You’re about to hit the golf course. How can you make sure you’re playing safely?

1 Check the weather

Before you head out to the course, make sure you check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. You don't want to be caught in a storm, a heat wave, or a cold snap that could ruin your day or put your health at risk. Wear appropriate clothing and accessories, such as sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, gloves, and rain gear. If the weather changes unexpectedly, be prepared to seek shelter or end your round early.

2 Follow the rules

Every golf course has its own rules and etiquette that you should follow to ensure a smooth and safe experience for yourself and others. These may include dress codes, speed of play, cart policies, tee times, and COVID-19 protocols. Read the signs, scorecards, and notices carefully and respect the staff and marshals. If you are unsure about something, ask politely or consult the official rules of golf.

3 Warm up properly

Golf may not seem like a physically demanding sport, but it still requires a lot of strength, flexibility, and coordination. To prevent injuries and improve your performance, you should warm up properly before you start your round. Do some stretches, exercises, and practice swings to loosen up your muscles and joints. Start with shorter and easier clubs and gradually increase the distance and difficulty. Don't rush or overdo it.

5 Be alert and courteous

Golf is a sport that requires concentration, patience, and courtesy. You should be alert and aware of your surroundings and the actions of other players. You should also be courteous and respectful of others' rights and preferences. For example, you should not hit your ball until the group ahead is out of range, you should not talk or make noise when someone is about to swing, and you should repair any damage you cause to the course. You should also follow the basic rules of golf etiquette, such as letting faster groups play through, raking the bunkers, replacing the divots, and marking your ball on the green.

6 Have fun and learn

Finally, the most important thing is to have fun and learn from your experience. Golf is a game that can challenge you, reward you, and teach you valuable lessons. You should not let frustration, anger, or disappointment ruin your enjoyment or affect your safety. Instead, you should focus on the positive aspects, such as the beauty of nature, the camaraderie of friends, and the satisfaction of improvement. You should also be open to feedback, advice, and tips that can help you improve your skills and knowledge.