by Valerie Tort
Since we are near the end of the first half of the year, it is the period for golf fanatics to begin going and arranging extra tee off places from their routine and participating in numerous tournaments beyond Metro Manila. To enjoy this summer season will be certain if golfers know what necessities to bring before they head off to their favorite Philippine golf courses.
Instead of a carrying a suitcase with you plus the golf bag, carry a huge, unstructured, rugged duffel bag. This bag can be tossed around the corner without worrying of its shape deformity. It can also carry bulk items in one handy bag.
Pack Light: Only provide the essentials in your travel bag to avoid much bulk and inconvenience along the way. Traveling will be much better if you pack enough light summer shirts and shorts (since the weather is hot in the Philippines), a pant suit and long-sleeve polo (for males since there can be unexpected conferences or meetings), and a blazer and skirt (for women to look more appropriate in business meetings) to see to it you still covered even the unexpected scenarios. Do not forget your dose of medicines and additional golf balls just to keep you on play. It is better to have your own, because sometimes the pro shops can also ran out of stocks.
Do not forget to bring your sun protection at all times. The midday sun is usually intense so it is better to wear a hat or a sun visor and UV-blocking sunglasses to keep your face and delicate facial parts away from sunburns and wrinkles. Though it can be for aesthetic purposes, wearing these protective gear can also minimize the risk for skin cancer. Aside from wearing a sun visor, or a wide brimmed hat, also protect your exposed skin with a waterproof and sweat-proof sunblock with SPF 40 or higher since prolonged sun exposure is a sure thing for golf tournaments.
Put sunblock on all the skin that is exposed, especially the nape area and the behind the ears since those are the usually neglected parts when putting sunblock. Always remember to reapply sunblock from time to time, since sweat can lessen the sunblock’s potency over time. Severe sunburn is possible since more ultraviolet radiation lets through thin, warm air.
Stay cool under the heat of the sun by carrying an umbrella and a potable drinking water with you all the time. It can be a little hassle for golfers to have water bottles toted around the golf course, or even the caddies to assist you with carrying the umbrella, but it is better to walk in the shade than to be exposed in hot sand that can be a culprit for heat stroke.
Insects and flies can be bothersome while on play. Be sure to stay away from fragrances because it can attract these pesky creepy-crawlies. Carry a good insect repellent to ward off insects (30% Deet). The downside: it can lessen the potency of your sunblock since the chemicals neutralizes each other.
Take with you a generous quantity of resealable plastic bags. They are very useful for putting in storage items that have to stay dry, for isolating soiled garments, and for arranging the stockpile into your duffel bag. It is also safe to store medicines and other first aid items inside the resealable plastic bags to locate it easily and to prevent unnecessary moisture in creeping the pills or gauzes. Books, maps, notebooks, and other gadgets such as cameras, MP3 players, etc., can be stored in these plastic bags, inside their own pouches. These pouches can also be used to carry ice if you need it on a bruise or a sore spot. Clubhouses usually have ice but without any plastic bags.
Skin treatment ointments are necessary to carry all the time. There are times when the sun hurt the skin too much. These cooling balsam and ointment can soothe minor scorched areas.
Band aids are also necessary for cuts, and blisters that may hinder a golfer to play well. Band aids have also a little cushioning and healing medicine to protect the affected area.
Bandages are handy for twisted wrists or ankles as a first aid. Do not forget to call a physician or seek medical help immediately after finishing the game.
Oral painkillers, analgesic, paracetamol, diarrhea medicine, and antibiotics are necessary since sickness does not choose a time of the day. It is better to be prepared all the time to make the most out of your summer golfing experience memorable and enjoyable.
Take along a light, easily absorbed skin moisturizer with you, even if you don’t usually use it. Dry air and hot sun can combine to really dry out skin and may result to itching and peeling afterwards.
Moist towellets and bandanas are handy to keep you fresh and clean. Handy wipes can eliminate allergy-causing pollutants and dirt. It is also handy especially if wash areas are on the other side of the clubhouse and you are having a game. It minimizes bacterial contact since it has antibacterial properties. Hand sanitizers can also be used but it can be messy on large areas such as the arms and legs. Bandanas are useful to save you from these expensive towellets for wiping away sweat.
Eye drops will protect your eyes from further spread of bacteria. Choose a brand with tetrahydrozaline as an antibacterial agent. For contact lens wearers, always have your eye solution within your reach. Windy golf courses can easily dry your eyes, causing irritation between the contact lens and the cornea.
Slip in your camera in your tote bag to have fun and memorable snapshots of your family, teammates, and the scenic places around the golf course. These are great icebreakers after the play or even during a lousy game. Take along a digital camera since this minimizes stash for films. This allows you to present your buddies with instant pictures of themselves or with the group.
These are some of the useful tips to maximize your summer fun while playing your favorite game of golf and staying safe under the sun.
Tags: Golf Travel Tips, Philippine Golf, Golf Tips, Manila Golf Courses
