About Improve your long game

Participating in sports like golf provides a range of health and wellbeing benefits, but long periods of time spent on the course with prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation increases their chances of developing skin cancer.

The importance of reducing skin cancer risk in golfers

Golfers in Australia are 2.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with skin cancer than the rest of the population, with men generally having poorer sun protection habits than women. Golfers are at higher risk of developing skin cancer due to factors such as:

• long periods spent outside in peak UV times
• limited shaded areas on golf courses
• surfaces such as sand and water reflecting UV radiation
• less emphasis on sun protection, compared to cricketers with their zinc, wrap-around sunnies and broad-brim hats.

Fortunately, skin cancer is easily preventable! When you protect your skin (think Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide) you reduce your exposure to UV and skin cancer risk. The good news is, it’s never too late to start.

Sun protection is needed whenever UV is 3 or above. In NSW, the UV is high enough to damage your skin for most days of the year, so it is important sun protection is made part of every golfer’s daily routine, for every round of golf.

Why should my club join?

• As a key part of local communities, golf clubs play an important role in supporting their members and guests’ health and wellbeing.
• The free Improve your long game program seeks to empower clubs like yours create a sun safe culture to reduce the risk of skin cancer for your golfers.
• Our research has shown male golfers 40+ at participating clubs were more likely to know they were at increased risk of skin cancer and be sun safe than men at non-participating clubs. They also reported they believed that both their club and players care about sun protection.
• By joining the program, your club will be part of a network of over 200 clubs across the state showing your commitment to sun safety to keep your players enjoying the game for longer.

How will the program benefit my club?

Participating golf clubs will receive complimentary resources up to the value of $1,100 and have access to order sun protection products from the Cancer Council shop at a discounted price.

Your complimentary benefits include:

• Two metal sunscreen stands to display at the 1^stand 10^th
• Yearly supply of up to 12 x 1L pump packs of Cancer Council SPF50+ dry touch sunscreen.
• Sun protection posters and brochures to display in the clubhouse and pro shop.
• Promotional videos and digital resources to show within the clubhouse and pro shop, and/or share via social media.
• Access to monthly newsletters, with additional sun protection tips, resources and information to share in your club communications to members.
• Assistance with promoting sun safety at key events, such as National Skin Cancer Action Week.
• Advice and practical support for protecting outdoor workers from the sun.