When the heavens open and the rain starts to fall, your first reaction might be to reach for your golf umbrella - but that’s a big mistake in a thunderstorm. Whatever you do, leave your golf umbrella and clubs in your bag, as the metal elements within these items can attract lightning and redirect it through your body.
What happens if you 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. Whilst this is a rare example, the consequences of such a fate are very real. “The electricity stopped my heart”, Trevino recounted.
How do golf courses prepare for thunderstorms?
Golf courses in areas of frequent thunderstorms may have policies and procedures (such as sirens) in place to warn golfers of approaching bad weather. Sports medicine journalist Elizabeth Quinn of Verywell.com says all outdoors enthusiasts, including golfers, need to know the "30/30 Lightning Rule":
What does it mean when you hear thunder on the golf course?
If you hear thunder, it means that lightning is within striking distance. First Step In Golf Course Lightning Safety: Awareness 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 dangerous to hit a golf ball with lightning?
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. The short answer to what you should do when you see lightning on the golf course?
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.
Why is it a bad idea to play golf in a storm?
If you are carrying metal golf clubs at the time, it could raise your risk (this is a common reason people are standing out in flat fields during thunderstorms, is to carry golf clubs. Sometimes such people get struck by lightning). The safest place to be during a thunderstorm is a building or a car.
Can a golf club get struck by lightning?
A bogey may ruin your golf game for a hole but being struck by lightning will ruin your golf game forever. Our golf professionals can tell you your odds of being struck by lightning on the golf course and how to stay safe from lightning strikes.
What do you do if you are caught in a thunderstorm on a 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. ... 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.More items...•
Can you golf during thunder?
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. Golf and Frisbee Golf are the only sports with regulations relating to lightning.
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.
How many times did Lee Trevino been struck by lightning?
Thing is, despite lightning being about five times hotter than the sun, according to NASA, most people struck by lightning survive, up to 90%. Lee Trevino, winner of six major championships and member of the World Golf Hall of Fame, was struck by lightning three times on the golf course and survived.
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.
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 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.
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 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).
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 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.
Why does rain restrict golf ball carry?
Steady rain restricts ball carry because it causes the golf ball to spin less and thus it doesn’t carry as far. Also, soggy, wet fairways and semi-rough will restrict how far the ball “kicks” on after landing.
Why are the greens softer in the rain?
The greens may be softer and more receptive on a rainy day because of moisture. If you have trouble with overrunning your chip shots or your putting is overshooting the hole then playing in the rain can help because the greens are softer and the ball will hold up more. The main advantage of softer greens for the average golfer is they are more ...
Why do golfers use triangular spikes?
The multiple triangular spikes will help loosen and remove debris from bumpy surfaces. This cheap tool can save you hours of frustration when playing golf on the muddy and soft fairways.
Why does the ground restrict how far a golf ball can kick?
The wet ground will restrict how far a golf ball kicks once it lands because of its dew point – water has to stay on top of grass or other surfaces for this phenomenon to take place so when there is rain the soil becomes saturated with moisture.
What to wear to golf in chilly weather?
Cotton clothes are not recommended as they will soak through quickly and restrict your movement. Golf shoes with decent spikes to provide traction on slippery greens or wet fairways, Rain gloves for grip and warmth in chilly weather, an umbrella over the bag if you plan ahead of time.
Why is playing in the rain so fun?
Here are a few quick reasons why playing in the rain can be fun and advisable and some bonus tips on how to make playing in the rain more fun and enjoyable! 1 1. Softer Greens in the Rain. 2 2. The Challenge of Playing Golf in the Rain. 3 3. Practice in the Rain – Play Better in the Rain!
What to wear for wet weather golf?
Also, make sure you have the right gear for wet weather golfing conditions, this includes the following basic rainy weather checklist: 1 Cotton clothes are not recommended as they will soak through quickly and restrict your movement. 2 Golf shoes with decent spikes to provide traction on slippery greens or wet fairways, 3 Rain gloves for grip and warmth in chilly weather, an umbrella over the bag if you plan ahead of time.
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.
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.