In July of 2010, an Arizona golfer was hit by lightning at Fred Enke Golf Course in Tucson.  The golfer subsequently died of his injuries, a sad reminder of the vulnerability of golfers to unpredictable lightning strikes.  According to the National Lightning Safety Institute (NLSI), 5% of all deaths and injuries from lightning that occur each year take place on golf courses. 

The NLSI recommends suspending all activities on a golf course when lightning is determined to be 6 miles away.  Golfers should move to the closest permanent building or completely enclosed metal vehicle.  Trees should be avoided since they attract lightning strikes.

The NLSI website explains how to determine the distance of lightning and provides detailed safety instructions for golfers.