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Golf Tip:

A Lightning Safety Mandate For The Game Of Golf
By Richard Kithil, President & CEO, NLSI

Lightning is arbitrary, random and unpredictable. Some five percent of annual USA lightning deaths and injuries happen on golf courses. Everyone associated with the game should participate in lightning safety. The United States Golf Association (USGA) makes available warning posters and stickers to inform players about lightning safety tips.
Golfers know that the USGA Rules of Golf (Rule 6-8) allow players to discontinue play if they believe there is a danger from lightning. No other sport has any regulations relating to lightning.

A good rule for everyone is: "If you can see it (lightning), flee it; if you can hear it (thunder), clear it." Another safety tool is measuring lightning’s distance using the Flash-To-Bang Method (F-B). For every five seconds from seeing lightning to hearing the associated thunder, lightning is one mile away. Thus, a F-B of ten = 2 miles, fifteen = 3 miles, twenty = 4 miles, thirty = 6 miles, etc.

We recommend suspending activities when lightning is 6 miles away, or a F-B of thirty. "Where is a safe place? How quickly can we get there?" golfers should ask themselves. Go to large permanent buildings or get into a fully enclosed metal vehicle (car, van or pickup truck). Avoid trees since they "attract" lightning. Avoid small on-course shelters: they are intended only for sun and rain safety. Don’t wait around for the next strike, please.

This article was found at National Lightning Safety Institute