Golf is a very safe sport, but that doesn’t mean you can relax when it comes to safety practices. Injury is always possible, so here are a few simple tips to ensure your own safety and the safety of those around you on the golf course.
Safety rules you need to know
Generally speaking, all players are expected to play in the spirit of the game, and to look out for the safety of both themselves and others. You will need to follow all of the rules of golf that apply to safety (make sure you know them!).
As well, use common-sense in other situations which have the potential to cause injury to someone, such as:
- Waiting for mowers or other types of maintenance vehicles to pass behind, or out of range, before playing a shot
- If grounds staff are on the course, wait for them to get out of range before playing a shot, or receive acknowledgement from them that it’s okay to play your shot before doing so
How to stay safe from other golfers
One of the biggest risks on the golf course is the chance of being hit by a stray golf ball. While this doesn’t happen often, it can happen, so golfers need to be wary.
Pay attention to your surroundings
Don’t just swing without looking around much, but pay attention to what’s happening around you. Check to make sure that any golfers playing ahead of you are not within range of where you golf ball may land. Also check that no one is near you as you prepare to swing. It’s your responsibility to make sure other players are a safe distance away from you.
And if you’re not the person playing the ball, make sure that you are not standing too close to someone who is. As well, make sure you’re not standing anywhere near where their golf ball might land. If you need to venture onto another fairway to retrieve an errant shot, be very aware of who might be playing towards you.
Call Fore!
Even if you ensure there’s no one around you when you swing, unexpected things can still happen. Your ball might veer off in a direction you hadn’t intended, or it might go a lot further than you expected. If this happens and you notice people in danger of copping a golf ball to the head, call “Fore!” loudly to warn them.
If you hear someone calling “Fore!”, don’t stop and look around for the ball in question, as you’re just making yourself a larger target. Just get down, behind your buggy or a tree if there’s one nearby, and make yourself as small a target as possible. Ensure you cover your head as much as you can, to minimise the potential for harm.
Let faster golfers play through
If your group is playing more slowly than others, do the courteous thing and let the group behind you play through. It might well save you from a nasty injury.
How to stay safe from the weather
Weather can cause problems on the course, and you need to be alert to any weather predictions or changes that may affect you.
Stormy weather
Storm season can be particularly dangerous for golfers, as lightning can be a serious hazard to people brandishing long metal implements. If you notice a storm approaching and there’s lightning around, don’t delay. Get off the course or find shelter nearby (away from isolated trees, hilltops or open spaces), and make sure you stay well away from your clubs or anything metal, such as the spikes in your shoes.
Having said that though, it is possible to still play golf when it’s raining – discover the upside to a rainy golf day here.
Hot weather
As well, the sun and hot weather can have the potential to cause problems on very hot days. Sunstroke or heatstroke can occur, often leading to light-headedness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, exhaustion, weakness and headaches. If you or one of your fellow players start displaying any of these symptoms, get off the course and get treated immediately. Call for help if you need urgent assistance.
To prevent sunstroke and to discover how to survive and thrive in the heat, read this handy guide.
Plan ahead for the weather
Always know the expected weather conditions before you head out for your round, and dress for those conditions. Wear a hat, sunglasses and use sunscreen on hot summer days; and on chilly ones wear plenty of warm layers that you can remove as needed, and ensure you bring a heavy jacket to put on when you start to cool down. Wear golf shoes with spikes in wet weather to prevent slipping, and bring extra pairs of gloves and socks on wet days to prevent accidents caused by slippery hands and feet.
How to stay safe from wildlife
While dangerous wildlife on the course is not too much of a problem in Australia (but think alligators and big lizards etc. in other countries), animals can still be a hazard to your game.
If your course is home to various types of wildlife, make sure you take note of any warning signs, and be alert and aware for wildlife in your way.
How to stay safe from gear malfunctions
Make sure your gear is right for you
Always use clubs that are suited to your body and your game, as clubs that are too long or too short have the potential to cause injury as you overcompensate with areas of your body. Club fitting is a great idea if you can manage it – see more here.
Drive carefully
If you’re using a ride-on golf buggy, exercise caution when driving the course. Always park out of the way of the main traffic, and only drive on safe, marked areas. Never speed, and slow down for steep hills and curves. Don’t allow children to drive your golf buggy, and don’t drive if you’ve had too much to drink. Watch out for other golf buggies at points where paths cross, too.
Wear comfortable footwear
There’s nothing worse than sore feet and blisters when you’re trying to concentrate on your game, so make sure your footwear is correctly sized and comfortable. Wear tape or padding on your feet if necessary.
How to stay safe from injury
Warm up
Never just roll up and start your round – give yourself plenty of time to complete a thorough warm up first. Do some light cardio to get your heart rate elevated, stretch all the muscle groups you’re about to use in your round, and hit some practice shots. This will prepare your body for the activity to come and help prevent injuries caused by cold, stiff muscles.
Use good posture
Maintain good posture throughout your swing, and ensure you remain fluid throughout the shot. Don’t overdo your swing, as that can put too much stress on one area of your body.
Get – and stay – strong
To give yourself the best chance of staying injury free, spend time building and strengthening your muscles, and increasing your flexibility. This is not just good for your game, it’s also good for your overall health as well.
Use a golf buggy
And perhaps the most important thing you can do – use a golf buggy rather than lugging a heavy bag around 18 holes of course. Carrying your bag can put a lot of strain on your body, particularly as you get older. Have a look at Parmaker’s quality range of golf buggies here.
Click here to read more about how to prevent common golf injuries.
