Golf Safety During The Game

Golf Safety

Golf has certain inherent risks that must be taken into account. One of them is the possibility of being hit by an errant ball. This may be a badly hit ball that comes from another fairway, or a ball that is hit into your group from behind. It is also possible to hit yourself with your own ball while attempting to hit from out of the woods and hitting a tree. Care needs to be taken at all tines.

Another possibility exists when you are swinging your club to warm up before the game. You need to ensure that you are well clear of others when you do this. Take care not to swing towards anyone while taking practice swings. You could dislodge a stone and injure someone. When you practice your swings, practice golf safety

"Fore"

You cannot play a game without hearing" Fore" being shouted from somewhere on the course. It is shouted to indicate that there has been an errant hit and that everyone who hears should take care. The source of this term is unclear, although most agree that it is derived from the word "before".

It is the responsibility of the person hitting the ball to call "Fore" if there is any possibility of their ball striking anyone. Others in the foursome should also shout.

Lightning Storms

Golf can be played in both good and inclement weather. This could lead to dangerous problems with golf safety. One result of playing in rainy weather is the potential for being present during a lightning storm. Because of the use of metal clubs, and in wet conditions out in the open, the risk of a lightning strike is very real. Most clubs will have a system of alerting players so that they can take shelter. The warning system may be a siren or a horn. However, the primary responsibility is yours. You must be prepared to seek shelter if you perceive the risk. After the risk of lightning has passed, the siren or horn will announce the "All Clear", or the marshal will notify players.

The following article was compiled from a variety of web sites:

Lightning Safety Tips

According to some reports, lightning claims more lives every year than hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods combined. That's a lot of people. And golfers, with their hand held lightning rods, are as likely to be killed as anyone unless they're careful.

How deadly is lightning? If you're hit by lightning, you probably won't get another chance to lower your golf handicap. A typical shock from lightning sends several thousand amps through your body in an instant. Unfortunately, it takes only two amps to stop your heart. So your chances of surviving after being struck by lightning aren't good. That's why you should know exactly what to do when you're on the course and lightning strikes.

Here's a short instruction session on what to do.

Get off the course immediately: If you see lightning or hear thunder, even in the distance, get off the course immediately. Squalls and thunderstorms bearing lightning move quickly sometimes. Before you know it, they're right on top of you, catching you unprepared. If you see trouble, get off the course instantly. This is a basic tenet of maintaining golf safety.

Learn the 30-30 rule:

• Take appropriate shelter when you can count 30 seconds or less between lightning and thunder.
• Remain sheltered for 30 minutes after the last thunder.

Also do these things:

• If you are in a group in the open spread out, keeping people several yards apart.
• Stay away from objects that conduct electricity, such as golf clubs, metal fences, golf carts. Contrary to what some people believe a golf cart does not offer protection.
• Avoid being the highest point in an open area. Swinging a golf club or holding an umbrella (metal or graphite) can make you the tallest object and a target for lightning.
• Seek shelter in low-lying areas such as valleys, ditches and depressions but be aware of flooding.
• Find a dense wooded area: If you are far from shelter find a dense wooded area. Don't seek refuge under a lone tree. That's extremely dangerous. Thickets of short trees, on the other hand, are relatively safe. Seek shelter in a low-lying area under a thick growth of small trees or bushes. Crouch down away from tree trunks.
• Crouch down: If your skin tingles or your hair stands on end, a lightning strike may be about to happen. Crouch down on the balls of your feet with your feet close together. Keep your hands on your knees and lower your head. Get as low as possible without touching your hands or knees to the ground. DO NOT LIE DOWN! You want as little of the ground touching your body as possible as lightning often travels through the ground
• Stay away from water. Lightning can strike the water and travel some distance from its point of contact. Don't stand in puddles even if you are wearing rubber boots.

The Sun

The sun has many beneficial effects on earth. Unfortunately it can also be destructive to human skin, and cause cancer and other skin problems. Prevention can avoid these negative effects. Sunburn should always be avoided, as it is the warning of potentially more serious problems. When golfing you should always wear adequate protection against the sun. Wherever clothing does not cover the skin, make sure that you use a good sun screen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 30 or higher.

There is one area that many people forget when they think of sun protection - the eyes. You should always wear sunglasses, unless it is raining or very dark. Remember, as long as it is daytime, there is a risk of UVA/UVB damage, even though the clouds appear solid. If you don't want to wear sunglasses then for your own eye safety wear a pair of clear lenses that are coated with UVA/UVB protection.

And remember - golf safety is your own responsibility!

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