Columnist Peter Benton: Lightning, golf simply aren’t a good mix

Peter Benton

Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2003 | 9:53 a.m.

Peter Benton's golf column appears Wednesday.

It was distressing to read recent published accounts about three young men -- certainly old enough to know better -- out playing golf and having the times of their lives during one of our recent afternoon thunderstorms.

I find the mentality of some people quite puzzling. Lightning does not discriminate, and to flirt with disaster as these guys obviously did, is tantamount to utter stupidity.

As this past month will attest, we are at a time of year prone to sudden thunderstorms in the Las Vegas area. Since 1959, lightning has killed more than 3,000 people in this country, plus injured 7,000 others. Serious consideration must be give to the perils of playing golf in such dangerous weather conditions.

The simple fact is that we golfers and our clubs -- which are in effect hand-held lightning rods -- are prime targets and thus extremely vulnerable when out on a course, so please take heed of the following advice:

Under thunderstorm conditions, common sense -- not bravado or stupidity -- should prevail at all times. Remember, don't stand there gawking at the spectacular display lightning often provides, take refuge -- even in a small depression -- crouch down, and stay alive.