How To Stay Safe In A Thunderstorm On The Golf Course.
- 1 - Don’t get your golf umbrella out. When the heavens open and the rain starts to fall, your first reaction might be to reach for your golf umbrella ...
- 2 - Leave your mobile phone in your bag. Another common move golfers make when they’re stuck out on the course is to make a phone call, but again we’d ...
- 3 - Stay away from any water hazards. Similar to the advice given to anyone in a boat or swimming when a thunderstorm approaches, you should endeavour ...
- 4 - Avoid standing under trees. Another part of the golf course to avoid is the trees around you. Don’t use them as shelter - studies have shown that ...
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Seek Shelter Immediately.
- Do not stand under tall trees or sit in a golf cart. ...
- You must get away from your cart and away from your golf clubs quickly.
- Stay away from water.
- If you are old-school and have metal spikes on, take them off.
What do you do on a golf course during a thunderstorm?
What do you do on a golf course during a thunderstorm? 1. Seek shelter 2. Follow the 3 sirens rule 3. Don’t stand under any trees 4. Avoid water puddles 5. Never use an umbrella 1. Are golf carts safe from lightning? 2. What is the meaning of the golf course lightning siren? 3. How can you tell how close a storm is on a golf course? 4.
How to stay safe from lightning on the golf course?
Always be aware of changing weather conditions and sky conditions on the golf course; be alert for thunder and for lightning. If you hear thunder, it means that lightning is within striking distance. The first step in staying safe from lightning on the golf course is awareness of weather conditions and expected weather conditions during your round.
Is it safe to play golf during a storm?
Anyone sitting inside will be able to be safe from getting struck by lightning. Once a storm has passed, golf players can safely make their way back to the clubhouse where they are better protected. While it’s not recommended to play golf while there is lightning, the recommended waiting time between strikes is 30 minutes.
How do lightning and thunderstorms affect golfers?
Over half of all golf course-related lightning deaths happen after a thunderstorm has passed over. Because lightning is attracted to standing objects, a golfer is usually the tallest object on the grass. It’s obvious that most lightning comes from a cloud by an electrical build-up and discharges to the ground.
What do you do in a golf course during a lightning storm?
Golf and Frisbee Golf are the only sports with regulations relating to lightning. A good rule for everyone is: "If you can see it (lightning), flee it; if you can hear it (thunder), clear it."
Is it safe to golf during a thunderstorm?
And in a typical year, lightning kills more people than tornadoes or hurricanes. A golf course is an especially dangerous place during a thunderstorm because it has isolated, tall trees and wide-open spaces where golfers can be the tallest target.
What are the chances of getting struck by lightning on a golf course?
The odds of being struck by lightning on a golf course is 1:3,000. The odds of becoming a lightning victim in the US is 1:700,000. Lightning can kill people or cause cardiac arrest, severe burns, permanent brain damage, memory loss, and personality changes.
Why is it not wise to play golf during a thunderstorm?
Lightning can be a killer. And, yes, lightning does kill golfers. The number of lightning deaths per year on the golf course is small, but the United States' National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association says that five-percent of all lightning deaths and injuries in the United States happen on golf courses.
Will a golf cart protect you from lightning?
The following is helpful information for you to consider from the National Weather Service: "If a substantial building is not available, enclosed motor vehicles can provide shelter as long as patrons do not touch the metal framework during the thunderstorm (golf carts are not safe vehicles).
How many golfers get struck by lightning?
He died at the golf course. John Jensenius, a lightning safety specialist at the National Lightning Safety Council, said there have been 12 golf-related lightning fatalities in the U.S. since 2006.
How many golfers get hit by lightning every year?
Since 2006, there have been 12 golf-related lightning fatalities in the nation, including two this year, according to John Jensenius, a lightning safety specialist at the National Lightning Safety Council.
Where do the most lightning deaths occur?
Florida, Texas, Colorado, North Carolina, Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Missouri, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania have the most lightning deaths and injuries. Florida is considered the “lightning capital” of the country, with more than 2,000 lightning injuries over the past 50 years.
Can you play golf in heavy rain?
Yes. You can play golf in the rain provided it poses no threat to player safety, and if the course remains playable and not waterlogged. If water begins pooling on the fairways and greens, or if lightning is present, it is recommended to halt play until conditions improve.
