Yesterday, just before a major storm rolled over much of the Greater Toronto Area, four golfers were struck by lightning at Rolling Hills Golf Club, a public course located in Stouffville, Ontario, north of Toronto. The strike left three of the golfers in serious condition and one in critical condition.
The strike happened shortly after course marshals sounded a horn, signaling that bad weather was approaching, and while the foursome was finishing up their round on the 18th hole. For those who don't know, in the golfing world, from your local course to PGA tournaments, the sound of a horn/siren is the universal signal that bad weather (usually lightning) is approaching and almost always involves the stopping of play.
Unfortunately stories like this occur much more often than we'd all like.
There are ways we can stay safe from lightning strikes on the golf course though, and as a blog dealing with golf-related issues, we feel it makes sense to share some ways we think you can stay safe on the course. (Note the disclaimer below):
1) Plan Ahead: It seems like common sense, but always check the weather before you plan on golfing or booking a tee time. Mainly check for things like thunderstorm possibilities or storm activity in general. Simply put, don't go if there's a good chance for bad weather.
2) Use Your Judgement: If you're on the course and you notice dark clouds/bad weather in the distance (even if no horn/before the horn sounds), decide whether or not its a good idea to be out on the course. Consider heading in to the clubhouse early. Take into account factors such as if you're walking or riding, how far roughly you are from the clubhouse, etc.. Make sure you are prepared just in case the horn/siren does sound.
3) Respect The Horn/Siren: If you hear the horn/siren, go back to the clubhouse or safe place, again use your common sense. The horn/siren is there for the safety of the golfers and if it rings, it implies that the conditions for golfing are no longer safe. Don't think that the horn/siren is just a "warning" or "reminder" (although it might be on some courses. We can't be certain that all courses follow the same rules) but take it seriously and act accordingly. Why risk it?
To sum it all up, when it comes to lightning, it's best not to take any chances. I hope golfers find this information useful and feel free to comment on other lightning safety tips you've come across over the years.
-Nick
Toronto Golf Reviews
**On a final note and disclaimer, remember that what is mentioned above are just suggestions and that we here at Toronto Golf Reviews are not responsible for your safety on the golf course. Take what you want from the information above. We are not saying that you have to follow these suggestions and we are not responsible for the results of having followed these suggestions. Use your own discretion. I am also not a lightning expert, I am just offering some suggestions that I've picked up on and used as a golfer over the years. Use your own common sense and own judgement!**
When it comes to lightning, it's best not to take any chances
Should have raised a 1 iron in the air. Even God can't hit a 1 iron
ReplyDeleteHaha good point Robert! I can't remember the last time I saw a 1-iron, maybe a decade or so?
ReplyDelete-Nick