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. However, did you know that lightning often strikes outside of heavy rain, and may occur as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall?
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.
Is it safe to touch a golfer hit by lightning?
Even golf pros have been struck by lightning. Lee Trevino was hit by lightning at the 1975 Western Open and suffered burns to his shoulder. Check for a pulse and if they’re breathing. It’s safe to touch them, as they won’t be carrying an electrical charge.
How hot is lightning on a golf course?
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 do golf courses protect players from lightning strikes?
When a golf course takes steps to protect players from lightning strikes, it must implement safety precautions properly. It added that a jury should decide whether the club did so in the way it posted evacuation notices and monitored dangerous conditions, and if it should have built shelters and provided an audible signal.
Is it safe to golf during lightning?
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."
Why is it not wise to play golf during a thunderstorm?
At least 10% of lightning occurs without visible clouds in the sky. 8. Because they are generally open areas with scattered individual trees, golf courses are dangerous places during a thunderstorm.
Can a golf club get struck by lightning?
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!
Why is it a bad idea to play golf in a storm?
What Is the Likelihood of Being Struck by Lightning? 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.
How many golfers have died from 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.
Can you golf in light rain?
Golf can be played in almost all weather conditions, including rain.
Are you safe in a golf cart during a lightning storm?
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.
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 many volts does a lightning strike produce?
A ground strike can produce somewhere between 100 million to one billion volts of electricity. The length of a cloud-to-ground lightning strike can range from two miles to 10.
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, ...
When a golf course takes steps to protect players from lightning strikes, it must implement safety precautions properly.?
When a golf course takes steps to protect players from lightning strikes, it must implement safety precautions properly. It added that a jury should decide whether the club did so in the way it posted evacuation notices and monitored dangerous conditions, and if it should have built shelters and provided an audible signal.
How far away was the lightning bolt that Maussner first spotted?
The bolt that Maussner first spotted had been perhaps 15 miles away, and an expert witness reported that there was technology available at a reasonable price that could detect lightning up to 40 miles away.
What happened to Costanzo's legs?
Seconds later, lightning ran up Costanzo’s legs, blowing keys and change out of his pockets and into the air, where a glowing halo of electricity circled them. McHugh ran first to Costanzo, who had also been knocked to the ground. “It’s my legs, it’s my legs,” Costanzo moaned, but otherwise he seemed stable.
Why did Maussner walk across an open field?
The judge noted that Maussner chose to walk across an open field when he could have sought shelter or lain down. Maussner appealed to a higher court. The Superior Court of New Jersey said injuries through acts of God don’t exempt courses from liability.
What happened to Robert Dusz?
It burned off the web of skin between his thumb and index finger, pierced his shoes and charred his feet. Robert Dusz rushed to the clubhouse, about 300 yards away, while a caddie ran to the nearby police station for help.
How far can lightning strike?
Thunder can be heard from up to 10 miles away, but lightning can strike from 25 MILES AWAY. With the ability to distinguish between a false disturbance and actual lightning, you can trust the alerts are detecting imminent danger in real time.
Is golf a sport that is not necessarily hindered by inclement weather?
Golf is a sport that is not necessarily hindered by inclement weather, and many golfers pride themselves on being “all weather” players. But be aware that lightning and golf do not mix.
