How To Stay Safe In A Thunderstorm On The Golf Course
- 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 - ...
- 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 ...
- Stay away from any water hazards. ...
- 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.
How do golf courses prepare for thunderstorms?
Oct 25, 2020 · Here are some Do's and Don'ts If Caught On the Golf Course During Lightning Storm: If lightning strikes are flashing, immediately make your way to the clubhouse, pro shop, your vehicle or designated lightning shelters (if any).
What happens if you play golf in a thunderstorm?
Aug 27, 2019 · Do NOT lie on the ground. Don’t lean against concrete walls; 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 do you do when lightning strikes on a golf course?
Dec 23, 2017 · 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. 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 to stay away from any lakes or other water hazards.
What should you do when it rains during a thunderstorm?
Do's and Don'ts If Caught On the Golf Course During Lightning Storm . If lightning strikes are flashing, high-tail it to the clubhouse or pro shop or your vehicle. Or, if there are designated lightning shelters on the golf course, try to get there. (Note: Open-sided buildings do not provide protection from lightning even if they have a lightning rod).
Where do you go on a thunderstorm on a golf course?
Is it safe to golf during a thunderstorm?
What are the chances of getting struck by lightning on a golf course?
Can you play golf with lightning?
Will a golf cart protect you from lightning?
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 hot is lightning?
The temperature of lightning reaches 30,000 °C. To put this into context, that’s five times hotter than the surface of the sun. 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.
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 can't get back inside?
If you just can’t get back indoors or to the safety of your car, the next best thing you can do is head for the nearest bunker. 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.
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 safe to drive a golf cart in a thunderstorm?
Small, on-course structures are not safe; golf carts not only provide no protection, but increase the danger. "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 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.
Is it safe to stay outside when there is 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.". And the National Lightning Safety Institute says:
Does lightning kill golfers?
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 .
What does it mean when you hear thunder on a golf course?
If you hear thunder, it means that lightning is within striking distance.
How long after thunder does it take to get shelter?
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). Once inside shelter, you should not resume activities until 30 minutes after the last audible thunder.".
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 to do if you are caught on the golf course?
If you are caught on the course and there is no shelter near, consider the following tips: Do not stand under tall trees or sit in a golf cart. Do not stand under a lone tree, even a small one. You must get away from your cart and away from your golf clubs quickly. Stay away from water.
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.
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.
How far is a golf course safe from lightning?
Ten miles is ideal just to be safe. Check the courses policy on lightning and if they have a lightning detection/prediction system. 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.
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 hot is lightning?
Air in a lightning strike can be heated up to 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit. The rapid heating of the air is what produces the shockwave that results in thunder. Lightning often strikes outside of heavy rain and may occur as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall.
When was the lightning storm in golf?
There have been many deaths caused by lightning at golf tournaments, most notably the 1991 U S Open at Hazeltine in 1991. More recently, at the 2019 PGA TOUR Championship in Atlanta, Georgia, where lightning struck a tree and injured spectators on Aug 24, 2019. (Sorry, having trouble creating links).
Who is responsible for damage to a golf course?
If a golfer hits a house which is situated on a golf course, who is responsible for damage? The answer is: the homeowner (in California) But, it depends on where you live. Contrary to popular belief, a golfer is not solely responsible for his shot in California.
What does it mean when you see lightning in the area?
Lightning in the area means go to the house. If they haven’t blown the horn yet but you are far away from the clubhouse, start the trek back in when you start to see the lightning within 10 miles of you (if you see it, it’s likely within 10 miles) or when the thunder is building. It’s going to take you a while to get in.
What is the oldest rule of golf?
Continue Reading. Well, the obvious answer is the oldest “hold a 1 iron over your head and run for the clubhouse because even God can't hit a 1 iron”. However, I wouldn't recommend it. If there are no shelters on the course, and you are walking, lay on the ground away from trees and standing water.
Is a golfer responsible for a shot in California?
Contrary to popular belief, a golfer is not solely responsible for his shot in California. In fact, here in California, as long as the golfer is not trying to hit the house on purpose, the homeowner is responsible for any damage caused by errant golf balls.
Where was the 2019 PGA Tour Championship?
More recently, at the 2019 PGA TOUR Championship in Atlanta, Georgia, where lightning struck a tree and injured spectators on Aug 24, 2019. (Sorry, having trouble creating links). Your best strategy is to stay low and get to someplace safe as quickly as you can. This includes course restrooms, under brid.
Is it safe to stay outside during a thunderstorm?
Remember, no place outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area. If you are caught outside in a thunderstorm, keep moving toward a safe shelter.
What is the rule for golfers to stop playing if there is lightning?
The United States Golf Association Rule 6-8 allows players to discontinue play if they believe there is a danger from lightning. The USGA also makes available stickers and posters to inform players about lightning safety tips.
What is the rule for golf?
In fact, golf is the only sport that offers regulations related to lightning. The United States Golf Association Rule 6-8 allows players to discontinue play if they believe there is a danger from lightning.
What is the only sport that has rules related to lightning?
In fact, golf is the only sport that offers regulations related to lightning. The United States Golf Association Rule 6-8 allows players to discontinue play if they believe there is a danger from lightning. The USGA also makes available stickers and posters to inform players about lightning safety tips.
What is the best way to measure the distance of a thunderstorm?
The flash-to-bang theory is a good rule of thumb to remember. According to the Emergency Medical Services Authority, this is the accepted method for estimating the distance of an approaching thunderstorm. The flash-to-bang theory measures the time from when you see lightning to the time you hear the associated thunder.
What hole was redesigned after lightning?
A few weeks prior, a Minnesota golf course putting green was completely redesigned after a lightning bolt made a direct hit on a flag stick – the unlucky 13th hole no less. These examples of lightning’s potential devastation should scare every golfer right off the course when thunder is heard.
How far out can lightning strike?
Fact: Lightning often strikes several miles from the center of a thunderstorm, far outside the rain or thunderstorm cloud . In fact, “bolts from the blue” can strike as far as 25 miles out from the parent thunderstorm.
golfingnooob
What if you're playing a round of golf and it stards raining with thunder and lightning?
geauxforbroke
What if you're playing a round of golf and it stards raining with thunder and lightning?
David in FL
There aren't too many things that will chase me off a golf course, but lightening is one of them!
wils5150
I am a golf course supt. if i hear thunder or see a cell coming I get my guys off the course asap. raking a bunker or mowing a fairway isnt worth dying for. the marshalls will sound air horns for the golfer but sadly some wont heed the warning.
BufflaoJones
What if you're playing a round of golf and it stards raining with thunder and lightning? Surely carrying around metal golf clubs isn't safe?
wils5150
The bad thing is that I can't hear the thunder when I'm on the tractor and many times I'm the only one there.
UpDown
Honestly the best thing to do is hold your 1 iron in the air. Even God can't hit a 1 iron.