As the weather changes and we are seeing more crisp and beautiful days, you and your friends are inevitably heading out to the golf course much more often. However, you must keep in mind that those rays from the sun are most powerful during prime golfing time! The average game of golf takes around 4 hours, so be sure to be prepared to protect yourself from the sun before heading off to the golf course!

Excessive exposure to the sun can not only increase your risk of skin cancer but can also lead to dark spots and wrinkles! Before you grab your golf clubs, be sure to follow these tips and tricks below to ensure you can protect your skin while you perfect your golf game!

4 Sun Protection Tips for Golfers

Apply & Reapply SPF

If you are already diligent about applying sunscreen before heading out to work on your golf game, great! Make sure you choose a sunscreen that is at least 30 SPF or higher and preferably has a physical or mineral blocker in it such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. If you are out for longer than a couple of hours, be sure to reapply your sunscreen. 

Don’t Forget These Key Areas

So you’ve mastered applying sunscreen to your face before a day on the course? That’s fantastic. However, while protecting your face from the sun is key, there are some other areas that are often forgotten that need some attention also! When applying (and reapplying) your sunscreen, be sure to include the neck, chest, ears, scalp, forearms, and hands if they are exposed. Applying a lip balm with SPF is always a great idea, too!

Top It Off

Don’t forget to “top it off” with a wide-brimmed hat! When picking a hat for your golf game, be sure to grab one that has at least a 3-inch wide brim to protect your face and neck from the sun. If a wide-brimmed isn’t your style, consider adding a neck drape to your typical cap for added protection.

Change Your Tee Time

Some golf courses will offer discounted rates for tee times that are early in the morning or later in the evening. The UV index from the sun is typically lower during those times. Choose to switch up your tee time, protect your skin, and even save some money while you’re at it!

Don’t Let the Sun Throw Off Your Golf Game

Applying and reapplying sunscreen, making sure you protect highly exposed areas, adding a wide-brimmed hat, and considering switching up your tee time can help prevent several sun-related issues while working on your golf game.

If you haven’t been as diligent as you should have been in the past, there is a chance that you already have some skin issues related to excessive sun exposure over time. If you’ve never had a skin exam, schedule an appointment with one of our dermatology providers today! Give us a call at (843) 872-3015!

Author: Sarah P. Fender, Certified Dermatology Physician Assistant