The summer solstice (June 20) is just around the corner. The sun is climbing higher and the days are getting warmer in Loreto. For those who spend ample amounts of time outdoors—we’re thinking of you, golfers–extended exposure to El Sol can pose serious health risks to the skin and eyes. Understanding the risks and taking simple precautions are crucial to enjoying the sport safely.
While most beachgoers tend to be careful in the sun—think umbrellas and sunscreen and cooling dips in the sea—golfers in the past have been notoriously lax about self-protection. But habits have changed based on the scientific evidence. Sensible players now realize they need to protect themselves and avoid overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) sunrays, which can lead to premature aging of the skin, cataracts and other eye damage, immune system suppression, and skin cancer.
The Skin Cancer Foundation reckons that recreational players are at a high risk of developing skin cancer for every hour they’re on the course. Golfers typically receive 3.5 to 5.4 times the amount of UV radiation exposure needed to cause a sunburn during a typical round. In addition, ozone layer depletion has decreased our atmosphere’s natural protection from harmful UV radiation.
There’s more. TPC Danzante Bay is threaded through seaside dunes and desert foothills. The layout’s formal bunkers and sandy waste areas are hazards in more ways than one. Because sand reflects UV rays emitted by the sun, the skin absorbs the radiation twice, increasing the risk of skin damage.
An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure
For its part, the United States Golf Association (USGA) launched a sun protection campaign for golfers several years ago. Before heading out to play, the USGA recommends the “Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap” rule. In other words, slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat and wrap on those sunglasses.
Here are a few sun protection strategies that will keep your body and mind in good form this summer.
Plan your Schedule – Book an early or late tee time. The sun’s rays are strongest from 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Peak summer temperatures in Loreto usually occur in mid-afternoon. Also, be aware of the fact that 80% percent of the sun’s UV radiation can penetrate clouds, so the same safety rules apply on rare cloudy days as it does on clear sunny days.
Apply Sunscreen Liberally – Players should apply a golf ball-sized amount of SPF 30-plus broad-spectrum sunscreen (UVA and UVB) every two hours. In addition to lotions, golfers can use sunscreen sprays and stick applicators to keep their hands grease-free. It’s best to apply sunscreen 20 – 30 minutes before you tee it up at TPC Danzante Bay. In addition to the face, arms and legs, golfers should apply sunscreen liberally to the ears, the back of the neck and especially the nose, which gets the most sun per square inch of any body part. And don’t forget to apply a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher to prevent chapped or sunburned lips.
Attire – Opt for comfortable, breathable clothing in light colors. Shop for golf shirts with a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) of at least UPF 50, which only lets 1/50th of the sun’s harmful rays get to the skin. Today’s high-tech sports apparel is manufactured from moisture-wicking fabric treated to enhance capillary action, which moves sweat from the skin to the outer layer of the garment, where it evaporates. Shorts are generally a better choice than pants, but remember to protect your legs with sunscreen. Sun sleeves, worn on the forearm and over the bicep by dozens of players on the LPGA Tour, are increasingly popular among recreational golfers. So are sun-protective golf gloves with a rating of UPF 50.
Protect Yourself with Proper Headwear and Sunglasses
Hats – Wearing a baseball-style cap is acceptable, but donning a wide-brimmed hat made from a moisture-wicking performance fabric will provide additional protection from the sun’s direct rays. Lightweight, wide-brimmed straw hats that permit air flow are also a good bet on a hot summer day. Be sure to choose headgear with a rating of at least UPF 50.
Shades – Polarized sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection are the best way to shield the eyes from harmful sunrays. Performance-oriented players should experiment with different lens colors. The ability to read greens can be influenced by certain colors. In general, neutral gray and bronze / amber lenses tend not to distort golf course colors. Tinted lenses can affect visual clarity, which golfers rely on when lining up a putt.
Follow these sun safety precautions, and you’ll have it made in the shade all summer long.
Bonus Tip: Hydrate – It’s not enough to protect yourself from the sun. To play well in the heat, you need to stay hydrated. Even slight dehydration can lead to exhaustion and mental fatigue. Drink plenty of water before, during and after the round. Gatorade or Powerade is also recommended: the sodium and electrolytes in these beverages will offset the sweat you lose during the round. Healthy snacks are important to keep performance levels steady. Pack your bag accordingly.
