Staying healthy and playing good golf is generally a challenge or all of us who love the game; even more so, for players who may not be accustomed to Thailand’s tropical heat, and other dangers that are common on Thailand’s courses. You may be surprised at the number of golfers who collapse from exhaustion, have heart attacks or are accidentally hit by wayward golf balls or golf clubs.
Being prepared to play, and understanding some of the common problems is the key to staying healthy whilst on the course.

Before you make your way to the first tee, consider what you’re in for. Phuket’s relentless sun, heat and humidity can drain you quicker than a three putt. Following a six ball with ten caddies also makes for a slow round in the heat. Rounds of six hours during the peak season are not uncommon, and it’s possible to lose your cool as well as your competitive edge, but thankfully there are plenty of rest stops around the course to replenish those lost fluids and to find some shade.

, as its effect will wear off as you sweat, and it’s your best protection against skin cancer. Wearing a hat and using an umbrella will shield you from the sun and don’t forget the wraparound sunglasses, so that you don’t burn out your retinae as you lose sight of that 300 yard drive.

Heat exhaustion is another common ailment, and the best method to prevent it is to wear loose-fitting, appropriate clothing. Drinks lots of fluids, and I mean lots of fluids. If you do not pee at least once during your round, you have not drunk enough. Some recommend gaining relief without penalty on at least two occasions during your round. Your urine should be clear or very pale yellow and virtually odourless. Dark-yellow, strong smelling urine means you need to drink more water. Alcohol should be avoided on the course as it only aggravates the onset of heat exhaustion, and should be left until you reach the 19th hole.

If you start to see stars instead of the golf ball, or feel lightheaded and weak, it’s time to rest and cool off for a while. Get to a shaded area and drink lots of fluid in order to get your body temperature down. Pouring some cool water over your head can also quickly bring your body temperature back to normal, as will the use of cold towels. If your playing partner is suffering from heat exhaustion and suddenly collapses or faints, more drastic action is required. Get some help, as things may be more serious than just heat exhaustion. Elevate your partner’s legs and place them on his golf bag to assist blood to return to his heart. If you can, check his pulse and make sure there are still signs of life, as he may have had a heart attack, which is very common on golf courses, and normally follows a period of heavy pain in the chest and difficulty in breathing. If you’ve been taught CPR, now would be a good time to use these lifesaving skills, as your playing partner is going to need them.

Being hit by a golf ball or club can be very painful. The problem with being hit by golf balls, which can be traveling at speeds of up to 160 mph off the tee, is that they cause fractures, bleeding and if you’re hit on the head, serious depressed skull fractures can render you unconscious for a while. Bleeding should be controlled by direct pressure to the wound, whilst a cold compress will reduce the pain and swelling inflicted by the offending golf ball. If a player is unconscious, place them on their side whilst transporting them to hospital.

Snakes, whilst common on Phuket’s courses, rarely bite unless you step on them whilst searching for your ball in the rough. If you’re bitten try not to panic, and apply a crepe or roller bandage over the bite site and completely cover the limb with the bandage. Immobilize the affected area and get to hospital quickly. Snake venom doesn’t travel through our body by the blood and circulatory system, so cutting between the fang marks or sucking out the venom is of no use, and only causes more trauma. Consider adding a crepe or roller bandage to your golfing accessories that you’re carrying in your bag.

During the rainy season, lightning strikes are another problem and you should not be out on the course during thunderstorms. If you cannot get back to the safety of the clubhouse, seek shelter in low-lying areas, not under trees or elevated structures, as lightning tends to strike these areas more often. Also keep away from areas of water.

Playing golf in Phuket is an enjoyable experience. Make it a safe and happy one.