I just returned from Tampa, Fla., and while there I was tempted to play a round at least, but with the rapidly changing weather there this time of season, opted against it. I grew up in Florida and worked for a while in Tampa, so I’m pretty familiar with the summer weather patterns.

The forecast for summer there: High in 90s, low in 80s and a guaranteed thunderstorm somewhere in between. These storms come up fast and disappear equally as fast, leaving little trace that they actually occurred. And the lightning that accompanies them is no joke. Tampa is known as the lightning capital of the nation. It’s name is derived from the Indian name “Tanpa,” which means sticks of fire.

Upon returning to the Midwest I received an email from a buddy about a man killed in Wisconsin when he chose to take shelter under a tree during a lightning storm (a very bad idea). That incident, in addition to the wicked fronts we’ve seen move through the area lately, gave me the incentive to dropped a little advice for those caught in lightning during a round.

These tips are courtesy of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America:

1. Seek shelter at the first sign of a thunderstorm. If the course’s warning system sounds, head for cover.
2. If possible, get off the golf course or go to a designated lightning shelter (note: open-sided buildings so not provide protection from lightning even if they have a lightning rod).
3. Do not stand under a lone tree. This is where most people are injured or killed.
4. Stay away from water.
5. Stay away from your golf clubs.
6. If your shoes have metal spikes, take them off.
7. Move away from your golf cart.
8. If stranded in the open, go to a low place such as a ravine or valley. (Note: If you feel a tingling sensation and the hair on your arms stands up, squat in a baseball catcher’s position, balancing on the balls of your feet, feet together, arms in front of your knees. If in a group, members of the group should keep at least 15 feet apart.)

These tips should help you avoid becoming a headline. Keep ‘em straight and stay safe out there.