Golf guide
Golf weather and sun safety for young players
Golf is played outdoors for hours, so weather matters. When a storm warning sounds, stop and go to a safe building or closed vehicle right away. Add sunscreen, water, a hat and weather-ready clothes, and ask your program about its plan.
Why weather matters in golf
A round of golf can take hours, mostly outdoors, often with little shade. That makes sun, heat, cold, wind and storms a bigger part of the day than many parents expect. A few simple habits keep young golfers comfortable and safe. This is general guidance only. Your course and program will have their own weather rules, and a doctor can answer questions about your child's health.
Lightning comes first
Lightning is the most serious weather danger on a golf course, because players are in open space holding long clubs. Courses usually have a warning system, often a siren or horn, or announcements and staff on carts. Ask about it before the round.
- When play is suspended, stop and follow your coach or course staff immediately.
- Head to a safe building or a closed vehicle. Do not shelter under a lone tree.
- Put clubs down and away from you and do not carry them.
- Do not wait for rain to begin. Storms can be dangerous before they arrive overhead.
- Do not restart until staff say it is safe.
A round is never more important than safety. Programs commonly stop play at the first sign of a storm, and parents should support that decision.
Sun protection
- Apply sunscreen before the round and reapply as directed on the label.
- Wear a hat with a brim and sunglasses if your child likes them.
- Choose light, breathable clothing that fits the dress code of the course.
- Look for shade during breaks, and stay under it while waiting.
Hot days
Bring plenty of water, and encourage your child to sip often rather than waiting until thirsty. Take shade breaks when possible, and ask the coach about carts and shorter rounds on very hot days. If a child seems dizzy, unusually tired, sick or confused, stop play, move to shade, offer water and get help from a coach or medical professional right away.
Cold, wind and rain
- Dress in layers that can be removed as the day warms up.
- Pack a rain jacket, a spare towel and a dry glove, because wet grips are slippery.
- Bring a spare pair of socks and an umbrella made for golf if your program allows them.
- Keep hands warm between shots. Stiff fingers are no fun.
Weather packing list
| Condition | Items to pack |
|---|---|
| Sunny | Sunscreen, hat, water, light clothing |
| Hot | Extra water, a cooling towel, a snack |
| Cool | Layers, a warm hat, gloves for between shots |
| Wet | Rain jacket, towel, spare glove and socks, waterproof shoes |
The rest of the bag is covered in the youth golf equipment checklist.
Other safety on the course
- Watch for wildlife, insects and uneven ground, and keep a respectful distance from animals.
- Stay clear of the area around other players' swings, as in golf etiquette for kids and parents.
- Be careful around carts, especially on slopes and near paths.
- Ask staff before entering areas such as ponds or marked-off sections.
Questions to ask your program
- How do you warn players of lightning, and where do we go?
- What is the plan if a round has to stop or is cancelled?
- Are water or snacks provided on the course?
- Can players ride carts, or do they walk?
- Who do we contact if my child feels unwell?
After the round
Weather care does not end when the last putt drops. Encourage your child to drink water, eat a snack and rest in the shade or indoors. Wipe down wet clubs and grips and let them dry before putting them away, and hang damp clothes to dry so they are ready next time. If your child had a long day in the sun, check for sunburn and talk to a doctor if anything seems more than mild. Checking in on how they feel, and listening to the answer, teaches them to notice and speak up about their own needs.
Keep a small weather kit in the golf bag all season, with sunscreen, a spare towel, a rain jacket and a hat, so you are never caught out. Check the forecast the night before and again in the morning, and pack to match. Having a plan for a delay, such as a card game or a book for the car, also makes a stoppage feel like part of the day instead of a disappointment.
Weather and scheduling
Programs sometimes choose tee times to avoid the hottest part of the day, and a morning start can be cooler and calmer. If you have a choice, ask about it. Know the plan for postponed or shortened rounds, and keep your phone handy for updates, while keeping it silent on the course. Being flexible, and showing your child a positive attitude about delays, keeps the experience enjoyable even when the forecast does not cooperate.
If your child has a health condition that could be affected by heat, sun or cold, such as asthma, allergies or a need for medication, talk to your doctor and share the plan with the coach before the first round. Keep any needed items in the bag and make sure an adult on the course knows where they are.
Finally, teach your child to speak up. A young golfer who says "I feel too hot" or "I am cold" early can fix the problem in minutes, while one who stays quiet to avoid fuss may struggle for hours. Agree on a simple signal with the coach so your child can ask for a break without embarrassment, and make it clear that nobody will be upset when they use it.
Common mistakes
- Waiting for rain before taking lightning seriously.
- Forgetting sunscreen on cloudy days.
- Skipping water because the round feels easy.
- Pushing a child to keep playing when they feel unwell.
Preparing for the weather is part of getting ready for the season, which is covered in how to prepare for golf season.
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Sources and further reading
- Weather Safety - Lightning National Weather Service
- Sun Safety: Information for Parents About Sunburn & Sunscreen HealthyChildren.org (AAP)
- How to Keep Young Athletes & Active Kids Safe in Hot Weather HealthyChildren.org (AAP)
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Frequently asked questions
What should a golfer do if there is lightning?
Stop play, put clubs down and go straight to a safe building or closed vehicle. Follow course staff and wait for the all-clear.
How do I protect my child from the sun at golf?
Use sunscreen as directed on the label, a brimmed hat, light clothing, water and shade breaks.
What should kids wear to golf in the rain?
A rain jacket, a spare dry glove, extra socks and waterproof shoes, plus a towel to keep grips dry.
How much water should a young golfer bring?
Bring plenty and encourage regular sips. Ask your doctor for advice specific to your child.
Who decides whether golf is cancelled for weather?
Usually the course staff or the program or tournament officials. Ask how they communicate delays and cancellations.