Tuesday, December 31, 2013

A Tragic, Timely Reminder... golf and the weather

On Saturday, 28th December, Dougie Johnstone was found dead on Hinckley Golf Club (Leicestershire, UK), the club where he was Course Manager. He had been hit by a falling branch while working on the course.

This is a timely reminder for all golfers that winter, particularly, brings its own set of dangers to the golf course. The UK and Ireland have been battered by winds in recent weeks leading to falling branches and entire trees. And while you're unlikely to be golfing in 150 km/h winds, please remember that the aftermath can be just as dangerous. The winds may have stopped but, combined with the rain, root systems might have been weakened and trees can still topple. They do so, silently.

And since we're on the subject of dangerous weather conditions, do you know what you should do if you're caught out in a lightning storm? Sheltering under the tallest tree is not the answer! Also, stay away from your clubs/trolley/buggy as the metal can conduct electricity... as can your metal spikes, so take off your shoes if that's what you're wearing.

Follow the link for the full Leicester Mercury story.

If you're on Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus or any of the other dozens of social media channels, please share this blog (buttons at end of this post) and/or the Leicester Mercury story... and help to ensure that we avoid any more weather induced fatalities/injuries on our golf courses. Thank you.

[Story/Link via Al Dunsmuir of http://www.golfclubmanagement.net]

No comments:

Post a Comment