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Lightning and Weather Protocol

Lightning horn = stop immediately, seek shelter, wait for all-clear.

Do

  • When you hear the course's lightning horn (usually one long blast), stop play IMMEDIATELY
  • Seek shelter in the designated shelter areas or the clubhouse — never under a tree
  • Wait for the all-clear (usually two short horn blasts) before resuming
  • If caught in the open and no shelter is nearby: crouch low, spread out your group, drop metal clubs

Don't

  • Don't continue playing 'just one more hole' when lightning is nearby
  • Don't shelter under a tree or in an open cart
  • Don't hold metal clubs in an open area during a storm

Beginner-safe script

“Lightning horn just went off — let's head to the shelter.”

Why it matters

Lightning kills dozens of golfers per year worldwide. The rule is simple: one horn = stop play and seek shelter.