Safety Tips: Golf

Playing golf is a good challenge for the body and mind, and it's also a fun way to spend time with others and be outside. While golf is generally a safe sport, injuries can happen. Following these tips can help keep golfers safe on the course.

What Golf Safety Gear Do Players Need?

To avoid injuries when playing, use a golf glove (or two) to help prevent blisters and keep the club from slipping. Also wear golf shoes to avoid sliding. Get a pair with plastic spikes because most courses don’t allow metal ones.

How Can Golfers Stay Safe?

Before they play, it's wise for golfers to get a sports physical. Their doctor can check for any health problems and talk about sports safety. Being in good shape can help players avoid injuries.

On the day they plan to play, check the weather. Don’t go if there might be a thunderstorm because lightning is dangerous on a golf course.

Because they’ll be outside, protect skin by wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and a hat. Insect repellent is a good idea too. You’ll also want to warm up and stretch. Take some practice swings, first with shorter clubs. Then build up to longer ones.

Staying Safe on the Golf Course

These tips can help golfers enjoy the game:

• Be sure everyone else is a safe distance away before you swing. This includes people nearby who might get hit with the club and people farther away who could get hit with the ball.
• Stay away from other golfers who are about to swing. And keep out of the way of the ball.
• Yell "Fore!" if you hit a ball in the direction of other golfers. This lets others know to watch out. If you hear someone else yell “Fore!” take cover behind a tree, golf bag, or a golf cart. If that's not possible, crouch down and cover your head and face with your arms.
• Drink plenty of water during and after play.
• Take time off to rest between rounds of golf to avoid repetitive stress injuries (overuse injuries). These happen when someone trains too much or makes the same motions over and over.
• Make sure at least one person in your group has a phone in case of emergency.

What Should I Know About Golf and Lightning?

Golfers carry metal clubs and often walk in open spaces or near trees. So their risk of getting struck by lightning is greater than normal.

If a thunderstorm comes, you hear thunder, or an alarm for lightning goes off, stop playing right away. Go to the clubhouse, a designated lightning shelter, or a bathroom.

If you can't get to any of these places, drop your clubs and move away from them and the golf cart. Keep away from trees and water. Find a low-lying area and keep a safe distance from other members of your group. Squat down, keep your hands on your knees, and put your head between your knees. This makes you a smaller target for lightning.

Using a Golf Cart Safely

To use a golf cart safely:

• Let only licensed drivers drive it.
• Stay on cart paths as much as possible. Don’t try to go off-roading across bumpy ground.
• Drive straight up and down hills, and go slowly while going downhill or around turns.
• Look out for other carts where cart paths cross. Avoid hanging your feet, legs, arms, or hands out of a cart while it's moving.