When did you last check your skin? It’s a question many golfers might not have considered, but it’s one worth asking. Much like checking for lumps or bumps elsewhere on your body, a regular skin check is a vital step in spotting early signs of skin cancer.

The Melanoma Fund, as part of its Slip! Slap! Swing! campaign, recently launched Pledge2Check – an initiative encouraging golfers and greenkeepers to commit to monthly skin checks.

The campaign ran throughout November, with participants now in a six-month commitment to support their skin health.

With over 600 individuals from across the golfing community registered to take part, this marks a significant step in raising awareness of skin health, and one that provides an excellent platform for growth, with a community aware of the risks associated with UV exposure, which is needed in the sport.

If you did not sign up, there is no reason why you cannot take this message on-board and add regular skin checks to your own routines. Golfers and greenkeepers are among those most at risk of skin cancer due to prolonged outdoor exposure.

Greenkeepers work up to 1,400 hours outdoors annually and golfers spend an average of 600 hours on the course each year. This increases the likelihood of developing skin cancer by 2.4 times compared to the general population.

Despite this, many in the golfing world rarely think to check their skin regularly – or take sun protection seriously – but that could soon be about to change.

Michelle Baker, CEO of the Melanoma Fund, explains: “Melanoma lurks in every golf club, often going unnoticed until it’s too late. Skin cancer can remain silent in its early stages, which is why regular checks are so important.

“If this initiative saves even one life, the impact will be immense — not just for the individual but for their entire circle of family and friends.”

Skin cancer is the UK’s most common cancer, divided into two main types: melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC).

Melanoma – the UK’s fifth most common cancer, and the more serious type – develops in melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) and is known for its ability to grow down and spread around the body if not caught early. It often appears as a mole or lesion that changes in size, shape, or colour, or as a new, unusual growth.

NMSC is more common but typically less severe. It includes basal cell carcinoma (BCC), presenting as slow-growing pearly bumps, and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which often appears as scaly or crusty patches. While these cancers rarely spread, they can cause localised damage if untreated.

Both types are linked to UV exposure, making regular skin checks vital, especially for those spending significant time outdoors, like golfers and greenkeepers. Early detection can save lives and make treatment simpler, and the Melanoma Fund is determined to raise awareness of the issue.

“Because everyone will benefit from a skin check, the Melanoma Fund has provided some top-line information to ensure you don’t miss out,” said Baker.

“Performing a skin check is simple and doesn’t take much time, but it does require consistency to create a habit, and a thorough examination, so don’t rush it.

“Examine all areas of your body starting with your face, scalp, neck, and ears. Work your way down, checking your arms, hands, chest, back, abdomen, legs, feet, and soles. Don’t forget less obvious areas like under your nails, between your fingers and toes, and behind your ears.

“Ask for help: If you can, enlist a partner or friend to check places you can’t easily see, such as your back and scalp.”

When checking your skin, keep an eye out for the following warning signs, using the ABCDE rule for moles as a guide…

A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t match the other;
B – Border: Edges are irregular, blurred, or notched;
C – Colour: Uneven colours, including shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue;
D – Diameter: Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser), although melanomas can be smaller;
E – Evolving: Any changes in size, shape, colour, or symptoms like itching or bleeding.

“Additionally, look out for new growths or spots that appear suddenly; sores that don’t heal and any lumps or lesions that itch, crust, or bleed,” added Baker.

“If you spot anything unusual, don’t panic, but do act. Early detection is key, so book an appointment with your GP for further examination.”

While Pledge2Check focused on November, the broader Slip! Slap! Swing! campaign will relaunch in spring 2025, providing year-round resources for golf clubs to promote sun safety and skin cancer prevention.

This highly successful initiative is supported by nearly every golf organisation, and has already gained significant traction across the UK, with hundreds of clubs accredited, backing its mission to make sun protection awareness in golf a priority.

Golf clubs can sign up to the campaign for free and benefit from exclusive resources including posters, guides, and sunscreen stations tailored for the golfing community, plus ongoing educational content and awareness campaigns delivered directly to clubs.

Earlier this year 100 free sunscreen dispensers were installed at clubs, with each sunboard containing a sunscreen dispenser, loaded with a one litre cartridge of SPF50 Stokoderm sunscreen, and a UV dial to support educational information on how, when, and why to apply.

Accreditation demonstrates a club’s commitment to member welfare, and earlier this year, 59club added sun protection to its evaluation criteria ensuring clubs stayed ahead of the curve.

“This isn’t just about improving awareness — it’s about saving lives,” said Baker. “Together, let’s make regular skin checks as essential to golf as cleaning your clubs or perfecting your swing and for next year, let’s ensure that more clubs take sun protection awareness seriously, because if not, why not?”

Whilst Baker’s focus has been on the Pledge2Check and Slip! Slap! Swing! campaigns, she is also asking GMs at golf clubs to consider supporting the Melanoma Fund in 2025 as the club’s chosen charity.

“By partnering with us, you’re not only supporting a critical cause but also addressing an issue directly relevant to the golfing community,” she asserts.

“With golfers and greenkeepers at a significantly higher risk of skin cancer due to prolonged sun exposure, this collaboration can make a tangible difference to those in your club.”

The partnership comes with dedicated and personal support from Baker, including assistance with fundraising initiatives, events, access to skin experts and engaging awareness talks tailored to your members and staff.

“Choosing the Melanoma Fund as your club’s dedicated charity provides a unique opportunity to raise awareness, enhance member welfare, and give back to your club in a meaningful way, potentially saving lives within your own community,” said Baker.