How do you prevent lightning in an open field?
If caught in an open field, seek a low spot and crouch with your feet together and head low. Stay away from objects that conduct electricity, such as barbed wire fences, power lines, windmills, and other tall objects. Drop metal objects like golf clubs, fishing poles, umbrellas, and backpacks with metal frames.
How much rain is too much for golf?
Can You Play Golf in Heavy Rain? Yes, you can play golf in heavy rain, as long as there has not been a lightning strike in the area within the last 30 minutes. To successfully play golf in the rain, make sure you have extra towels in your golf bag.
Can you get struck by lightning holding a golf club?
Contrary to popular belief, metal doesn't attract lightning. "Tall, isolated objects attract it," Holle says. "The idea that carrying golf clubs will increase your chances of being struck isn't proven."
Can a golf ball be hit by lightning?
One teen was hitting some shots at Topgolf San Antonio with his friends over the weekend when one of his golf balls was struck by lightning — mid-air. Topgolf, which posted the video on its Instagram account, said the ball was traveling 88 miles per hour when it was struck.
What do you do on a golf course during a thunderstorm?
If there is the lightning protected hut, you can wait there until the storm passes. Avoid covered golf carts since these won’t provide much protection, they’re also an electrocution danger if they get stuck. Be sure not to hide next to concrete walls that have any overhang, since this is also a lightning danger.
How to tell how close a thunderstorm is to a golf course?
There is a certain number of tell-tale signs that help you can estimate how close a thunderstorm is to a golf course. The first is the number of times lightning occurs and the proximity of how far away the storm is. Counting between the initial lightning flash until you hear the thunder tells the distance.
What are the USGA golf course lightning policy and rules?
There are blurbs about having the right to play the game if there is lightning in rule 6-8. However, it can be difficult to find anything mentioned about safety in their rules and regulations guide. On their official site, they do make the following recommendations for lightning safety.
What is the siren rule for golf?
In an immediate sense of finishing around right away without question is three shorts siren blasts. Most of the standard golf courses have adapted to this siren rule. In areas where there are last-minute warnings for a lightning storm, these three siren blasts will sound-off.
How many golfers die from lightning each year?
The number of golfers killed each year in the US now represents 27 golfers per year. With the popularity of golf reaching a younger audience, the age group of fatalities is getting younger.
Why do golfers die from lightning?
Over half of all golf course-related lightning deaths happen after a thunderstorm has passed over. Because lightning is attracted to standing objects, a golfer is usually the tallest object on the grass. It’s obvious that most lightning comes from a cloud by an electrical build-up and discharges to the ground.
What are the rules for golf?
According to the golfing rules in 6 through 8, the golfer has the opportunity to finish their game at their own risk. They may also discontinue if they feel there is danger involved. This is where many golf courses have special waivers that don’t leave them at fault in case of wrongful death. This is possibly where the expression of play at your own risk’ comes from. But to be fair to players, each official golf course must supply safety zones for lightning.
How hot can a golfer get in a lightning strike?
Some facts you might not know about lightning: Air in a lightning strike can be heated up to 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is the lightning detection system on golf courses?
Many golf courses are now equipped with a lightning detection system that sets off a horn when lightning gets within a certain set distance from the course. Others have both a detection and prediction system.
How to get away from a golf cart?
You must get away from your cart and away from your golf clubs quickly. Stay away from water. If you are old-school and have metal spikes on, take them off. If stranded in the open, go to a low place such as a ravine or valley, or the lowest spot you can find.
How much electricity does a ground strike produce?
A ground strike can produce somewhere between 100 million to one billion volts of electricity.
When does lightning strike?
Most lightning incidents occur when people are caught outdoors in the summer months during the afternoon and evening (between 2:00-6:00 p.m.).
Can lightning and golf mix?
Lightning and golf do not mix. Taking a chance and hitting a few more shots or going one more hole could prove deadly. As a golf coach and instructor, some may say that I am, on occasion, over cautious.
Is it safe to stay outside during lightning?
No place outside is safe if lightning is in the vicinity. Partially enclosed shelters are not safe. If no safe shelter is available ... stay away from the tallest objects (trees, light poles, flag poles), metal objects (fences or golf clubs), standing pools of water, and fields.". Stay safe this summer, and remember, golf, ...
How to stay safe from lightning?
