Heatwave golf: Don’t play with your health
15th July 2022
The Met Office has issued the first ever red alert for hot weather, warning there is a "very likely" risk to life.
Grahame Madge, Met Office spokesman, said: "We've just issued a red warning for extreme heat for Monday and Tuesday which is the first such warning ever issued."
"The warning covers an area from London up to Manchester and then up to the Vale of York."
The Met Office are advising people to "take action now to keep yourself and others safe" and avoid travelling where possible.
With temperatures expected to soar to during the current heatwave, many are looking forward to getting the BBQ out and making the most of interrupted sunshine. But for golfers, be it professional or amateur, playing a round in sizzling temperatures can be uncomfortable and dangerous.
Playing sport in hot weather, specifically on a golf course that has little shade, can put you at risk of heat-related health conditions, such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, sunburn, or extreme dehydration, all of which can turn a great day into something sour. Here are some top tips as part of the Slip! Slap! Swing! campaign.
Book an early or late Tee: Temperatures are considerably cooler earlier in the morning, or later in the day. Booking a tee out of peak hours has many advantages, it’s quieter, it’s before or after the busyness of the day, and it’s a lot cooler, but get in there early as many will have the same idea!”
Avoid sunburn: This can happen within minutes on the golf course, so before your swing, slap your SPF30+, slip on a hat (ideally wide brim) remember those sunglasses. We all know the risks associated with UV rays and skin cancer and this get super-charged in a heatwave. Apply sunscreen before activity and every two hours throughout the day. Avoid a greasy grip by repurposing your anti-bac gel, applying this with a small towel to clean palms.
Stay hydrated: Being active when temperatures are high can lead to dehydration, so it is vital to maintain optimal fluid balance. When active, such as walking briskly to the next hole, our body’s core temperature will naturally increase resulting in us losing bodily fluid through sweat. Drink water 30 minutes before your session, and then continuously sip water during the day after your round, avoiding the temptation of alcohol.
Take the range instead: The longer you’re outside, the more chance you have of experiencing the negative impacts of the heat, so opt for a session at the driving range instead. If you really want to get some golf in, mix it up a bit, and opt for a training session instead of a round. You’ll complete the same amount of time on the ball but reduce your exposure by 50 percent.
Grahame Madge, Met Office spokesman, said: "We've just issued a red warning for extreme heat for Monday and Tuesday which is the first such warning ever issued."
"The warning covers an area from London up to Manchester and then up to the Vale of York."
The Met Office are advising people to "take action now to keep yourself and others safe" and avoid travelling where possible.
With temperatures expected to soar to during the current heatwave, many are looking forward to getting the BBQ out and making the most of interrupted sunshine. But for golfers, be it professional or amateur, playing a round in sizzling temperatures can be uncomfortable and dangerous.
Playing sport in hot weather, specifically on a golf course that has little shade, can put you at risk of heat-related health conditions, such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, sunburn, or extreme dehydration, all of which can turn a great day into something sour. Here are some top tips as part of the Slip! Slap! Swing! campaign.
Book an early or late Tee: Temperatures are considerably cooler earlier in the morning, or later in the day. Booking a tee out of peak hours has many advantages, it’s quieter, it’s before or after the busyness of the day, and it’s a lot cooler, but get in there early as many will have the same idea!”
Avoid sunburn: This can happen within minutes on the golf course, so before your swing, slap your SPF30+, slip on a hat (ideally wide brim) remember those sunglasses. We all know the risks associated with UV rays and skin cancer and this get super-charged in a heatwave. Apply sunscreen before activity and every two hours throughout the day. Avoid a greasy grip by repurposing your anti-bac gel, applying this with a small towel to clean palms.
Stay hydrated: Being active when temperatures are high can lead to dehydration, so it is vital to maintain optimal fluid balance. When active, such as walking briskly to the next hole, our body’s core temperature will naturally increase resulting in us losing bodily fluid through sweat. Drink water 30 minutes before your session, and then continuously sip water during the day after your round, avoiding the temptation of alcohol.
Take the range instead: The longer you’re outside, the more chance you have of experiencing the negative impacts of the heat, so opt for a session at the driving range instead. If you really want to get some golf in, mix it up a bit, and opt for a training session instead of a round. You’ll complete the same amount of time on the ball but reduce your exposure by 50 percent.