fbpx
Golf and lightning

Can I abandon my round if there is lightning?

Stormy weather? Our rules expert tells you how to proceed if you get caught in a flurry of bolts

 

There’s not much that worries me these days. But getting stuck in the middle of a course, carrying a bag full of metal and with the sky lighting up all around me is definitely one of them. Golf and lightning, it goes without saying, do not complement another.

The last time I had a close shave, I could actually feel the heat from the bolt as it forked down about 200 yards behind me. At that point, I didn’t really give two figs about that afternoon’s Stableford. I walked straight off the course and didn’t return.

But what do the Rules of Golf say about lightning? Can you just up sticks and leave, or should I have waited until it all blew over and then got back out there? Let’s reveal all…

Golf and lightning

Can you walk off the course if there is lightning?

Rule 5.7a says you must not stop play unless it’s suspended by the committee, you’ve agreed in match play, or… because of lightning.

As an individual, you can call a halt if you “reasonably believe there is danger from lightning” – but you’ve got to let the competition committee know as soon as possible (you will be DQd if you don’t).

It doesn’t matter if they disagree with you. A clarification to Rule 5.7c says that if your belief is reasonable, “the player is the final judge”.

This changes, though, when the committee, “after using all reasonable means to conclude that danger from lightning no longer exists”, orders play to be resumed.

If you’re not inclined to restart, because you believe there is still a danger, the committee can then “conclude” that your belief is unreasonable.

Fail to get back out there and you could be disqualified under Rule 5.7c.

Got a question for our expert?

Despite the changes to the Rules of Golf in 2019 and 2023, there are still some that leave us scratching our heads. I’ll try to help by featuring the best of your queries in this column.

What do you think about these golf divot rules and golf divots in general? Let me know by leaving a comment on X.

Latest Posts

This week’s hottest golf equipment deals

Read full article - This week’s hottest golf equipment deals
Augusta National Women's Amateur

The Masters

Augusta National Women’s Amateur: Everything you need to know

Read full article - Augusta National Women’s Amateur: Everything you need to know
sebastian soderberg

DP World Tour

Two 8’s and 9 birdies! This DP World Tour scorecard is insane…

Read full article - Two 8’s and 9 birdies! This DP World Tour scorecard is insane…

Top 100s

How we will improve our NCG Top 100s England golf course rankings

Read full article - How we will improve our NCG Top 100s England golf course rankings
jon rahm tyrrell hatton ryder cup

Ryder Cup

Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton must ‘jump hurdles’ to play another Ryder Cup

Read full article - Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton must ‘jump hurdles’ to play another Ryder Cup
Houston Open prize money 2024

PGA Tour

Texas Children’s Houston Open prize money: How much does the winner bank?

Read full article - Texas Children’s Houston Open prize money: How much does the winner bank?

Shoes

Duca Del Cosma Positano Golf Shoe Review

Read full article - Duca Del Cosma Positano Golf Shoe Review

Learn from the pros

What Makes It Work? Nelly Korda Golf Swing Analysis

Read full article - What Makes It Work? Nelly Korda Golf Swing Analysis

WIN! A 36-hole golf break at Bramshaw Golf Club

Read full article - WIN! A 36-hole golf break at Bramshaw Golf Club