A game of golf can last up to four hours, depending on the course, players, and number of holes. At any moment during a game, the weather can quickly change. Being out on a golf course when a storm brews puts you in a lot of danger in many ways. The best course of action is to get off the course and head indoors during inclement weather. Discover why you should avoid the golf course during a thunderstorm and learn how to increase golf course safety during bad weather.

Flash Floods

Golf courses are out in the open—with no cover and minimal shade. When rain falls, the greens get soaked. In downpours, water can build up and overflow ponds, breaking out into a flood. Flash floods happen fast and present many safety hazards, including drowning risks, physical injuries, and increased chances of electrocution from lightning and nearby electrical systems on the greens. Avoiding the golf course during a thunderstorm keeps you safe from being swept away by flash floods and the many other safety hazards a wet environment creates.

Flying Debris

Along with rain, thunderstorms cast strong winds. Some thunderstorms can cause high wind speeds and forces that can knock over anything in its path. Thunderstorm winds can pick up and hurl debris of all forms, from loose twigs and branches to golf carts and golf balls. At such high speeds, flying debris can apply enough impact force to knock you out cold. Staying off the golf course means avoiding dangerous flying debris.

Lightning Risks

Lightning is the second leading cause of weather-related injuries, just after floods. Lightning strikes can send high voltages of electricity through the body, causing burns and potential cardiac arrest. Lightning strikes aren’t the only electrical threat when a storm brews. Lightning and water create hazardous electrically charged pools that increase your risk of electrocution.

Lightning also poses a threat before and after a thunderstorm. Lightning can strike from 25 miles away. Therefore, being on a golf course before and after a storm still puts you in danger. With TALOS’ lightning detection systems for golf carts and courses, golfers can be alerted of nearby thunderstorms and lightning threats, giving them plenty of time to evacuate and get to safety.

People should avoid the golf course during a thunderstorm because nature’s wrath poses a lot of threats. As an open space of land, golf courses are most susceptible to the elements, making anyone occupying the greens vulnerable to various dangers. TALOS’ lightning detectors keep golfers situationally aware of their surroundings, aiding thunderstorm preparation and golf course safety.