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Another Reminder for National Golf Month
Believe it or not, golfers have unintentionally sparked brush fires—especially in dry, rocky terrain like parts of Orange County. We are turning the corner into the peak of fire season, so make sure you yell FORE and not FIRE!
Here’s how it happens: Titanium Clubs + Rocks = Sparks. Titanium alloy golf clubs, when they strike rocks, can produce sparks reaching 3,000°F—hot enough to ignite dry vegetation. This has occurred at courses in Southern California.
What the Science Says
UC Irvine researchers recreated these conditions in a lab and confirmed that titanium clubs can generate intense sparks on rocky ground. Stainless steel clubs, by contrast, didn’t produce any ignition risk in the same tests.
Notable Incidents of Brush Fires Started by Golf Clubs
Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club, Mission Viejo, CA
In September 2016, a golfer struck a rock in the rough with a titanium-alloy club, creating sparks of nearly 3,000 °F that ignited dry vegetation. The resulting fire burned approximately 20 to 25 acres before firefighters contained it.
Shady Canyon Golf Course, Irvine, CA
Around 2010, a similar incident occurred when a titanium club hit a rock, sparking a blaze that grew into a 12-acre fire. It required the response of around 150 firefighting personnel to contain it.
Gold Hills Golf Club, Redding, CA
In a recent event, a golfer chipping from dry ground struck dirt or rock, creating a spark that started a vegetation fire burning about 1 acre. No structures were damaged, but the blaze spread before firefighters put it out .
Arroyo Trabuco Near Mission Viejo (repeat incident)
A later incident again linked a titanium golf club with igniting brush near the same course, reinforcing how vulnerable the dry terrain is to spark ignition.
You’re the Course Marshal – As in Fire Marshal
Fire safety on the course matters more than most folks realize. If you’re golfing near dry brush or vegetation, here are some ways to stay flame-free:
- Skip Smoking: Never flick cigarettes or matches near vegetation. Sparks travel.
- No Fireworks or Open Flames: Even small celebratory items can cause major flare-ups.
- Mind Your Gear: Golf carts with hot engines or mufflers should stay off dry grass.
- Watch Club Sparks: Metal clubs striking rocks can (rarely) create sparks—stay aware.
- Proper Disposal: Pack out trash, especially glass bottles or cans that can magnify heat.
Situational Awareness
- Report Hazards. If you spot smoldering areas or signs of smoke, alert course officials.
- Respect Signs: Follow all course warnings about fire danger—it’s not just red tape.
August is National Golf Month, and Golf is the only sport where you yell ‘fore,’ shoot six, and write down five!
Sam DiGiovanna is a 40-year fire service veteran. He started with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, served as Fire Chief at the Monrovia Fire Department, and currently serves as Chief at the Verdugo Fire Academy in Glendale. He is Director at Large with the California State Firefighters Association, Associate Director for the California Training Officers Association and a consultant for www.Lexipol.com