The summer solstice (June 20) is just around the corner. The sun is climbing higher and the days are getting warmer in Loreto. For those who spend ample amounts of time outdoors—we’re thinking of you, golfers–extended exposure to El Sol can pose serious health risks to the skin and eyes. Understanding the risks and taking simple precautions are crucial to enjoying the sport safely.
While most beachgoers tend to be careful in the sun—think umbrellas and sunscreen and cooling dips in the sea—golfers in the past have been notoriously lax about self-protection. But habits have changed based on the scientific evidence. Sensible players now realize they need to protect themselves and avoid overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) sunrays, which can lead to premature aging of the skin, cataracts and other eye damage, immune system suppression, and skin cancer.
The Skin Cancer Foundation reckons that recreational players are at a high risk of developing skin cancer for every hour they’re on the course. Golfers typically receive 3.5 to 5.4 times the amount of UV radiation exposure needed to cause a sunburn during a typical round. In addition, ozone layer depletion has decreased our atmosphere’s natural protection from harmful UV radiation.
There’s more. TPC Danzante Bay is threaded through seaside dunes and desert foothills. The layout’s formal bunkers and sandy waste areas are hazards in more ways than one. Because sand reflects UV rays emitted by the sun, the skin absorbs the radiation twice, increasing the risk of skin damage.
An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure
For its part, the United States Golf Association (USGA) launched a sun protection campaign for golfers several years ago. Before heading out to play, the USGA recommends the “Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap” rule. In other words, slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat and wrap on those sunglasses.
Here are a few sun protection strategies that will keep your body and mind in good form this summer.
Plan your Schedule – Book an early or late tee time. The sun’s rays are strongest from 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Peak summer temperatures in Loreto usually occur in mid-afternoon. Also, be aware of the fact that 80% percent of the sun’s UV radiation can penetrate clouds, so the same safety rules apply on rare cloudy days as it does on clear sunny days.
Apply Sunscreen Liberally – Players should apply a golf ball-sized amount of SPF 30-plus broad-spectrum sunscreen (UVA and UVB) every two hours. In addition to lotions, golfers can use sunscreen sprays and stick applicators to keep their hands grease-free. It’s best to apply sunscreen 20 – 30 minutes before you tee it up at TPC Danzante Bay. In addition to the face, arms and legs, golfers should apply sunscreen liberally to the ears, the back of the neck and especially the nose, which gets the most sun per square inch of any body part. And don’t forget to apply a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher to prevent chapped or sunburned lips.
Attire – Opt for comfortable, breathable clothing in light colors. Shop for golf shirts with a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) of at least UPF 50, which only lets 1/50th of the sun’s harmful rays get to the skin. Today’s high-tech sports apparel is manufactured from moisture-wicking fabric treated to enhance capillary action, which moves sweat from the skin to the outer layer of the garment, where it evaporates. Shorts are generally a better choice than pants, but remember to protect your legs with sunscreen. Sun sleeves, worn on the forearm and over the bicep by dozens of players on the LPGA Tour, are increasingly popular among recreational golfers. So are sun-protective golf gloves with a rating of UPF 50.
Protect Yourself with Proper Headwear and Sunglasses
Hats – Wearing a baseball-style cap is acceptable, but donning a wide-brimmed hat made from a moisture-wicking performance fabric will provide additional protection from the sun’s direct rays. Lightweight, wide-brimmed straw hats that permit air flow are also a good bet on a hot summer day. Be sure to choose headgear with a rating of at least UPF 50.
Shades – Polarized sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection are the best way to shield the eyes from harmful sunrays. Performance-oriented players should experiment with different lens colors. The ability to read greens can be influenced by certain colors. In general, neutral gray and bronze / amber lenses tend not to distort golf course colors. Tinted lenses can affect visual clarity, which golfers rely on when lining up a putt.
Follow these sun safety precautions, and you’ll have it made in the shade all summer long.
Bonus Tip: Hydrate – It’s not enough to protect yourself from the sun. To play well in the heat, you need to stay hydrated. Even slight dehydration can lead to exhaustion and mental fatigue. Drink plenty of water before, during and after the round. Gatorade or Powerade is also recommended: the sodium and electrolytes in these beverages will offset the sweat you lose during the round. Healthy snacks are important to keep performance levels steady. Pack your bag accordingly.
