Let’s be honest: If we waited for perfect blue skies to play golf in Portland, we’d only play about three months out of the year. The "die-hards" know that winter and early spring in the PNW offer some of the most peaceful rounds of the year—if you have the right gear.
At ParWest Golf, we believe there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. Here is your 2026 guide to conquering the damp conditions and keeping your game sharp until summer arrives.
1. The Art of the "PNW Layering System"
The biggest mistake we see? Golfers wearing one giant, bulky coat. It restricts your swing and makes you sweat, which actually makes you colder. The secret is thin, technical layers.
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Base Layer: You need a moisture-wicking layer against your skin. Cotton is the enemy here; once it gets wet, it stays wet.
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Mid-Layer: A fleece or merino wool quarter-zip traps heat without adding bulk.
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Outer Shell: This is your shield. Look for a jacket with 4-way stretch so you can still turn through the ball.
Shop Our Men’s Outerwear Collection | Shop Women’s Layering Essentials
2. Traction is Everything
Portland courses can get slick. If you are still sliding around in spikeless casual shoes from July, you are losing power in your swing.
For winter play, we highly recommend switching to spiked footwear or aggressive tread patterns designed for soft ground. Waterproof warranties are also a must—wet socks are the quickest way to ruin a round.
3. Adjust Your Equipment for the Conditions
The air is denser and the ground is softer in January. That 250-yard drive in August might only go 230 yards right now because you’re getting zero roll.
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Club Up: Don't let your ego dictate the shot. Take one more club than you think you need.
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Check Your Loft: Come into the shop and let us check your driver loft. Adding a degree of loft can help maximize carry distance when the ball won't roll.
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Visibility: Grey skies make white balls hard to track. We are seeing a huge uptick in customers switching to high-visibility yellow or red balls for the winter months.
Shop High-Visibility Golf Balls
4. The "Mud Ball" Rule
Don't forget to bring a towel! In soft conditions, mud on the ball can cause wild hooks or slices. Keep a wet towel and a dry towel on your bag. Clean your ball on the green, and clean your clubfaces after every shot. Grooves filled with mud can’t spin the ball, meaning your approach shots will roll right off the back of the green.
5. Local Knowledge: Support Your Local Courses
Courses work hard to keep greens rolling during the rainy season. Be a good steward of the game: fix your pitch marks and keep carts on the path where required. The better we treat our local tracks now, the better they will be come June.
Ready to Winter-Proof Your Game?
Don't let the forecast scare you off the tee sheet. Stop by ParWest Golf locally in Portland to get fitted for the season, or browse our latest arrivals online.
