According to the National Golf Foundation, Golf’s popularity has soared. The sport has reached123 million people in 2023—a 30% increase since 2016. 45 million golfers participate, 26.6 million played on traditional courses and 18.4 million engaged in off-course activities at driving ranges and indoor simulators, according to the National Golf Association. Over the last year alone the sport’s popularity saw 3.4 million first-time golfers, a large majority of them being young adults and juniors, and 7 million women playing on-course. A record 531 million rounds were played, and 22.4 million people expressed a strong interest in golf despite not yet having played, the national association has reported.
While golf is generally considered a safe sport, accidents and injuries can still occur on the course. By following basic guidelines, golfers can ensure their next round is as safe as possible:
Be aware of your surroundings. When preparing to swing, it’s important to keep track of those around you. Never swing a golf club if another golfer is close by, and take care when practicing your swing away from the area of play. Always make sure no one is in the line of your shot and stay clear of others preparing to swing.
We’ve all been warned about the importance of warming up before activity. Golf can be just as strenuous as many physical activities, so it is important to remember to warm up those muscles. A 10 minute warm up routine can lead to better results and even enhance your golf swing.
What’s also sometimes easily forgotten (until it’s too late) is the ever-important sunscreen. The National Cancer Institute reports that sunburn affects a significant portion of the population, with over 33,000 annual emergency room visits due to sunburn-related illness, which increase the risk of skin cancer. On average, UV radiation can cause sunburn in as little as 10 to 30 minutes, depending on skin type and UV intensity. An 18-hole round of golf can leave a golfer exposed to the sun for an average of 4 hours, according to a study commissioned by the National Golf Association. Always wear sunscreen before heading outdoors, and consider wearing a visor or hat to further protect your face and eyes from UV exposure.
Wearing the right gear, including using a golf glove or two, can prevent the club from slipping out of your hands and avoid blisters. A good pair of golf shoes with plastic spikes for better traction can provide an extra level of safety depending on the local terrain. Proper footwear affects your feet and spine, and wearing sunglasses and sunscreen protects your eyes and skin.
Calling out “Fore!” is a standard warning on the golf course indicating that a ball has been hit and might be heading toward other players. It’s a way to alert others to be cautious of a potential stray shot.
Hauling a heavy golf bag around all day can lead to sore shoulders and a strained back. To avoid a golf-induced injury, use a golf cart, if available, or get a caddie to carry the load for you. And while it’s tempting to imagine a beer bar and boombox built into your bag like the one Rodney Dangerfield used in the movie “Caddyshack,” a simple, well-designed golf bag will do just fine to help distribute the weight.
Additionally, weather can become a major factor when planning a day on the course. Make sure to be aware of the signs of lightning. Lightning strikes are especially dangerous on an open field when holding a metal club. Always end the game immediately and take cover when thunder is heard.
Lightning often strikes outside of heavy rain and may occur as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall. Statistically, most lightning incidents occur when people are caught outdoors in the summer months between 2-6 p.m. A ground strike can produce between 100 million to 1 billion volts of electricity, and the length of a cloud-to-ground lightning strike can range from 2-10 miles according to the National Severe Storms Laboratory.
Having a reliable radar with you, equipped with a lightning detection/prediction mode, is essential. These apps can tell how close the last lightning strike was, helping you stay safe. Many golf courses now have lightning detection systems that set off a horn when lightning gets within a certain distance. Check the course’s policy on lightning and their particular system.
Staying hydrated is also an essential for a successful day on the course. Drink plenty of fresh water or an electrolyte sports drink to keep your fluids topped up, especially on hot days.
Keep your eyes out for hazards on a golf course, such as bunkers (sand traps) and water, that provide challenging obstacles. Wildlife can linger in these hazards, so use caution when retrieving balls that fall into them and try to keep that slice from entering the woods by improving your golf swing!
A proper golf swing requires using your entire body in one movement. Repeating this movement, especially if incorrect, can also cause injuries. To protect your muscles, joints, and tendons, use good posture, remain fluid throughout the shot, and avoid overdoing your swing.
Golfing is generally a safe sport, but following a few key precautions can make your experience even better. Always be aware of your surroundings to avoid accidents, use sunscreen and appropriate gear to protect yourself from the sun, beware of bad weather especially lighnight and stay hydrated to keep your energy up. Make sure to call “Fore!” if necessary, and consider using a golf cart or caddie to prevent strain.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can enjoy a safer and enjoyable round of golf. Better get out there before the summer ends.
