Summer 2018 is officially past the half way point; and it’s hot, humid and afternoon showers are abundant! This season is called the “dog days of summer” in the South. The time when season-scorching temperatures, and sweltering humidity compete for the number one position on the gauge.

Golfers are known for being tough, seasoned sportsman who will brave almost any conditions to squeeze in a few extra holes. But remember the old adage, “It never rains on the course, but it does lightning” or “Sometimes Mother Nature winks at you, and all you can do is head for cover.” No worries though because I have researched a list of pleasant distractions to keep the golf gods at bay until the weather improves.

Here are a few of my favorite golf diversions that don’t involve heat, humidity, mosquitoes, or thunder showers.

There’s nothing like a good golf movie on a sweltering day. These are our top picks.

1) Caddyshack, 1980, starring Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, Ted Knight, and Bill Murray. With these funny guys on the links what could possibly go wrong.

2) Tin Cup, 1996, with Kevin Costner, Don Johnson, Cheech Marin, and Rene Russo. Roy “Tin Cup” McAvoy goes for broke at the U.S. Open.

3) Happy Gilmore, 1996, Adam Sandler. Happy dukes it out with Bob Barker on the green.

4) Seven Days in Utopia, 2011, a sleeper pick, stars Alabama’s own Lucas Black (CSI New Orleans) and Robert Duvall in a moving golf story about life.

Reading is another way to enjoy a rainy day. You might read to learn or just enjoy a good yarn. Here are a few top books.

1) Ben Hogan’s Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf, 1985, Kindle $9.14.

2) Arnold Palmers signed book: “A Golfer’s Life” in hardback 1st edition in 1999, $29.95 EBay.

3) The World’s 500 Greatest Golf Holes by Golf Magazine. Over 600 lavish photographs, biographies, and statistics. On Amazon for $19.70.

It seems that you can learn to do anything online these days, but a good video is still hard to beat. Below are three favorite golf choices.

1) Best Instructional Golf Video “Learn Basic Swing” with lessons, 4 DVD set $24.95 Amazon.com.

2) Hank Haney: ESPN Golf Schools-The 3 Club Tour, $11.29 Amazon.

3) David Leadbetter Simple Secrets for Great Golf, $6.98 Amazon

When you do hit the links here are a few things to keep in mind. Relax and take the pace down a notch. Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothes and include a big floppy hat. Slap on plenty of sunscreen and bug-repellent. If possible, park in the shade between shots. Don’t overdo yourself and save the adult beverages until the 19th hole. Alcohol may taste good, but it causes you to dehydrate. Drink lots of water or a good sports drink. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty, drink something constantly. By the time your body signals that you need a drink, you are probably past due.

I love summer golf, but you have to take precautions. Besides the list above, another dangerous summer problem is lightning. It’s a daily occurrence around here and many people get so used to it that ignore safety measures. Most courses sound a horn to alert players to come in until the weather blows over. There are always a few that linger or try to play just one more hole on the way to the clubhouse. Don’t do it! Get off the course! Relax in the clubhouse until it blows over, or go home and read a book, watch a movie, or play your favorite video game. You’ll thank me later.

Summer in the South is a unique time. Enjoy all it has to offer,but be sure to stay safe and come back next year.