If, after days of anticipation and spending quite a few dollars on green fees, the weather fails to cooperate with your plans to play for hours on your favourite course, fear not -- all is not lost.

Just remember that there are several elementary rules to keep in mind when playing golf in the worst elements Mother Nature can throw at you.

Before hitting the links on a bright sunny day, slap on some sunscreen, put on a hat, sport sunglasses and drink plenty of water.

There has been an endless amount of media coverage regarding the thinning ozone layer and how more and more radiation is scorching our skin.

And, while an afternoon on a golf course may be your dream come true, it is a nightmare for your skin and eyes -- so protect them.

Experts recommend applying sunscreen, with a SPF of 15 or greater, that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. It should be put on at least 30 minutes before you go out into the sun and reapplied every two hours.

For those who can't keep off the greens between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. -- when the sun's rays are at their strongest -- a hat will proved additional protection.

And the avid golfer should also wear UV protective sunglasses and apply lip-balm sunscreen.

Most local golfers believe it's only visitors who have a hard time playing a round of golf in the heat and humidity of Bermuda between the months of May and October. Unfortunately no one is completely immune to the heat -- even if you live in 85-plus degree weather, all 12 months of the year.

Avoid all alcohol just prior to or during a game of golf -- especially on a hot day.

One or two hours before hitting the links, experts say golfers should drink 20 to 30 ounces of water. During the game consume eight to 15 ounces of cold water every 15 to 20 minutes and afterwards quench your thirst with five or six glasses of cold water.

Making sure enough water's inside you is second only to keeping it off you in Bermuda's unpredictable weather.

If you insist on playing in the rain invest in a rain suit -- perhaps one made of Gore-Tex which allows your body to breath while keeping you dry.

A hat will serve the dual purpose of protecting your head from the elements as well as your glasses, if you wear them.

Always carry a rain cover for your clubs and have two pairs of all-weather synthetic gloves. If one pair becomes soaked during the first nine holes, you will have another pair to put on to finish the course.

And don't forget to pack to a small towel -- perfect to wipe away the rain or sweat.

Bunkers and the rough aren't the only hazards players have to contend with -- Mother Nature is peril you do not want to mess with.

Experts insist that golfers should not wait until they see lightning to get off the course.

According to Dr. Bill Mallon, the author of the book The Golf Doctor, the ideal time to stop playing is when you hear thunder.

"Thunder is caused by lightning,'' Dr. Mallon explained. "Seventy percent of lightning goes from cloud to cloud rather than from cloud to ground, so don't say `I don't see any lightening, let's keep playing'. Get off the course once you detect the first sign of thunderstorms.'' Golfers should immediately try to find shelter (not under a tree), remove their golf shoes, if they have metal spikes, and avoid touching their clubs or umbrellas.

"If you cannot find shelter, find the lowest ground available,'' Dr. Mallon added. "Once you get to the low-lying area, crouch as low as possible, staying on the balls of your feet if possible.'' Reportedly, this position is better than lying down in the event that lightning strikes the area, there will be less of your body in contact with the ground.

And remember to avoid ponds, lakes or any other body of water -- it is a great conductor of electricity.