Are buggies lightning-proof?

[rudebhoy]

Due to play later this morning, and there is a risk of thunder and lightning apparently.

One of my PPs gets a buggy, I'm debating whether to jump in with him.

I know cars are lightning-proof because of the metal roof / metal cage, does the same apply to buggies? I'm thinking that if a bolt does come out the blue, you're better in the buggy than pushing a trolley?

 

[williamalex1]

Should be fine but remember take a towel to dry the buggy seat. We're also booked to play an away open this afternoon, using a buggy .Forecast is heavy rain and thunder storms so we'll decide nearer our tee time to cancel or not .
Good chance the course will be flooded and the comp cancelled .

 

[Neilds]

Sat in a buggy with clubs sticking up at the back like nice little lightning conductors - not for me thanks!!!

 

[williamalex1]

Sat in a buggy with clubs sticking up at the back like nice little lightning conductors - not for me thanks!!!

The clubs aren't earthed the buggy has rubber wheels and a fibre glass body.

 

[fundy]

why would you want to be anywhere near the golf course if there is lightning about?

 

[Lord Tyrion]

The clubs aren't earthed the buggy has rubber wheels and a fibre glass body.

You would get a nasty neck burn if lightning hit the clubs though

 

[williamalex1]

why would you want to be anywhere near the golf course if there is lightning about?

The question was are buggies lightning proof.

 

[williamalex1]

You would get a nasty neck burn if lightning hit the clubs though

Same odds as driving a car with a roof rack

 

[IanM]

Not sure I am interested in testing the theory!

 

[Crow]

With a thunderstorm usually comes rain, a buggy will get wet, water conducts electricity.

You might get a little more protection sat in a buggy but I know where I'd be in a thunderstorm, and it's not in a buggy out on the course.

 

[williamalex1]

With a thunderstorm usually comes rain, a buggy will get wet, water conducts electricity.

You might get a little more protection sat in a buggy but I know where I'd be in a thunderstorm, and it's not in a buggy out on the course.

So do you think they should they stop cars driving during thunder storms.

 

[rudebhoy]

why would you want to be anywhere near the golf course if there is lightning about?

the bbc are forecasting thundery showers from 3pm onwards. metoffice not forecasting and thunder/lightning. we are teeing off just after 11, so the risk of getting caught looks fairly low.

 

[fundy]

the bbc are forecasting thundery showers from 3pm onwards. metoffice not forecasting and thunder/lightning. we are teeing off just after 11, so the risk of getting caught looks fairly low.

then just do as you normally would, keep an eye on the weather/ a radar and decamp to the bar if the lightning appears in the vicinity

 

[Lord Tyrion]

Same odds as driving a car with a roof rack

I'm thinking of the spark from the clubs, caused by the lightning strike. Sat in the buggy you are in close vicinity and could easily get a burn. In a car you are enclosed and protected. No protection in an open buggy.

 

[Canary_Yellow]

I would have thought that if you've waving a metal rod around every couple of minutes, whether the buggy offers protection against lightning is neither here nor there!

The only benefit is a speedier return to safety I guess.

I have an app on my phone, "Lightning", which provides an alert if there is a storm anywhere close. Obviously not much help if you get struck by the first bolt of lightning, but useful to see if there's any electrical activity around

 

[williamalex1]

Anyone remember the Lee Trevino tale about God, lightning, and a 1 iron

 

[williamalex1]

I would have thought that if you've waving a metal rod around every couple of minutes, whether the buggy offers protection against lightning is neither here nor there!

The only benefit is a speedier return to safety I guess.

I have an app on my phone, "Lightning", which provides an alert if there is a storm anywhere close. Obviously not much help if you get struck by the first bolt of lightning, but useful to see if there's any electrical activity around

All golf clubs should have a lightning warning system, we use a klaxon horn.

 

[Canary_Yellow]

All golf clubs should have a lightning warning system, we use a klaxon horn.

That maybe, but I'd rather see for myself what weather is approaching. I'd back the app to be at least as good as whatever the club is using, and more likely than not, better.

 

[jim8flog]

Simple

In a car you are totally enclosed - on a buggy you are exposed. No comparison really.

 

[Crow]

So do you think they should they stop cars driving during thunder storms.

Inside a car you don't usually have a connection with the wet exterior.

I'm not saying that they should stop cars driving during a thunderstorm, nor that they should stop golf buggies, it's up to the driver of each to determine the danger involved.