Overexposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays seriously threatens your health. Besides the immediate effect of sunburn, over time excess UV radiation can cause skin cancer, eye damage, immune system suppression, and premature aging.

A typical round of golf means four hours of exposure to the harsh effects of the sun. More on a slow day, or on a day when you play more than 18 holes. More when you factor in time on the practice putting green or driving range. In short, golfers have a large exposure to the potentially dangerous effects of the sun.

The next time you play a round of golf, follow these sun safety tips:

• Remember, even if the sun is not out, you are still at risk for sun damage.
• Sun causes the most damage between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Try to schedule your rounds of golf outside these hours.
• Protect your skin by always using a strong sunscreen, with at least an SPF of 15. The sunscreen should cover your entire body — not just areas that aren't covered by clothing. Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside.
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours. Keep a bottle of it in your golf bag. If sunscreen causes your grip to be slippery, use sunscreen wipes instead.
• Wear clothing that protects against sun damage. In general, clothing made of tightly-woven fabric best protects skin from the sun. The easiest way to test if a fabric can protect your skin is to hold it up to the light. If you can see through it, then UV radiation can penetrate it — and your skin. Another idea When selecting clothes for sun protection, is to consider fabrics that have been specially treated with UV absorbers. Many companies offer high Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) clothing which incorporates colorless compounds to shield those parts of the body most likely to be overexposed to the sun.
• Use a golf cart that has a covered top to provide shade throughout your round.
• Wear a cap to keep the sun off your face, neck and top of head.
• If possible, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV damamge.