain/Hood Cover
This Rain Hood/Cover has a feature that allows you to flip up the lid cover and remove a club quickly with the other hand from the golf bag.
The cover is easy to attach to the bag using Grip Clips and Straps that can be attached or removed in seconds and stays secure on the golf bag. The locking zipper will make sure that the cover remains secure and closed even in strong windy conditions.
The cover is made of a durable rip-stop nylon material that is waterproof and dust-proof and can be fitted to carry bags, golf bags on pushcarts and, motorized carts.
The Retractable Rods System will allow for clearance up to 14 inches from the top of the bag that will provide more than enough clearance even for the largest drivers.
The only negative aspect is that it only protects the golf clubs and the top of the golf bag. The rest of the golf bag is exposed to the effects of the environmental elements.
3. Aditat Waterproof PVC Rain Cover for Golf Bag and Carts
The Aditat Golf Bag Rain Cover is made of a translucent PVC material, is lightweight, durable and, will withstand long-term use. It will protect your bag throughout the year in rainy or sunny weather.
The cover is water and dustproof and is also very good at protecting the bag from dirt and will allow your bag to always look good. It will prevent your bag and club head covers from fading caused by UV damage.
The cover is fitted with a zipper and metal buckle design that allows you to secure the cover in place. The cover can be fitted to carry bags or can be strapped to a golf cart.
4. Cheng Yi Golf Bag Rain Cover
This Golf Bag Rain Cover is a universal rain cover that will fit most golf bags and can also be used together with a golf pushcart.
It is easy to put on and take off and can be folded to put into a small carry bag that can be easily stored in one of the golf bag pockets. It is easily cleaned by wiping it down with a damp cloth.
The cover is made out of a lightweight PVC material with a zipper design to protect the golf bag and golf clubs from dust and rain. It also offers antistatic and UV protection that prevents the golf bag and the club head covers from being damaged by the sun.
The Cheng Yi Golf Bag Rain Cover is tough and durable and with features such as dustproof, waterproof with UV and, antistatic protection, it can be used throughout the whole year for maximum protection.
5. Amy Sport Golf Bag Rain Cover Waterproof Hood Projection
The Amy Sport Golf Bag Rain Cover is a Hood-style rain cover that fits over the top of the golf bag and protects the golf heads from damage.
The cover is made with a durable, lightweight flexible, rip-stop material that is waterproof and can be rolled up to the size of a sleeve of golf balls making it the perfect size to store in one of the golf bag side pockets.
The cover has an easy-access design and can be easily and quickly attached to your bag with the use of Elastic, Snaps and, Velcro allowing for a snug, secure fit. The cover fits most golf bags and can be adjusted for use on a carry bag, push-carts or, motorized carts.
As with all hood style rain covers it only protects the top of the golf bag and the clubs. The rest of the golf bag is exposed to the elements and is thus vulnerable to water and UV damage.
6. Seaforth Full Bag Slicker
The Seaforth Full Bag Slicker Golf Bag Rain Cover is a waterproof cover that is made of flexible, lightweight nylon that is easy to install and remove.
It is a universal bag that gives a secure, snug fit to most golf bags using a Snaps, Velcro and, Elastic system.
The cover is easily installed and removed. It folds up to a size that can easily be stored in a golf bag pocket, ensuring that it is available whenever needed.
The hood attached to the full fit bag cover can be easily opened allowing a club to be removed quickly.
Final Thoughts
There are two types of golf bag rain covers. A full golf bag rain cover, that covers and gives protection from light to heavy rainfall and UV damage to the entire bag or a Hood that only protects the top of the bags and club heads.
This article is aimed at giving you a better understanding of all the factors you will have to consider when deciding which golf bag rain cover will be best for you. A selection of the best products in full bag and hood rain covers have been reviewed.
In our assessment, we consider that the CHENG Yi Golf Bag Rain Cover stood out for maximum protection from the elements of your entire golf bag and clubs.
Please add your feedback in the comments section below.
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Nick is the founder of GolfSpan and an avid golfer. He's not quite a pro but has over 15 years of experience playing and coaching golfers worldwide. His mission is to bring the golfing community a better experience when it comes to choosing the right golf gear and finding the right setup for your game.
