Golfing in the Haze

Folks,

While driving to work today, I noticed how bad the haze was. Yes, we've been facing the haze for a while but it was quite awful today. I was on Nicoll Highway and could barely make out the Suntec buildings in the distance. This was of concern to me since I'll be playing in JB over the weekend (where the haze is supposed to be just as bad, if not worse) and also to our fellow golfers who will be playing at MBGC on Saturday. So, I wanted to share some suggestions* for those who expect to head out into the open while the haze continues to linger.

1. Heat
With the haze in the air, this creates a suffocating blanket of smog which prevents the heat from dissipating. As a result, the heat levels will rise as will humidity. While there may not be a lot of sunlight, it will be hot. I recommend drinking a lot of fluids and not over-exerting yourselves. If you feel out of breath, it's because the smog makes it difficult to breathe. Calm yourself down in the buggy. Stop for a while and resume when you feel more comfortable.

2. Skincare
Just because there's less sun (as it's hidden behind the smog), it does not mean that there's no sun. The sun rays continue to penetrate and as such, ample skincare is recommended. Sunblock lotion, wearing Skins (or similar material) and seeking shade whenever possible helps. Don't be a hero and march down each fairway thinking that the "shade" means reprieve from the sun's harmful rays.

3. Eyes
The particles in the air will cause irritation for your eyes. You'll notice that your eyes will start smarting and become more watery. I recommend using eye drops to help bring comfort. Try and avoid rubbing your eyes especially if you use a towel which is dirty. I've seen some golfers use the same towel to wipe their eyes as they do to wipe their clubs. Don't end up with an eye infection. Take care of your eyes.

4. Throat
Like your eyes, your throat may also suffer if it's too hot and dry. Make sure you consume lots of liquids. Coffee, tea etc should be avoided. Stick to water

5. Bacteria/germs etc
I was told that it is best to have a bottle of disinfectant with you (the small ones from Watsons don't cost much and can be very helpful) especially if you constantly wipe your sweat away from your face etc with your bare hands. The disinfectant is meant to cleanse your hands from bacteria/germs. Where do the bacteria/germs come from? Check out balls which end up in plugged lies, in the rough, in the water etc. You'll be surprised to see how much dirt they pick up. (Yes, this applies whether or not there's haze in the air.)

*Caveat
I'm not a doctor or a medical practitioner of any sort. I'm just sharing some tips which I've picked up from other golfers, from some reading and I suppose some common sense. Follow or don't follow, that's your choice

If anyone else has suggestions for golfing in the haze, please speak up.

Thanks Sir..will remember this for the coming weekend.

PS: Will try to play faster so that minimize the hours out on the course....by this I mean I will run faster from shot to shot and not by cutting down on my score...sighhhh

Thanks for your info ...

Duval_S wrote:

Thanks Sir..will remember this for the coming weekend.

PS: Will try to play faster so that minimize the hours out on the course....by this I mean I will run faster from shot to shot and not by cutting down on my score...sighhhh

Don't play too fast, ok? I need time to look for my ball in the jungle

thanks technospaz.. i thought it was all the alcohol that was making the horizon blurry... now at least i know i'm not alone..

should start smoking more ciggies in that case... at least that way, the air passes through a filter first.

important question.....how is the haze affecting the ball flight

or real question. Will you start playing colour balls?

mervyntan wrote:

should start smoking more ciggies in that case... at least that way, the air passes through a filter first.

MT, great idea man. Now why haven't I thought of that before?

Just step of the office, Kallang area ... the haze quite bad!!!

i lost distance today! at least 1 club length!!

I dunno what will happen tomorrow man but taking on 36 holes in one day at such a weather will be a challenge.

shotah wrote:

I dunno what will happen tomorrow man but taking on 36 holes in one day at such a weather will be a challenge.

Cover yourself up like Ninja like that lah..protect you from the sunlight and also have a mask to filiter the air..hahahaha, Best if you can carry the clubs on your back, like carrying a sword..hahahaha

Thanks for sharing bro !

One more to add..Must wear white like GI Joe.. Not so hot

Saw the thick smog in the air today and figured that this thread was worth reviving.

Wear mask

I miss shotah and meryvntan

Duval_S wrote:

I miss shotah and meryvntan

you miss them in the haze?

Duval_S wrote:

I miss shotah and meryvntan

Shotah is here. Mervyntan has decided to give up golf. He's now a full-time party animal and explores courses of a different nature

who is shotah?

mervyntan is into voyeurism now

Technospaz wrote:

Mervyntan has decided to give up golf. He's now a full-time party animal and explores courses of a different nature

Not true.

so when is Redbull allowed to post? its been a while and i miss the one liner direct to the heart of the matter........

eiji wrote:

who is shotah?

mervyntan is into voyeurism now

Shotah, Redbull and Redbull2 was banned on this forum.....

TS, thank you for such useful info!

Thanks rest of guy who bring this thread up, i miss it earlier.

eiji wrote:

who is shotah?

My arch nemisis.

eiji wrote:

who is shotah?

At one point, shotah wanted to kill me. I had to hide pay muar_chee protection money so that he would protect me from shotah.