While skin cancer and sun damage can pose a risk to all of us, men over the age of 40 are more susceptible to it than most.

In fact, men that fall into this age range are 1.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma, and around twice as likely to die from it, compared to women of a similar age.

Cancer Council Western NSW Community Programs Coordinator Camilla Thompson stressed the importance of using sunscreen and spoke about the sun exposure golfers suffer from.

“Recreational golfers spend extended periods of time outdoors in an environment that has minimal shade and is highly reflective of UV from surrounding surfaces like grass, sand and water.”

“Unprotected sun exposure puts them at high risk of sunburn, skin damage and skin cancer.”

Thompson recently visited the Mudgee Golf Club to raise awareness about sun protection as she dropped off flyers, sunscreen and sun-protection sleeves to the Pro Shop.

Mudgee Golf Pro Peter Mayson was stoked with the delivery and he’s keen to boost his own sun protection while spreading the word around the club.

“I’ll be donning sleeves, a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses every time I play and I want our club members to do the same,” Mayson said.

Cancer Council NSW encourages golfers to wear long-sleeved clothing (slip), apply sunscreen (slop), wear a broad brimmed hat (slap), find shade wherever possible (seek), and wear sunglasses (slide) each and every time they are out on the green.

Mudgee Golf Club is one of over 100 clubs across NSW are participating in the Improve Your Long Game program in 2018, and showing commitment to improving the sun safety of their members.