Tips to stay safe while golfing

A round of golf on a warm, sunny day can be the perfect way to spend a few hours with friends, and more and more people are recognizing that. The National Golf Foundation says more than one-third of the United States population over the age of five played golf; followed golf on television or online; read about the game; or listened to a golf-related podcast in 2023. That marked a 30 percent jump since 2016.

Golf is a relatively safe sport, but accidents and injuries can happen on the course. Golfers can follow these guidelines to ensure their next round of golf is as safe as possible.

· Be aware of your surroundings. It is important when you are preparing to swing to keep track of those around you. Never swing a golf club if a fellow golfer is close to you, and exercise caution when practicing your swing away from the area of play.

· Warm up your body. Any exercise requires warming up to get muscles and joints ready for action. Spend between five and 10 minutes warming up before tee time. Walk briskly and rotate your arms and torso to prepare for movements involved in golf.

· Apply sun protection. According to a study commissioned by the United States Golf Association, an 18-hole round of golf averages four hours on weekdays and 4.5 hours on weekends. Players spend roughly four hours exposed to the sun. Always wear sunscreen before heading outdoors, and consider wearing a visor or hat to further protect the skin on your face and your eyes from UV exposure.

· Wear the right gear. Nemours Teen Health suggests using a golf glove or two to keep the golf club from slipping out of your hands. Gloves also can help prevent blisters. In addition, get a pair of golf shoes with plastic spikes for good traction.

· Yell "Fore!" Calling out "Fore!" is a warning to everyone on the course that a ball has been hit and is heading in their direction rather than the intended area, says Yatta Golf. It's a "heads up" for a poor shot that has the potential to hit someone, and it is proper etiquette to yell "Fore!" when this occurs.

· Use a golf cart. Carrying a heavy golf club bag for hours on end can lead to achy shoulders and lower back strain. Rather than risking injury, take advantage of a golf cart, if available. Also, caddies may help lessen the load of a golf bag.

· Beware of lightning. Lightning strikes can be quite dangerous in any location, but particularly so on an open course when you're holding a metal club. Always end the game promptly and take cover when thunder is heard, as it means that lightning is occurring.

· Stay hydrated. Bring along plenty of fresh water or an electrolyte sports drink to replenish fluids on hot days.

· Be cautious of hazards. Hazards on a golf course provide difficult obstacles to make play more challenging. Hazards include bunkers (sand traps) and water. Keep in mind that wildlife linger in golf hazards and caution should be used when trying to play balls that fall in a hazard.

Golf has inspired millions to hit the links and play a round. While golf is typically a safe sport, there are ways to make it even safer.