For golfers with hay fever, spring and summer can be a mixed blessing: perfect golfing weather, but itchy eyes, sneezing and a blocked nose on a course surrounded by grass, trees and wildflowers. With a little planning, you can reduce symptoms and enjoy your golf.
This article is general information. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor about your allergies and treatment.
Why golf courses can trigger hay fever
- Grass pollen from fairways, rough and surrounding fields.
- Tree pollen in spring.
- Weed pollen later in the season.
- Mowing can stir up pollen and grass particles.
Planning your golf
- Check the pollen forecast before you play.
- Choose your tee time: pollen levels often vary through the day; many people find late morning to afternoon worse in dry, sunny weather, but patterns vary. Note what works for you.
- After rain pollen is often lower.
- Windy days can spread pollen further.
On the course
- Wraparound sunglasses protect your eyes. Read our golf sunglasses guide.
- A cap or hat helps keep pollen off your face and hair.
- Carry tissues and eye drops recommended by your pharmacist.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes.
- Stay hydrated. Read what to eat and drink on the golf course.
Medication
- Ask a pharmacist or doctor about suitable treatments.
- Timing matters: some medicines work best when taken before exposure.
- Check for drowsiness: some antihistamines can cause drowsiness, which affects concentration and driving.
After the round
- Change your clothes and shower to remove pollen.
- Clean your sunglasses and hat.
- Wipe down your bag and clubs.
Insect stings
Golf courses have bees and wasps. If you have a severe allergy, carry your prescribed emergency medication and make sure your playing partners know what to do. Read golf course safety.
Other options
- Indoor golf on very high pollen days. Read home golf simulator guide.
- Links courses by the sea often have lower pollen when the wind blows off the water.
Frequently asked questions
When is the worst time of day for hay fever on the golf course?
It varies, but many people find symptoms worse on warm, dry, sunny days, often later in the morning and afternoon.
Do sunglasses help hay fever?
Wraparound sunglasses can reduce pollen reaching your eyes.
Can hay fever medication affect my golf?
Some medicines can cause drowsiness. Ask a pharmacist about options.
Are seaside courses better for hay fever?
Often, when the wind blows off the sea, pollen levels can be lower.
The bottom line
Hay fever doesn't have to keep you off the course. Check the pollen forecast, protect your eyes, take appropriate medication on professional advice and wash pollen away after your round. For more on staying comfortable outdoors, read sun protection for golfers.