HCD Blog

When you’re out on the golf course, you have enough to worry about — your target off the tee, the distance to carry the next fairway bunker, your opponent's birdie putt — the last thing you want to do is to add sun damage to your list of distractions. But considering you’re spending 4+ hours outside at a time (and the goal isn’t exactly to be among the shady trees), playing golf means exposing yourself to a huge amount of sunlight.

Dr. Carruthers recently spoke to Ladies Group from Marine Drive Golf Club in Vancouver about simple habits they can incorporate into their golf games to ensure they’re staying sun safe. Adopt her tips and stay focused on winning your match, not dealing with sun damage.

1. Pick a sweat-proof sunscreen.
   We always recommend a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+ that protects against UVA and UVB rays. When choosing a sunscreen for golf specifically, don’t forget to find a water-resistant option. After all, whether it’s from the heat, or the pressure of that winning putt, you’re likely going to sweat.
2. Find an easy applicator.
   Re-applying sunscreen on the golf course can be a challenge, to say the least. You don’t want your hands to get greasy, or your group to fall behind. It’s always easier to say you’ll get to it on the next tee box, and then the next one, and then the next one... This is where alternatives to a traditional lotion come in handy. Some of our favourites are sun protection bars and powders, like Sunforgettable by Colorescience. With a spray it can be challenging to guarantee coverage, but these solutions make thorough application (and re-application) easy.
3. One size doesn’t fit all.
   Once you’ve found that perfect sunscreen, don’t stop looking. Chances are you’re going to need a few complementary sun protection options. For instance, keep an SPF 15+ lip balm in your golf bag to avoid burning your lips. And if you do opt for a visor over a full coverage hat, make sure you’re protecting the part in your hair — this is one place where a spray could be your best bet.
4. Reassess your wardrobe.
   Beyond sunscreen, there are a number of other measures you should be considering, starting with sunglasses that protect against UVA, UVB and IRA. We hear you: sunglasses can distort your depth perception and impact your periphery view — neither of which are optimal for your golf game. But companies are starting to make lenses specifically designed to enhance white-on-green contrast and brighten your view without sacrificing protection. The sooner you get used to golfing with sunglasses, the longer you’ll protect your vision. Sun protective clothing, like Solumbra’s options, are another great wardrobe addition, especially for fair-skinned golfers.
5. Plan your tee times accordingly.
   In most of North America, the sun’s rays are strongest between 10am and 2pm. Keep this in mind when you’re planning your tee time. Waking up that little bit early to get 18 holes in before the heat of the day can have a huge impact over time...and the greens roll truer first thing in the morning anyways.

So many of our patients are golf addicts, and the last thing we want to do is tell them to quit their passion. But this means spending a lot of time outside, exposed to the elements. By adopting a few simple sun protection best practices, they can continue enjoying the game safely for years to come.