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GOLF
Lightning Safety
Submitted by the Golf Committee
This is a reprint of a previous Sun
Rays article which includes excerpts on
lightning safety provided by the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Let’s all take this seriously, and have a safe in damages annually.
spring and summer on our golf courses.
A bolt of lightning is one of the more
beautiful displays that Mother Nature
provides. However, it is also one of the
most deadly. Over the past 30 years,
lightning has ranked as the third leading
LIGHTNING MYTHS
AND FACTS
Myth: Lightning never strikes twice
in the same place.
Fact: It has been well documented
that lightning may strike certain
objects frequently.
enclosed with a roof, walls and a floor
Myth: Rubber tires keep you safe
in a car.
Fact: Most cars are safe but that
is largely due to the metal frame of
the vehicle.
– Avoid showers, sinks, tubs and electrical
Myth: A lightning strike victim may
hold an electrical charge, making
medical assistance dangerous.
Fact: The human body does NOT
store electricity. Administer first
aid, possibly including CPR, as
quickly as possible.
– Take shelter inside of a vehicle.
Myth: If outside in a thunderstorm,
it is advisable to take shelter beneath
a tree.
Fact: Being underneath a tree is
the second leading cause of lightning
casualties.
5500|| SSUUNNRRAAYYSS MMAARRCCHH 22001177
severe weather killer (tornadoes and
flooding rank first and second, while
hurricanes come in fourth). Due to both
the frequency of thunderstorms as well as
its sheer size, Texas experiences twice as
many cloud to ground lightning strikes as
the next closest state (Florida). Lightning
is also responsible for more than $1 billion
Thanks to increased awareness, lightning
fatalities have decreased over the past 15
to 20 years. Following some simple safety
precautions can save your life in the event
that you are caught outdoors during a
thunderstorm.
– Plan ahead! Know the weather forecast
before you head out.
– The best way to avoid harm from
lightning is to be inside a safe structure Financial Services, Matt Schaefer Spring
during a thunderstorm.
– A safe structure is one that is fully
involves some of the largest of the MGA
and has plumbing or wiring.
– Unsafe structures include tents,
patios, carports, baseball dugouts,
greenhouses and sheds.
of play, this year we are focusing on the
equipment such as computers, corded
telephones, stoves and radios.
If you are caught outside in a
thunderstorm:
– Try to find a safe structure.
fun and a little crazy!
– Spread out (to avoid multiple victims
in the event of a strike).
– Avoid tall objects or high ground,
standing water, metal objects and
open spaces.
UIL TOURNAMENT BY KORNYLISNTE:ASLCTWEXIALSS.OORNG
If you feel your skin begin to tingle or your
hair standing on end, this is due to the
rapid build-up of static charge. This is a
warning from Mother Nature - however,
this is not a reliable indicator as many
lightning strikes occur with no warning.
If this happens, seek shelter immediately.
Men’s Golf Association
(MGA) News
Submitted by Jeff Morgan, president,
MGA Board of Directors
Contact: 512-591-7050 or
[email protected]
Board Meeting: Monday, March 6,
2:15 p.m., AC, MR 3
Spring is the time for the first two of the
five MGA major tournaments: the UBS
Member-Member (March 29 and 30) and
the Don Hewlett President’s Cup (May 17
and 18). The field for both of these events
events, with over 250 players in each of
the tournaments.
The MGA continues to address the issue
of slow play during MGA play days and
tournaments. Rather than look at pace
pace of waiting. This is not an easy issue
to solve but the MGA is working with the
pro golf staff, course maintenance and
the MGA members themselves to come
up with some solutions.
For 2017, the MGA is looking for some
new ideas to make being a member more