Here comes the sun

Golf Digest, Sept, 2003

Admit it, if you apply sunscreen at all, you probably do it once before the round and that's it. Big mistake. If you've been hibernating, here's a refresher on sunscreen.

* Sunscreen will expire: Most of the top brands lose their effectiveness within 12 to 24 months of purchase. In other words, throw out that tube that's been in your golf bag since last year, and go buy some fresh stuff.

* The magic number is 15: Anything with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of less than 15 is useless.

* Once is not enough: You should apply sunscreen (generously) before the round and at least once more during the round. Do it at the turn.

* Think zinc: The sun's ultraviolet A rays (UVA), once thought to be harmless, are now considered as potent as UVB rays. For protection against UVA, make sure your sunscreen includes zinc oxide. Check the label.