The state campaign tees off at Maitland on Saturday with Cancer Council NSW targeting men aged between 40 and 64 years of age, who are being asked to apply and then re-apply during a round. 

Community programs co-ordinator Glen Parsons said golf was a popular pastime for men across Australia and skin safety was a must to stay on course.

“Men’s risk for developing skin ­cancer starts increasing from the age of 40,” Parsons said.

“Recreational golfers spend ­extended periods outdoors in an environment where water, sand and grass surfaces are highly reflective of UV radiation and where there is minimal shade available as players move across the fairway.

“This puts them at a high risk of sunburn, skin damage and skin cancer.”

Strategically placed tubs of sunscreen at Maitland’s first and 10th holes will be provided as well as small tubes with latches for bags.

“Anything we can do to help our members,” Easts Leisure and Golf manager Scott Driffield said. “And the Cancer Council is just one of those groups everyone wants to support.”

Newcastle, Merewether, Belmont, Shortland and Nelson Bay golf clubs have also come on board to assist the campaign, which will cover more than 3000 golfing members across the six clubs.

Participating Golf Clubs