A golfer should never race a thunderstorm to the end of a round or even to the next hole. It's much too dangerous. In the U.S., lightning is ranked second only to floods as a major cause of weather casualties. A golf course, with its ground elevations, open fields, isolated trees, golf carts, and water, provides the perfect environment for lightning injuries. You should never stay on an open course when lightning can be seen or thunder can be heard. At that point, you are already at risk.

At your first glimpse of lightning or the first rumble of thunder, seek shelter immediately. The best shelter is a large, closed-in building such as the clubhouse. Avoid isolated trees and water. If you are caught out in the open in a thunderstorm with no shelter nearby, find a low place, such as a ravine or valley. You should crouch down so that you are not the highest object. You should also avoid metal in a thunderstorm. Move away from your golf cart and your golf clubs and, if your golf shoes have metal spikes, take them off.

If a thunderstorm threatens your game, don't try to finish it in lightning speed. Instead, pack up and head to the clubhouse, where you can safely wait out the storm and live to play another day.