Improve your long game

What’s it all about?

Improve your long game is Cancer Council NSW’s free sun protection program, targeting male golfers aged 40+ in NSW golf clubs. The program aims to improve sun protection behaviours of golfers by providing free sunscreen at the 1st and 10th tee, information and resources to help reduce skin cancer risk.

The program runs year-round, as UV levels are high enough in NSW to damage unprotected skin most months of the year.

Now in its 7th year, we know the program works and is making an impact. Our research showed male golfers 40+ at participating clubs were more likely to know they are at increased risk of skin cancer and to have used sun protection than men at non-participating clubs. Find out more benefits of joining below.

Register for Improve your long game

Ready to join now? All you need to do is complete the online registration form.

The program is free and easy to implement. Learn more about the program in our video:

For more information, visit our FAQs page or contact us on:

improveyourlonggame@nswcc.org.au
Or call us: (02) 9334 1761

Why men?

In NSW men over the age of 40 are 1.5 times more likely to be diagnosed and 2.5 times more likely to die of melanoma than women of a similar age.

Evidence has shown men generally have poorer sun protection behaviours than women, in particular, while out playing golf.

It is easy to see why golfers are at risk of developing skin cancer when you consider:

Long periods spent outside in peak UV times.
Limited shaded areas on golf courses.
Many surfaces (grass, sand and water) which reflect ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Less emphasis on sun protection, compared to cricketers with their zinc, wrap-around sunnies and broad-brim hats.

Hear from Paul Gow, our program ambassador about why UV protection is so important when on the golf course.

Join the growing team of golf professionals and managers across NSW who are actively promoting this life-saving sun protection program in clubs.
– Paul Gow, Pro Golfer and Cancer Council NSW Ambassador.

How will Improve your long game benefit my club?

Being part of the program can benefit players, staff, and the golf club as a whole.

Our research on participating vs non-participating clubs showed:

Men 40+ were more likely to know they were at increased risk of skin cancer
Men 40+ were much more likely to have seen sun protection information and to have used sun protection than men at non-participating clubs
The program reflects positively on the club culture by showing members that the club cares about sun protection
Clubs find the program easy to implement and would recommend it to other clubs

Read more about our successes (PDF, 132 KB).

What will my club receive?

As a participating golf club, Cancer Council NSW will provide you with the resources to support you in delivering the program including:

2 metal sunscreen dispenser stands for the 1^st and 10^th tee of the golf course
1L pump packs of Work SPF50 dry touch sunscreen
A range of printed posters and leaflets that promote sun protection
Digital resources to show within the Clubhouse or Pro shop, and/or share via social media
Regular communications and support throughout the year from Cancer Council NSW
Sun safety policy for outdoor workers