Crouch down in the sand with your head tucked between your knees and your feet together. Doing this will reduce the likelihood of being struck and your vital body parts are protected. So there you have it, some easy-to-use safety tips you can implement to stay safe on the golf course if thunder and lightning come out of nowhere.
What happens if you use lightning?
If you’re using it when the lightning begins to strike, you could draw it towards you with severe effects. A 15-year-old was struck by lightning when making a call out on the golf course and she was instantly placed into cardiac arrest - so stay silent.
Is it dangerous to play golf in a thunderstorm?
It’s fair to say that playing golf in a thunderstorm is fraught with danger - just ask American professional golfer Lee Trevino, who was struck by lightning back in 1975 during the Western Open.
What to do if you can't get off a golf course?
If caught on the course and unable to get off, AVOID open high ground and isolated large trees. Do NOT stand under trees.
What to do if lightning strikes?
If lightning strikes are flashing, immediately make your way to the clubhouse, pro shop, your vehicle or designated lightning shelters (if any).
What to do if no shelter is available?
If no safe shelter is available ... stay AWAY from the tallest objects (trees, light poles, flag poles), metal objects (fences or golf clubs), standing pools of water, and fields.
Where to go when you are in an open area?
If you are in an open area, go to a low place such as a ravine or valley. Be alert for flash floods, and try to reach the indoors whenever safely possible.
Where to go if you're stranded in the open?
If stranded in the open, go to a low place such as a ravine or valley, or the lowest spot you can find.
Do golf courses have sirens?
Golf courses in areas of frequent thunderstorms may have bad weather procedures (such as sirens) in place to warn golfers. Here are some Do's and Don'ts If Caught On the Golf Course During Lightning Storm:
Is lightning a conductor?
Lightning seeks the path of least resistance on its way to the ground, and the human body is a good conductor due to the body’s large percentage of water. While metal is a better conductor (lightning travels easily—and over long distances—through metal objects such as fences and railroad tracks), if you live in an area with frequent thunderstorms (and enjoy playing golf even in weather), then you are at risk.
What to do if you have a lightning problem?
Do NOT seek shelter under a tree. Lightning strikes the tallest objects. If you can, move to the clubhouse or another building near your location to find shelter indoors. Avoid contact with electrical devices and metal.
What to do if you are in a golf buggy?
Avoid contact with electrical devices and metal. This means do NOT seek shelter in the golf buggy, don’t touch your golf clubs, umbrella or mobile phone and stay away from metal fencing.
How many spectators were injured in the Tour Championship?
Six spectators were injured following two lightning strikes at the Tour Championship in Atlanta, USA. Sadly, this is far from an isolated incident. In 2017, one of our policyholders, 60-year-old Philip Shard, lost his life after being struck by lightning while on the course. Philip was the fifth golfer since 1999 to die on a UK golf course ...
How long after a lightning flash can you play?
Avoid water and find a low-lying open place which is far from trees and metal objects. Don’t rush back out onto the course straight away. Wait 30 minutes after the last lightning flash before resuming play, as over half of lightning deaths occur after the storm has passed.
How many burn spots are there in lightning?
Check for burns – there’ll usually be two burn spots from where the lightning entered and left the body.
Know Your Threats
The first item on any severe weather safety checklist is to know your threats.
Develop An Action Plan
Once you have a list, it’s time to take action. When severe weather threatens your golf course you have to act quickly to protect property, people, and finances.
Fetch Reliable Weather Data
The most important thing that all weather safety plans need is reliable weather data. You can’t make life-or-death operational decisions with faulty or free weather information.
Notify Everyone
Once you have the right data to make decisions with you need to notify everyone and get them out of harm’s way. There are a couple different ways you can receive weather alerts. We’ll go over some tried and trusted ways.
Identify Shelters
Once everyone knows of an incoming severe weather threat, they must seek shelter. Unfortunately for those on golf courses, sometimes shelters can be few and far between. Most of the time, golf courses need more lead time to warn guests about incoming weather because of this reason.
Know Who Activates the Plan
Your severe weather safety plan can’t start until someone or something activates it. You can take care of all the previous items on this list, but if you don’t have a system for starting your plan, it can’t do you any good.
Practice Your Plan
Practice makes perfect for both golf and severe weather safety. One of the most important items on the severe weather safety checklist for golf courses is to practice.
