Golf involves the swinging of metal clubs, which propel golf
balls at high speeds. If you're in the way of either the clubs or the balls,
you're in danger. You could be placing yourself in danger, too, if you do not
respect the power of the sun, the danger of lightning, or your body's need for
the right kind of fluids on warm days.
Keep Track of Those
Around You
When a golf club is in your hands and you are preparing to
swing, it is your responsibility to make sure your playing partners are a safe
distance away from you. It's not too difficult, after all, to keep track of
where everyone is when your group is likely just four or fewer golfers.
Never swing a golf club when another golfer is close to you.
That's the most important thing to remember. And be a little extra cautious on
practice swings, when it's easy for golfers to let their guard down. Extra
vigilance is also needed when younger golfers are part of your group.
Also, look ahead of you, and to the left and right of the
area where you are aiming your shot. Don't hit your ball until you are
confident that any golfers up ahead are out of your range.
Heads Up
While it's the responsibility of every golfer to be sure it
is safe for them to take their stroke, you can't always rely on every golfer to
do just that. So even when it's not your turn to hit, stay aware of your
surroundings.
Be especially careful if you have to venture into an
adjoining fairway to retrieve or play an errant shot, or if you are close to an
adjoining fairway and golfers on that hole are hitting toward you.
