Golf is a sport played outdoors around groups of people all trying to hit a small hard ball around a golf course. These factors make it important to keep safety in mind – weather-related and otherwise – at all times.

Proper conditioning, hydration, and golf techniques are key to building the foundation for a safe game. Here are some tips to keep yourself, and others, injury free:

Engage in warm-up activities prior to your game. Before swinging your club, make sure the area around you is clear of others. Be careful after hitting the ball not to throw your club as you could injure someone. Be careful about standing in front of or on the side of a person who is attempting to hit the ball, as you could be injured by the ball or by the rebounding of the ball from the trees, signs, etc. You are vulnerable at all times, be aware of who is playing around you. Do not hit the ball until proper distance is available between groups of golfers.

Weather-wise, if you start to see rain clouds, hear thunder or see lightning in the distance, get off the course right away. Lightning is famous for striking the open, inviting field of the golf course, or the trees surrounding it. A golf cart won’t protect you from lightning strikes or a heavy downpour. Don’t take any chances – safety first!