Even When Playing Golf, Think Safety First

A release from Stoneham safety officer Joseph Ponzo:

Golf may not be as easy as it looks, but it is a very safe sport as long as a few basic, common-
sense rules of safety are followed. When the rules are not followed, people get hurt. I have
researched some basic golf guidelines to help keep you and others around you safe on the golf
course.

When sitting on the first tee box warming up with your big dog (Driver), watch where you swing
the club. Make sure there is plenty of distance between you and anyone else nearby. It’s not too
difficult to lose sight of where people are around you. Even off the first tee box, HEADS UP, it’s
the responsibility of every golfer to be sure it is safe for them to take their stroke and anticipate
where their ball is going. If the ball isn’t going where you planned it to go and there are people in
that trajectory, make sure you yell that international word of warning in golf “FORE”. I yell it loud
and unfortunately a little too often. If you do hit the ball into another fairway and there are no out
of bounds markers, make sure it’s safe to walk into that fairway to take your shot. If it’s not safe,
wait the extra minute or you can do what Inspector McKinnon does and use the foot wedge to put
it back into your own fairway when no one is looking.

Never hit into the group ahead of yours. This is how injuries and documented deaths on golf
courses most commonly occur. If you are not sure if the group in front of you is far enough out
then wait the extra minute and if you are frustrated because they are golfing too slowly then take
a deep breathe and remind yourself that you are “not in the office today”.

If you are driving a golf cart, keep in mind that this is a motor vehicle which operates much like a
car. This cart does flip over and people do fall out if driven erratically. If you are allowed to
consume alcoholic beverages on the course, then keep in mind that alcohol and motor vehicles
are still a deadly mix. Keep in control at all times and obey all the rules of the course to help keep
a safe and enjoyable environment for all that play.

Remember Safety First!