Lightning Safety Guide on the Golf Course

A golfer should never race a thunderstorm to the end of a round or even just the next hole. It's much too dangerous. The temptation always exists in these circumstances to convince yourself and your playing partners that there is enough time to finish your round, or at least a few more holes. Sounds familiar, right? If you play on instead of seeking shelter, your great round could become the last round of your life. No kidding, ok.

A good rule for everyone is: "If you can see it (lightning), flee it; if you can hear it (thunder), clear it." Another safety tool is measuring lightning's distance using the Flash-To-Bang Method (F-B). For every five seconds from seeing lightning to hearing the associated thunder, lightning is one mile away. Thus, a F-B of ten = 2 miles, fifteen = 3 miles, twenty = 4 miles, thirty = 6 miles, etc.

The National Lightning Safety Institute (NLSI) recommends suspending activities when lightning is 6 miles away, or a F-B of thirty. "Where is a safe place? How quickly can we get there?" golfers should ask themselves. 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.

There are several safety measures you can take to avoid being hit by lightning:

• Seek shelter (The best shelter is a large, closed-in building such as the clubhouse) at the first sign of a thunderstorm. If the course's warning system sounds, take cover.


• Stay away from elevated areas. If stranded in the open, go to a low place such as a ravine or valley.


• Avoid tall objects such as trees or poles. You should crouch down so that you are not the highest object.


• Stay away from water or any wet areas.


• Avoid all metal objects including, golf clubs, golf carts, fences, electrical and maintenance machinery and power lines. If your golf shoes have metal spikes, take your shoes off.

Golfers, if you hear thunder, it means lightning is near. Immediately pack your things and get to the nearest shelter.

Discontinuing Play in Competitions: The USGA emphasizes that players in a competition have the right to stop play if they think lightning threatens them, even though the committee may not have authorized it specifically by signal, (Rules 6-8 and 33-2d).