A golf umbrella is considered a must have for anyone who hits the links regularly. Of course I do not need to explain its uses, yet I am compelled to mention that I use the umbrella in the rain and during very hot days. It has many uses that may be some of you do not even realize. So, I thought I would mention a plethora of uses for this weather shield.

In no particular order, here are the uses I have seen for an umbrella:

• Protection from the rain
• Protection from the sun
• Hang your glove around the handle to dry when not in use
• Hang your glove from the ribs when in use
• Hang a towel from the ribs when in use
• Hang your hat off the handle when not in use
• A walking stick
• Move branches when retrieving a golf ball
• A pointing stick when picking a target down the fairway
• Swatting bugs away

This list is not all encompassing, but ones that quickly came to me while writing. An umbrella is a useful piece of golf equipment that most golfers have in their bag. I like a large canopy umbrella because it covers my entire push cart and keeps me the driest.

I do not spend a great deal on an umbrella. I generally feel that all umbrellas are created equal and spending a princely sum is not worth the value. I could be wrong, but so far nothing has happened to change my mind.

I do not always carry my umbrella or even have it when using a cart (push or powered) I evaluate the day to determine if I need to bring it along. If there is even the slightest chance I will need my umbrella, I put it the bag. Better to be safe than sorry because I was caught a few times without one.

Do you carry an umbrella when playing golf? #golfchat

— The Grateful Golfer (@TheGratefulGolf) January 10, 2020

Back to my original question: do you carry and umbrella? Do you use it for more than keeping the rain off?

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!