Well kids, it's that time of year and once again we must re-learn the fine art of playing golf in the rain.

The first rule which most people completely ignore is : "See lightning - run like hell."

There are more lightning-related fatalities on golf courses than anywhere else on the planet. Unfortunately, some people choose to take their chances out there, which is silly when you consider the odds are not in your favour and you have 14 miniature lightning rods in their bags.

 If you see lightning nearby - meaning if you can hear thunder, you're too close - prepare to head to a pop stand, rain shelter or the clubhouse. Remember, lightning can travel quite a few kilometres laterally before striking ground.

 If you cannot get to a pop stand, rain shelter or the clubhouse in time, head for the largest group of trees nearby. But beware of possible falling branches.

 If you're caught in the open with no shelter around, head for the bunkers and crouch down with as little of your body surface touching the ground as possible. DO NOT LIE DOWN FLAT.

 If you are one of the few people still wearing metal spikes, take them off.

 Zip up your golf bag to protect the clubs from the rain, then lean the bag against a tree and get away from it. Metal shafts attract lightning.

 DON'T use a metal-shafted umbrella. The best golf umbrellas have fibreglass shafts.

 DON'T stand under a lone tree

 DON'T wave your 1-iron around and yell: "C'mon, I dare ya!"

 DON'T think that lightning only strikes other people. Lee Trevino has been hit, as have I and countless others. The difference is that very few people are alive to talk about it. Don't be a victim - be smart.

 Wear waterproof golf shoes, such as DryJoys.

 Always keep an umbrella in your bag.

 Pack a rain suit, preferably made of Gore-Tex or any other such material which breathes. Rain suits which the cyclo drivers use do not breathe and get very hot.

 Wear a hat with a wrap-around brim. Regular golf caps don't stop water from trickling down the back of your neck.

 Store extra dry gloves in a waterproof pouch inside your golf bag. Waterproof golf gloves are available. Pick up a few.

 Pack an extra towel to keep your grips dry.

 Make sure your Caddie knows how to keep the grips dry. I once had a caddie who would fold up the umbrella then stuff it into the club compartment. Every grip was soaked and I made four consecutive double bogies from aggravation and club slippage.