Lightning Safety Tips

Lightning Safety Tips

Be Cautious • Play Defensive • Seek Shelter

AVOID

• Hilltops, open or wet areas.
• Isolated or solitary trees.
• Metal poles, wire fences and power lines.
• Golf cars & carts, electrical & maintenance machines.

SEEK

• Lower elevations areas.
• Dense areas of trees or bushes.
• Protected designed shelter.
• A crouching position with feet together.

1. USGA Rule 6-8 allow players to discontinue play if they believe there is a danger from lightning. Golf officials may suspend play when a lightning hazard is detected.
2. Practice the “Flash-Bang” measurement of lightning location. This is the tie from seeing the stroke to hearing the thunder. For every SLOW count of five, lightning is one mile away. So a count of ten = 2 miles away; a count of 15 = 3 miles away.
3. Do not raise umbrellas or golf clubs above you during nearby thunderstorms. These and other metal objects increase your risk when lightning is near. If lightning is striking close by, assume a low crouch position with feet together and hands on knees.

Lightning strikes are most common ahead of the storm.
Take cover or seek shelter immediately!