As an avid golfer, and with years of experience as a dedicated GP, Dr Tony Buckland has seen at first hand the risks golfers face from prolonged sun exposure.
As a Sunguard ambassador at the Melanoma Fund, he champions the Pledge2Check initiative, part of the Slip! Slap! Swing! campaign, urging the whole golfing community to take a simple yet crucial step – committing to regular skin checks for early detection and prevention.
Even though we’re now into the colder months, Dr Buckland explains why it is so important to be on guard, what to look out for, and how you can get involved with Pledge2Check.
Skin cancer: Why golfers and greenkeepers must check their skin
As both a golfer and GP, why is skin cancer awareness so critical in the golfing community?
Golfers and greenkeepers face high risk due to hours of sun exposure without consistent protection.
I see many golfers in my surgery with all forms of sun damage, including skin cancer, and feel a strong responsibility to encourage them to protect their skin—whether it’s their first time on the course or their 100th.
Why is it important to check your skin, and what should you look for?
Regular skin checks are crucial for everyone, helping you notice early changes that may indicate skin cancer.
You’re primarily looking for melanoma, a dangerous form of skin cancer that can quickly spread to the lymph system and other areas.
You’re also checking for non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC), including basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Both are highly common and often treatable, but they can be invasive and disfiguring, particularly on the face.
As a golfer, what preventive measures do you personally recommend?
I always wear SPF 30+ sunscreen during summer play, reapplying regularly with Solex sunscreen which has a built-in applicator to avoid a greasy grip.
I choose UV-protective gear—long sleeves, hats, and sunglasses. It may seem like a lot, but I’ve seen firsthand how sun exposure can damage skin.
I also seek shade, when possible, especially during peak sun hours, and staying hydrated helps me stay focused on the course!
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What are some of the most common misconceptions about skin cancer that you encounter among golfers?
Many golfers think they’re safe because they aren’t “sunbathing,” but hours on the course under the sun’s rays expose them to significant UV radiation.
Some believe that darker skin tones aren’t at risk, but anyone can develop skin cancer. Another misconception is that if something was wrong, they would feel it, but early-stage skin cancer is usually painless and easy to miss without regular checks.
How has skin cancer impacted the lives of golfers you know, and what stories have stuck with you?
I’ve treated many golfers who initially dismissed small, seemingly harmless spots. When they finally sought help, the skin cancer had advanced, sometimes requiring invasive surgery or even radiation.
One golfer confided that he avoided checking his skin out of fear he’d find something serious. If this resonates with you, I urge you not to ignore these signs. Early checks lead to early detection, which is often the difference between simple treatment and a life-changing diagnosis.
Why should golf club managers promote the Pledge2Check initiative?
Golf clubs have a unique role in protecting members’ health. By displaying Pledge2Check posters and sharing information in newsletters, emails, and on social media, clubs can encourage sign-ups and remind players and staff to stay vigilant about skin protection.
Plus, the top ten clubs with the most sign-ups receive a free sunboard and dispenser. This is an effective way to show members that their well-being matters, helping make golf a safer sport for everyone involved.
What would you say to someone who is considering signing up for Pledge2Check?
By taking just a few minutes to sign up, you’re not only protecting yourself but also supporting the well-being of your family, friends, and everyone who cares about you.
A late diagnosis can be devastating, leading to difficult treatments and overwhelming stress.
By raising awareness, you’re empowering others to protect themselves too—potentially saving a life. Plus, after six months, you’ll receive a free high value goodie bag! The question really is, why wouldn’t you?
What should someone do if they notice a concerning spot on their skin?
If you find a spot that’s new, changing, or not healing—or one that’s itching, bleeding, or changing shape – see a GP or dermatologist promptly.
The “ABCDE” rule can help identify key warning signs: Asymmetry, Border irregularities, Colour changes, Diameter over 6mm, and Evolution. But any unusual change is worth attention. Don’t wait – early action can be lifesaving.
Where can golfers and greenkeepers sign up for Pledge2Check before the November 24 deadline?
They just need to visit the Melanoma Fund website. It takes only a few minutes but can make a lasting impact.
What is Pledge2Check?
As a golfer, you are at a higher risk for skin cancer, making it essential to prioritise your skin health. Despite this, only 29% of golfers regularly check their skin, and a staggering 20% have never checked at all.
Don’t let this be you; create a habit that can help avoid a late cancer diagnosis and save lives – possibly even your own.
To help you get started, the Melanoma Fund has launched Pledge2Check, specifically designed for everyone in golf.
You can sign up now, and then spread the word within your club! You can do this by downloading the poster from the media toolkit HERE, and displaying it on your noticeboard, or simply ask your club to share our promotional graphics on their social media platforms to raise awareness and encourage sign-ups before the November 24th deadline.
It’s free and open to all. Once you sign up, pledging six months of check, the Melanoma Fund will provide monthly reminders, helpful tips on skin checking, rewards for participation, and a wealth of additional resources to make skin health easy and accessible.
Now have your say
Are you fully aware of the increased dangers golfers have from skin cancer? Will you be signing up to Pledge2Check? Let us know by leaving us a comment on X.
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