As a golfer, one of my biggest fears is being caught in a lightning storm. For some, it is not the fact that being hit is very bad or dangerous to our health, but the fact they cannot finish their round. 😉 When talking about lightning, most of us over the age of 40 are thinking of the famous scene of Bill Murray and the Padre playing golfing in hurricane like conditions. Well, fortunately, I have never played in such conditions and never plan too. How about you?

I am adamant not to play golf in a thunder and lightning storm; nor one that is brewing in the area. In the past, I did get caught in such a storm and it is not fun. Actually, it was a bit scary. Because of that incident, I do not mess around when a thunder and lightning storm if forecasted; it is not worth the potential results.

Lee Trevino has been hit by lightning several times.  He suggests leaving the golf course as well during any scary storm.  Although Lee Trevino did say afterwards that if you get caught in a lightning storm hold a 1 iron over your head.  “Even god cannot hit a 1 iron”.  He was kidding of course! He is one of my favorite all time golfers.

Many people think that being hit by occurs through direct contact. That fallacy does pose a challenge and threat to many people. Lightning is not something to mess with and the following are five ways lightning can hit you on or off the golf course:

Just 2 days about about 3 hours drive from my home, two men are in life-threatening condition after being hit by lightning on a golf course in Carp, Ontario. Unfortunately, this happens every year. “Lightning is a threat to public safety in Canada. Each year on average in Canada, there are between two and three lightning-related deaths and 180 lightning-related injuries.” “Most lightning-related fatalities and injuries occur during the summer season (June to August). More than 90 per cent of lightning-related deaths and 80 per cent of injuries reported in the media for the period 2002-2017 have occurred in June, July, and August.” (Government of Canada) Therefore, it makes sense that if lightning is happening in your area, an indoor activity is warranted.

It is important to protect ourselves from injury by understanding that lightning strikes can happen at any time through a variety of methods. Therefore, if you are playing golf and notice a change in the weather (for the bad) head into the clubhouse, have a beverage and wait it out!

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!