- Check the forecast and check it often. Seems simple enough but its no longer surprising when golfers are seemingly out of touch with what the daily forecast says.
- Download a reliable radar app. Having a reliable radar with you at all times, equipped with a lighting detection/prediction mode, should be something everyone should have on their phones.
- Seek Shelter Immediately. Scout out the locations for shelter on the golf course prior to your round. ...
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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 to do if there is lightning on the golf course?
Golf Safety warning – for golfers everywhere. Golf and lightning don’t mix. Be careful when you are on the course & do not try to beat the lightning! When the horn sounds, come in immediately !
Is it safe to play golf during a lightning storm?
Everyone associated with the game should participate in lightning safety. The United States Golf Association (USGA) makes available warning posters and stickers to inform players about lightning safety tips. Golfers know that the USGA Rules of Golf (Rule 5.7) allow players to discontinue play if they believe there is a danger from lightning.
How often do golfers get hit by lightning?
Approximately 5 per cent of annual lightning deaths and injuries in the US happen on the golf course, according to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association. Even golf pros have been struck by lightning.
Why is a golfer attracted to lightning?
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.
Can you get struck by lightning while golfing?
There have been a dozen documented cases of golfers killed by lightning since 2006, officials say. Nine of them were hit as they actively played, while the others were standing under a tree or other unsafe sheltering spot, data shows.
Should you play golf in a thunderstorm?
The rules of golf are straightforward when lightning is a risk. Rule 6-8 makes it quite clear that a player is entitled to discontinue play if he or she believes there is danger from lightning.
What is the best thing to do if you see lightning while you are playing outside?
Immediately get off elevated areas such as hills, mountain ridges, or peaks. Never lie flat on the ground. Crouch down in a ball-like position with your head tucked and hands over your ears so that you are down low with minimal contact with the ground. Never shelter under an isolated tree.
How many golfers are killed by lightning each 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.
What are 5 safety tips for lightning?
Protect Yourself from Lightning StrikesImmediately get off elevated areas such as hills, mountain ridges, or peaks.Never lie flat on the ground. ... Never shelter under an isolated tree.Never use a cliff or rocky overhang for shelter.Immediately get out of and away from ponds, lakes, and other bodies of water.More items...
What is the lightning rule for sports?
To resume athletics activities, lightning safety experts recommend waiting 30 minutes after both the last sound of thunder and after the last flash of lightning is at least six miles away, and moving away from the venue.
How do you survive a lightning strike?
Even if you survive, a lightning strike will have long-lasting effects on your body, including memory issues, muscle soreness and changes in mood. It's best to seek shelter within a sturdy structure or a hard-topped vehicle if lightning threatens your location while outdoors.
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.
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 on golf course?
The first step in staying safe from lightning on the golf course is awareness of weather conditions and expected weather conditions during your round. If you know that thunderstorms are possible, then you know to watch out (and listen out) for trouble.
How to avoid lightning strikes?
Go to large permanent buildings or get into a fully enclosed metal vehicle (car, van or pickup truck). Avoid trees since they attract lightning. Avoid small, on-course shelters: They are intended only for sun and rain safety. Don’t wait around for the next strike, please.".
What is the scariest thing to see on a golf course?
Lightning strike near a golf course - what every golfer fears. Richard Heathcote/Getty Images. Brent Kelley is an award-winning sports journalist and golf expert with over 30 years in print and online journalism. Lightning is one of the scariest and most dangerous things golfers will ever encounter on the golf course.
What does it mean when you hear thunder on a golf course?
If you hear thunder, it means that lightning is within striking distance.
What to do if you are caught on the golf course?
If caught on the course and unable to get off, do not stand under tall trees or sit in a golf cart. Do not stand under a lone tree, even a small one. Do get away from the cart and away from your golf clubs. Stay away from water. If you have metal spikes, take them off.
How far away is thunder?
It is recommended that you seek shelter if the time between the lightning flash and the rumble of thunder is 30 seconds or less (6 miles).
What does it mean when you have a tingling sensation when you stand up?
This is a scary and incredibly dangerous situation: A tingling sensation, or the hair on your arms standing up, during a lightning storm is a warning of an imminent, nearby strike.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 ...
