Improve your long game is Cancer Council NSW's free sun protection program which empowers golf clubs across the state to foster skin protection to help their golfers be safe from the sun and reduce their risk of skin cancer.
Golf NSW and Professional Golfers Association of Australia (PGA) have shown their support for the program through the promotion of Improve your long game and the importance of sun safety through their industry networks.
Why Improve your long game and why golfers?
95% of all skin cancers are caused by UV (Ultraviolet) radiation, and with long exposure to UV radiation on the course, Australian golfers are almost 2.5 times more likely to develop skin cancer in their lifetime compared to the general population.
Through Improve your long game, golf clubs are part of a network of over 200 clubs across NSW showing their commitment to sun safety to keep players enjoying the game for longer and it's free!
"As a key part of local communities, golf clubs play an important role in supporting their members and guests health and wellbeing. With Australia having one of the highest rates of skin cancer and melanoma in the world and two in three Australians being diagnosed in their lifetime, the support of this program by peak golfing bodies shows just how important it is to protect players," says Ally Hamer, Skin Cancer Prevention Programs Lead at Cancer Council NSW.
Why and how are PGA and Golf NSW supporting the program.
Golf NSW is an important influencing governing body for golf clubs, and recognises the important role they play in protecting members, "We recognise the important role golf clubs play in supporting the health of their members, especially when it comes to skin cancer. That's why at Golf NSW we are committed to actively promoting the importance of sun safety and encouraging clubs to be part of this free program, so they can ensure their members enjoy the game safely." says Golf NSW COO Graeme Phillipson.
Earlier this year, the PGA facilitated a sun safety webinar for it's members. Hosted by Cancer Council NSW, this is especially important as Golf Pros are presented with an opportunity to role model sun safety behaviours and influence their golfing peers.
Membership Services Senior Manager, David Barker said, "We know our PGA professionals spend a lot of time in the sun, so it's important to lead by example when it comes to skin cancer prevention. By promoting sun safety, we can not only protect our PGA Professionals but encourage the entire golfing community to do the same."
Golfers and staff at participating IYLG clubs can also expect to see updated program collateral with combined Improve your long game, PGA and Golf NSW branding. In addition, PGA and Golf NSW have demonstrated commitment to promoting the importance of sun safety to their networks through various communication channels.
To learn more about Improve your long game, visit https://cancercouncil.com.au/cancer-prevention/sun-protection/improve-your-long-game/
Keen golfer? Learn about Cancer Council's ultimate golf challenge, The Longest Day
If you have any questions about cancer, call Cancer Council on 13 11 20
