For these reasons, golfing should be avoided during thunderstorms. Due to the terrain profile, free-standing trees, flagpoles and the often large distances to buildings, golf courses are among the most vulnerable places during a thunderstorm. Golfers are repeatedly surprised by rapid weather changes or sudden thunderstorms. Not only a direct lightning strike, but also a strike into a nearby object (indirect lightning strike) poses a great danger to persons. In particular, the resulting crotch voltage is very dangerous for humans and animals.

Behaviour during thunder and lightning

If a thunderstorm is approaching, you should seek shelter and seek safety, e.g. in the clubhouse, a shelter or a hut with a lightning protection system. Lightning discharges in the immediate vicinity are possible and can be life-threatening.

• Leave golf bags, trolleys and clubs behind.
• Seek shelter individually-do not touch each other
• Avoid exposed areas such as elevated sites, hilltops, etc.
• Keep at least 10m distance from trees
• Do not touch fences, poles, golf clubs or other metal objects.

In the event of a thunderstorm:

• Immediately go to a safe hollow in the terrain
• In open terrain, assume a crouching position (squat down and put your hands over your head).
• Do not lie flat on the ground
• Wait until the thunderstorm has cleared and the course management has allowed play to resume.

Thunderstorm warning system on the golf course

With a powerful, large-scale #warning system, people on the golf course can be warned and alerted at an early stage. This ensures personal safety on the golf course at all times. Kockum Sonics offers customised and proven system solutions for golf courses. A programmable control software with various alarm signals can – based on the tournament regulations and different danger levels – be individually adapted to the customer and his needs. A warning system is also much easier to handle and more reliable than firing warning missiles.

An investment that pays off.