Rules of Golf explained: Golf and lightning
Rule 5.7a says you must not stop play unless it’s suspended by the committee, you’ve agreed in match play, or… because of lightning.
Have a question for our Rules of Golf expert?
Despite the simplification of the Rules of Golf at the beginning of 2019, there are still some that leave us scratching our heads. And as I’ve passed the R&A’s level 2 rules exam with distinction, I am more than happy to help.
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 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.
How many deaths from lightning in a year?
According to ready.gov’s section on “Thunderstorms & Lightning,” lightning continues to be one of the top three storm-related causes of fatality in the U.S, causing 51 deaths on average per year.
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.
How to avoid lightning?
Lightning: Lightning Safety Tips 1 Avoid water#N#Do NOT bathe, shower, wash dishes, or have any other contact with water during a thunderstorm because lightning can travel through a building’s plumbing. 2 Avoid electronic equipment#N#Do NOT use your computers, laptops, game systems, washers, dryers, stoves, or anything connected to an electrical outlet. Lightning can travel through electrical systems, radio and television reception systems, and any metal wires or bars in concrete walls or flooring. Equip your home with whole-house surge protectors to protect your appliances. 3 Avoid corded phones#N#Corded phones are NOT safe to use during a thunderstorm. Do NOT use them. However, it is safe to use cordless or cellular phones during a storm. 4 Avoid windows, doors, porches, and concrete#N#Do NOT lie on concrete floors during a thunderstorm. Also, avoid leaning on concrete walls. Lightning can travel through any metal wires or bars in concrete walls or flooring.
What to do when a thunderstorm hits?
Avoid windows, doors, porches, and concrete. Do NOT lie on concrete floors during a thunderstorm. Also, avoid leaning on concrete walls. Lightning can travel through any metal wires or bars in concrete walls or flooring.
Why can't you shower during a thunderstorm?
Do NOT bathe, shower, wash dishes, or have any other contact with water during a thunderstorm because lightning can travel through a building’s plumbing. Do NOT use your computers, laptops, game systems, washers, dryers, stoves, or anything connected to an electrical outlet.
What to do if you are caught in an open area?
If you are caught in an open area, act quickly to find adequate shelter. The most important action is to remove yourself from danger. Crouching or getting low to the ground can reduce your chances of being struck, but does not remove you from danger.
How to get out of a pond?
Never shelter under an isolated tree. Never use a cliff or rocky overhang for shelter. Immediately get out of and away from ponds, lakes, and other bodies of water.
What to do when you hear thunder?
Find a safe, enclosed shelter when you hear thunder. Safe shelters include homes, offices, shopping centers, and hard-top vehicles with the windows rolled up. Seek shelter immediately even if caught out in the open. If you are caught in an open area, act quickly to find adequate shelter.
Is it safe to stay indoors during a lightning storm?
Indoor Safety Tips. Even though your home is a safe shelter during a lightning storm, you may still be at risk. About one-third of lightning-strike injuries occur indoors. Here are some tips to keep safe and reduce your risk of being struck by lightning while indoors. Avoid water.
What percentage of lightning deaths happen on golf courses?
Lightning is arbitrary, random and unpredictable. Some five percent of annual USA lightning deaths and injuries happen on golf courses. Everyone associated with the game should participate in lightning safety.
What is the USGA rule for lightning?
Golfers know that the USGA Rules of Golf (Rule 5.7) allow players to discontinue play if they believe there is a danger from lightning.
Where to put lightning stickers?
Place USGA lightning stickers on all operating machinery, pump house, employee bulletin boards, rest room mirrors, and other visible locations.
How to avoid lightning?
Go to large permanent buildings or get into a fully enclosed metal vehicle (car, van or pickup truck). Avoid trees since they "attract" lightning. Avoid small on-course shelters: they are intended only for sun and rain safety. Don’t wait around for the next strike, please.
Is lightning hazard preventable?
Comply with Duty To Warn issues and avoid a negligent posture. Remember: Lightning incidents may not be preventable, but a best effort defense is a prudent thing to do. Education about the lightning hazard is everyone’s job.
Does the Superintendent of Golf provide lightning safety assistance?
Golf course operations in the Superintendent’s office, the Pro Shop and the Head Office can provide lightning safety assistance too. We suggest the following measures be adopted: