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OK, so you know how to deal with standard golf course hazards like sand and water traps. But there are other disasters you should be concerned with on the golf course. The sun can be more devastating to you than accumulating a large number on your score card.

A bright sunny day makes for the perfect golf outing. Right? No worries about getting rained out. But what about the affects of the sun's rays and the heat?

Sun exposure is not something to take lightly. Aside from the long term effects of risk for skin cancer, there are other concerns that need to be dealt with. Sunburned skin, dehydration and heatstroke are all dangers that can result from over exposure to the sun.

It makes good sense to wear a good sunscreen. The higher the SPF the better. But if you are out playing golf and exposed to the sun you still are at risk. Wear a hat, sunglasses and clothing that covers as much skin as possible.

There are many indications that you are getting in trouble due to over exposure from the sun. Burned red skin is an obvious one. Here are just a few of the other symptoms that can indicate trouble and should prompt action on the part of every sun-loving golfer. Fever, chills, nausea, fainting, dizziness, increased heart rate and breathing. This is by no means a complete list.

Once you feel that you have been overexposed to the sun, immediately get out of the sun. Yes, get out of the sun even if it means cutting short your round of golf. If you are still on the course you can at least take shelter under a tree.

Once you are out of the sun find a way to cool off. Get some water, the colder the better, and apply it to your skin. This means anything from simply soaking you shirt and hat in the water from the nearby water hazard to applying compresses wet with ice cold water from the club house.

Now is not the time to be applying more sun screen, oils or butter. These will only get in the way of your skin's natural cooling process. Exceptions are juice from the aloe plant or other lotions specifically designed for skin burns.

Next you need to continue with the water, only now you are going to drink it. This helps the cooling process and also helps you avoid dehydration and heatstroke.

Dehydration and heatstroke are more severe effects of too much sun. A few of the symptoms besides those listed above include mental confusion, headaches and loss of appetite.

Getting some rest out of the sun, cooling down and drinking water are good initial actions. But getting professional help as soon as possible is critical. Listen to your body. It will tell you when you've had too much sun. Don't have the attitude that you will 'tough it out'.