Co-funded by Cancer Institute NSW, “Improve your long game” supports participating golf clubs to help keep members protected from the sun by providing information resources and free sunscreen pump stands at the clubhouse and on the course, with a reminder for golfers to apply and reapply sunscreen.    

Emma Swords, community programs coordinator, said men over the age of 40 were 1.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma, and around twice as likely to die from it, compared to women of a similar age.

“Recreational golfers spend extended periods of time outdoors in an environment that has minimal shade and is highly reflective of UV from surrounding surfaces like grass, sand and water,” she said.

“Unprotected sun exposure puts them at high risk of sunburn, skin damage and skin cancer.

“Improve your long game reminds men that it’s never too late: using sun protection at any age reduces the risk of melanoma and when you’re older it will reduce any further damage occurring. 

“Skin cancer is preventable through easy steps like applying and reapplying sunscreen, wearing a broad brimmed hat, wearing long-sleeved shirts, wearing sunglasses and seeking shade when possible.”

As many keen golfers learn good golfing technique by observing more experienced players, former golf pro Paul Gow is leading the field by staying sun-safe and encouraging all golfers to practice good sun protection both on and off the course.

“Over the years, golf has given me some of the greatest experiences of my life,” Mr Gow said.

“Above all, it's about having good times with my mates and family. For us blokes over 40, it's really important that we look after ourselves to make sure we can keep having those good times for many years to come. It’s never too late, that's why Improve your long game and good sun protection benefits everyone.

“I make sun protection a part of my game prep; checking I have all the right gear complete with a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and long sleeves. Make sun protection part of your game too.”

In most parts of NSW, UV levels are high enough to require sun protection for most of the year.

Cancer Council NSW encourages golfers to wear long-sleeved clothing (slip), apply sunscreen (slop), wear a broad brimmed hat (slap), find shade wherever possible (seek), and wear sunglasses (slide) each and every time they are out on the green.

Narooma Golf Club joins over 100 clubs across NSW participating in the Improve your long game Program in 2018, and show commitment to improving the sun safety of their members.

For more information on skin cancer prevention and Improve your long game, visit cancercouncil.com.au/longgame