You never know what kinds of things can happen to you out on the golf course, and it pays to be prepared for any emergency. There are some hazards that are inherent to being out on an open, often isolated green that you can be cognizant of and learn to deal with to protect yourself from harm.

Some hazards that can impact your game and well-being include:

Lightning.

The first thing to do when you spot lightning on the golf course is to seek shelter. Stay away from your metal and graphite clubs, which can conduct electricity and harm you if you try to hold them.

At the first sign of lightning:

• Find shelter. A sturdy building is best, but a hard-top vehicle is also helpful.
• Roll up the windows if you are in a car, and avoid touching anything metal inside the vehicle.
• If outside, stay away from water, hilltops, sheds, and isolated trees, as these can increase the chance of being struck.
• If you get caught on the course, stay low to the ground away from trees, poles, or fencing. Try to make yourself small, curl up and lower your head between your knees.

Tornado warnings.

Don't try to out-run a tornado, and don't get caught in a golf-cart. The best thing to do is to find shelter, if not in an inner-room on the first floor or basement of a building than in a ditch with your hands protecting your head.

When a tornado strikes on the golf course:

• Stay low and keep your head down.
• Try to avoid being out in the open.
• If inside, stay away from windows and out of the corners of the room or building. Try to get in the middle of the room if possible, preferably under a study piece of furniture or in the bathtub.

Bird attack.

It may sound like a Hollywood movie, but birds can attack and hurt you during play on a course. Wear a hat as a precaution against any birds that might be in the region, particularly mockingbirds, magpies, and blackbirds, which are prone to hanging out on golf courses and that will attack humans. You may not be able to strike-back, as birds are typically protected by law and it is illegal to harm them- even if you are being attacked.

When birds attack you on the golf course:

• Run and yell as loudly as you can. Wave your arms and make a lot of noise to possibly scare the birds away.
• Make sure to cover and protect your eyes and ears during a bird attack. Even while you are running away, birds can try to peck at your head and face.
• If you come across a bird's nest on the course, steer clear of it. Also, don't make it a habit of carrying food with you on the golf course, which attracts birds in general.

Be prepared for unexpected emergencies when you head out to enjoy a day on the golf course. Being aware of the best response to these and other similar circumstances may help you avoid or prevent these situations from jeopardizing your safety. Plan ahead and be prepared for these crises before you go golfing!