Rain Gear, Mid Am Recap, Pin Etiquette, and More

Good morning and welcome back. I passed on discussing rain gear in What to Wear this Fall because I believe it deserves its own post. As we transition to Fall here in the Northeast, it’s important to arrive at the course prepared for any type of weather. Layering becomes essential, and proper rain gear is a key part of the wardrobe.

I’ve belabored this point, but my suggestion is to buy your golf clothes from the same one or two brands. Why? It will help you build a wardrobe that you can layer without looking like a rainbow. I suggest Holderness, Peter Millar, or something of that similar caliber. I’ve heard rumblings that PM quality has dropped significantly in recent years, so do with that information what you will. If you’re new here, read How to Dress When Playing Golf to get a better idea on the brands I recommend.

Once you have solid base layers (and waterproof shoes ) it’s time to pull the trigger on rain pants and a rain jacket. Before we get to the specific brands, I have a few general words of advice before buying.

First, buy a matching set. Don’t show up in mismatching rain gear looking like you stopped by the local goodwill before teeing it up.

Second, stick to navy or black.

Third, all of my suggestions are going to be expensive, high quality stuff. You get what you pay for, and if you treat it right, good rain gear will last you at least a decade.

BTG’s Suggestions:

If you’re a member at a nice enough club, they should stock these with the club logo. Makes for a great gift for a spouse/kid. If you don’t want to go with any of the above brands, but still want high quality gear, just buy anything that has GoreTex fabric. Totally waterproof, top of the line material.

Accessories

You’re also going to want to buy a bucket hat that matches whichever rain gear you decide to purchase. I don’t want to see any backwards hats out there. I’d also suggest a big, durable umbrella to stash your towel (stick move, don’t care which brand, just get a big one) and some rain gloves from FootJoy.

That should complete the fit for when the weather turns. Let’s enjoy some Fall golf.

Pin in or out? It’s a question asked on almost every green.

To me, leaving the pin in or taking it out out sets the tone for the round. A quick round after work with my friends, where we are trying to get as many holes in as possible? You better believe the pin stays in. At a nice club with caddies and older gentlemen? Pin will be taken out on every hole, no exceptions.

If you find yourself paired with strangers, it’s best to ask out of courtesy to them on the first few holes to get a feel for what they prefer. And if you’re the only guy asking for the pin out on every hole? Might want to read the room and leave it be.

Before we get to the recap of the match play from Monday and Tuesday, there was a brutal DQ in the round of 64. Paul Mitzel’s caddy accepted a cart ride from between the 19th and 20th holes of the match, resulting in an automatic loss of hole, and in this case, the match. Brutal way to lose what was a hard fought match.

The more I think about it, the more I am starting to see the Mid Am as the purest amateur golf competition in the world. The US Am is overloaded with young talent who can all make money on NIL now, and a Mid Am hasn’t been in contention or won a US Am in a long time.

The Mid Am is where the true country club sticks shine. These are the guys that love the game for what it is, and somehow balance work with keeping their game at an elite level. I admire their love for the game, and wish that Golf Channel and the USGA would send a few camera folks out to Sand Valley next year to televise it. Even if its on Peacock, I’ll pay for it. It’s at the Lido!

Anyway, onto a quick recap of match play thus far (as of 7pm ET Tuesday), and a preview for the round of 16.

Down goes Hagestad! Christian Cavaliere takes him down 4&2, a decisive win over one of the best mid-Ams we’ve ever seen.

I’ll be back Friday to break down the quarters/semis. Will be doing some deeper dives into the guys that make it to the final matches.

A foursome playing 18 holes in 3:50 can only be considered “fast” if they completed the round in lockstep with the group ahead of them.

Yes, on paper the group outpaced a traditional 4 ball at many clubs, both public and private. However, time, like par, is just a number, and means nothing without context.

Holding up groups behind you, when you are out of position as a group, means you are playing slowly. Keep up with the group in front of you, not the one behind you.

I’ve had my eye on a Teryllium for a long time. 2025 may be the year I pull the trigger!

Talk soon,

BTG

Email me: [email protected]

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