Don’t let the serenity of a game of golf fool you: It’s easytogethurton the course.
The sloping fairways, gorgeous waterfeatures andglisteninggreens shouldn’t distract youfrom the potentialhazards surroundingyou.Injuries can and do occur when we don’t focus on safety.
Warming up
Conditions such asgolfer’s elbow andwristtendinitis candevelopgradually and,of course, every golferis at riskformuscle strains.Addressboth by establishing a proper warm-up routine. You’ll significantlyreduceyour chances ofdealing withthese common issues. Takea few slow-motion swings and a brief walk. Consider performingsome lungesor squatsto make sureyou have the fullrange of motion. While you’re on the course, stay hydrated bydrinking plenty of water.
Your surroundings
Golf involves the use of metal clubs and a hard ball, which can pose a risk of injury.Always makesure thatyour playing partners are at a safe distance before you take a shot. They may be at risk from your swingor a fast-moving ball. Beaware of other groupson the course. Wait until those in front of you are well out of range before proceeding. If your swinggoes awry and your ballappearsto beheadingtowards someone, shout “Fore!”loudly to alert them to seek cover.
Check the forecast
The National WeatherService reports that about 5% of all annual lightning-related fatalities happen on golf courses. Thoseoverall numbersmay be low, but the individual risk remains. So checkthe weatherforecast before you head out for the next round. If an unexpected stormapproaches, put awayyour clubsandsteer clearof trees. Return toa permanent structureora fullyenclosedvehicleas quickly as possible.
Avoid wildlife
One of the mostbeautiful parts of the gameis alsoits mostdangerous: Golfisplayedin andaroundthenatural habitats of wildlife.
The types of animalsyou may encounter will vary based on the location ofyour course,soit’swise tofamiliarize yourself with native animals before you play. Always be aware of your surroundings, especiallywhen your balllands intall grassor nearwater. Golfers shouldbe particularlycautious of potential encounters with snakes, ants, bees and alligators on the course.
Playing the right way
Thereare rulesin placefor golf,of course, but also plenty of unwritten ones. Traditionalcourtesies andunwritten norms help complete the golf tradition. So it’sbestto understandpropercourseetiquette before you hit the links.
Respect the course
Remember thatthe course isa shared experience.Repair anyballmarks witha specialized two-pronged tool, a penknife or a tee. Divots can typicallybe fixed by reinserting the displaced grass. Some dedicated golfers carry a seed mix in their bag to fill in largerdivots.Always rakethebunkers.If you’reusing acart,avoidwet areastominimize any visible signsof your presence. When ina group,spread outyour cartsinstead of following closelybehind one an-
other toreduce wearand tearon thefairways.
Managing emotions
Everyone gets angry when they make a bad shot ormiss an easy putt.But using inappropriatelanguage orthrowingyour clubs can disrupt thegame for everyone who’s nearby. You’re going to face a fair share offrustrations on the course—that’s simplypartofthe sport.Sotryexploring more subtle methodsof expressing displeasure. After a disappointing hole, you might consider hittinga more powerfultee shot. Being courteousalso includesremaining still whileother players prepareto take theirshot.Position yourselfoppositethe next player or on a diagonal angle. Keep still until their ball is in the air. Be careful to stay
out of everyone’s line of play.
Avoid slow play
Avoid distractions like deep conversations, texting or social media use when your turn is next. This is one of the most common disruptionsto theflowofthe game.Some golfershave evenbegun playingso-called “ready golf,”meaninganyonewho isready hits theirball next —regardlessof turns. Walk or drive at a reasonable pace. If you’ve lost your ball in thewater or rough, limit yoursearch toamaximumof fiveminutes. Thedecision-makingprocess foryournext shotshouldtakeno longerthan45seconds. If you find yourself unprepared, allow someone else in your groupto take their shot first.Ifthepace islaggingforeveryone,invite those behind you to play through.
Traditional courtesies and unwritten norms help complete the golf tradition. So it’s best to understand proper course etiquette before you hit the links.
