So last Tuesday I woke up to this nasty storm hitting Buffalo Hills. Wind howling, rain slapping against the window – you know the drill. My tee time was in 30 minutes and I thought, “Screw it, I’m going anyway.”
Prepping for Disaster Mode
First thing, I grabbed my waterproof gear but made three critical changes:
- Used winter golf gloves instead of my regular ones (they grip better when wet)
- Stuffed microfiber towels in every pocket – regular ones turn into useless sponges
- Threw rain pants OVER my waterproof pants – double layer stops that chilly seepage
On the Course Survival Tactics
Hole 3 taught me the most when that sideways rain started. Tried hitting my usual 7-iron uphill and the ball just died mid-air like a wounded duck. Switched to choking down on a 5-iron with lower trajectory and suddenly was landing on greens. Key moves I adapted:
- Played every shot like it was into wind – even downwind lies lie
- Used 3-club rule: pick one club stronger than normal and swing easy
- Left the driver in bag after 2 duck hooks – hybrid off tee saved 4 strokes
Equipment Hacks That Actually Worked
My rangefinder fogged up by hole 7 – useless. Switched to counting sprinkler heads like my grandpa taught me. Smartest move? Put rain gloves on before they got wet – once soaked they never dry. Also kept spare balls in an inside jacket pocket so they weren’t ice cubes.
The Ugly Truth About Buffalo Hills Weather
You think you’re playing the course? Nah. When storms roll in, you’re playing the drainage system. Found out the hard way:
- Fairway puddles collect in the exact landing zones on holes 5, 9 and 14
- Bunkers turn into ponds – just take free relief or you’ll lose shoes
- Greens hold water near the back-right on most holes – aim front left
Would I Do It Again?
Hell yes. Shot 15 over my handicap but honestly? Beating the weather felt better than birdies. Keys for next time:
- Bring thermos of hot tea – no coffee jitters
- Rub antiperspirant on grips – sweaty hands = club launches
- Accept you’re there for the war story, not the scorecard
If you’re crazy enough to play Buffalo Hills in monsoon season, just remember – the clubhouse bar tastes infinitely better when you smell like wet dog.
