IF YOU CAN SEE IT, FLEE IT; IF YOU CAN HEAR IT, CLEAR IT

IF YOU CAN SEE IT – LIGHTNING – FLEE IT;   IF YOU CAN HEAR IT – THUNDER – CLEAR IT
    Ever wonder what to do when you see a storm coming while out playing golf?  GET OFF THE COURSE!   Don’t think, “I can beat it!”  “Just one more hole!”  This is a losing game with Mother Nature! 
    Did you know that LIGHTNING RODS are often made of graphite?  Did you know golf clubs are made of GRAPHITE material?    Now go ahead and take that back swing in a thunderstorm!  Bet that will screw up your game!
    Did you know the USGA has a rule for Lightning on the golf course?  Rule 6-8 which allows players to discontinue play if they believe there is a danger from lightning.  
 By the numbers:
   30/30 Lightning Rule:  Only if you are near a substantial building.  If thunderstorms develop, count the seconds between the flash of lightning and the bang of the thunder to estimate the distance between you and the lightning strike. It is recommended that you seek shelter if the time between the lightning flash and the rumble of thunder is 30 seconds or less (6 miles).  Once inside shelter, you should not resume activities until 30 minutes after the last audible thunder.  Open-sided buildings do not provide protection from lightning even if they have a lightning rod).  By National Lightning Safety Institute.

    “Lightning is the #2 storm killer in the U.S; killing more than hurricanes or tornadoes on average.” By National Lightning Safety Institute

WAITED TOO LONG safety precautions!

• Do not stand under tall trees or sit in a golf cart.
• Do not stand under a small tree.
• Stay away from water
• Keep your clubs at least 50 feet away from you.
• If in a group, stay 15’ apart.
• Go to a low place such as a ravine or valley or lowest spot you can find
• Got that tingling sensation!  Squat in a baseball catcher position, balance on the balls of your feet, feet together, arms in front of your knees.