Golf is played in sunny weather most of the time, exposing golfers to the bright sun for four hours or more.
To stay sun-safe, and healthy in the long term, follow these guidelines.
Wear a hat.
Not just any hat, but a hat with a wide brim.
Your face and neck take the biggest beating from the sun.
They deserve the utmost protection.
The tan that adds polish in your youth will add more years to your appearance than you would like later on.
If a ball cap or no hat is your style, at least use a sunscreen.
Be careful when you choose a sunscreen.
It is designed to block ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Every sunscreen will block UVB radiation, which causes sunburn, but many do not also block UVA radiation, which does not cause sunburn, but can increase the chance of melanoma (skin cancer).
Make sure the sunscreen you buy blocks both.
It might be more expensive, but it's worth it.
Do not skimp when you apply sunscreen.
Too little can be the same as none at all.
Make the first application 15-30 minutes before your first exposure, and every two hours after that.
Apply on all skin that might be exposed, but especially on your hands, your nose, and your shoulders, if you're wearing a sleeveless top.
When it's hot, we like to dress cool, so short-sleeved shirts and shorts are popular.
But again, that's sun exposure that adds up.
There are long pants on the market for golfers now that are lightweight, cool, and provide full protection from the sun.
With a lightweight, long-sleeved cover-up, you can keep your arms out of the sun as well.
It might be necessary to alternate wearing a cover-up on one hole and not the next, so you don't get too hot.
Regardless of the clothing you wear, buy only shirts, pants, and shorts that have built-in sun protection that is rated at at least 30.
Recent research is showing that sunscreen does not protect redheads from sunburn and melanoma as well as for other people.
Their best protection is just to stay covered and avoid playing at mid-day when the sun's rays are the strongest.
We've talked about protection on sunny days.
Overcast days can be risky, too.
Even if you can't see the sun, if you can see brightness coming through the clouds, enough so you know where the sun is, burning rays are getting through unimpeded.
You need to take the same precautions that you would on a sunny day.