Tell us about yourself! Your name, what you do for work, your lifestyle.
My name is Neil Crate, and I am a professional golf caddie working in the DP WORLD TOUR golf circuit. I travel a lot with my job and love seeing new countries, places and experiencing different cultures around the world.
Describe yourself in 3 to 5 words.
Fun, hardworking, passionate.
What is your attitude towards sun protection?
My attitude towards sun protection is that no matter how much you enjoy being in the sun, travelling to sunny places for work or holiday, you MUST make an effort to (at the very least) apply sunscreen or cover up. People should also be aware about the strength of the sun at different times of the day and try to stay out the sun as much as possible during these times. If this isn’t possible, then appropriate provisions should be taken i.e., wearing high factor sun block or cover up by wearing clothing and hat with UV protection.
How was this attitude shaped?
This attitude has been shaped though personal experiences I have had in the sun with forgetting to wear sun cream or not staying out the sun at peak times resulting in becoming sunburnt and once or twice suffering from sun stroke.
In your line of work, or even outside of it, how often do you find yourself under the sun?
In my work we are constantly travelling around the world and often could be described as sun chasers as working on tour in golf, the tournaments have the better chance of completion without delay in warmer countries. I would say that when I am working, I am much more likely to be in the sun than I am on my down time. Coming from Scotland, the weather is notoriously poor, so I don’t often see much sun when I am home!!
Do you feel like sun protection is talked about enough in golf?
I do feel like sun protection is talked about in golf and I also feel that amongst players and caddies, the application of strong sun creams is used by both whether practicing or playing in the sun. In extremely hot countries i.e., in the desert, cream coupled with a larger sun hat and UV protection.
Tell us about yourself! Your name, what you do for work, your lifestyle.
My name is Neil Crate, and I am a professional golf caddie working in the DP WORLD TOUR golf circuit. I travel a lot with my job and love seeing new countries, places and experiencing different cultures around the world.
Describe yourself in 3 to 5 words.
Fun, hardworking, passionate.
What is your attitude towards sun protection?
My attitude towards sun protection is that no matter how much you enjoy being in the sun, travelling to sunny places for work or holiday, you MUST make an effort to (at the very least) app ly sunscreen or cover up. People should also be aware about the strength of the sun at different times of the day and try to stay out the sun as much as possible during these times. If this isn’t possible, then appropriate provisions should be taken i.e., wearing high factor sun block or cover up by wearing clothing and hat with UV protection.
How was this attitude shaped?
This attitude has been shaped though personal experiences I have had in the sun with forgetting to wear sun cream or not staying out the sun at peak times resulting in becoming sunburnt and once or twice suffering from sun stroke.
In your line of work, or even outside of it, how often do you find yourself under the sun?
In my work we are constantly travelling around the world and often could be described as sun chasers as working on tour in golf, the tournaments have the better chance of completion without delay in warmer countries. I would say that when I am working, I am much more likely to be in the sun than I am on my down time. Coming from Scotland, the weather is notoriously poor, so I don’t often see much sun when I am home!!
Do you feel like sun protection is talked about enough in golf?
I do feel like sun protection is talked about in golf and I also feel that amongst players and caddies, the application of strong sun creams is used by both whether practicing or playing in the sun. In extremely hot countries i.e., in the desert, cream coupled with a larger sun hat and UV protection. Sleeves are worn by some but not all caddies. I do believe wearing such garments and sun block is best for protection when in such climates.
Are you advised to wear sunscreen or UPF clothing whilst training and playing golf?
I wouldn’t exactly say I was advised to wear sun protection when on the golf course, however, I feel like it is more a thing that you should expect of yourself to look after and protect yourself from the sun.
In what ways do you think sun protection in golf could be improved?
I would think the only way to improve sun protection in golf would be for manufacturers to make sun protection more readily available at venues we visit. Perhaps even forming some kind of partnership with the tour itself to promote and provide sun garments. A little like the equipment manufacturers who are on site to give out or sell products to caddies, players and staff alike. Best to do this in the especially warmer countries. You would be surprised in the response you would get, I’m sure. I always found it difficult to source sun sleeves for example even from countries that are baking hot!
What would you tell your 16-year-old self about sun protection?
I would tell my 16 year old self to stay out the midday early afternoon sun, drin k lots of water, cover up and ALWAYS use sun cream!!
What are your top tips for sun safety?
Top tips for sun safety would be as mentioned before: avoid peak sun times, cover up as much as possible especially on your face neck and ears using factor 50. You will still get brown just not burnt!! Wear UV protection clothing hats sleeves and so on and drink plenty to stay hydrated, using electrolytes tablets in your water to assist!
sleeves are worn by some but not all caddies. I do believe wearing such garments and sun block is best for protection when in such climates.
Are you advised to wear sunscreen or UPF clothing whilst training and playing golf?
I wouldn’t exactly say I was advised to wear sun protection when on the golf course, however, I feel like it is more a thing that you should expect of yourself to look after and protect yourself from the sun.
In what ways do you think sun protection in golf could be improved?
I would think the only way to improve sun protection in golf would be for manufacturers to make sun protection more readily available at venues we visit. Perhaps even forming some kind of partnership with the tour itself to promote and provide sun garments. A little like the equipment manufacturers who are on site to give out or sell products to caddies, players and staff alike. Best to do this in the especially warmer countries. You would be surprised in the response you would get, I’m sure. I always found it difficult to source sun sleeves for example even from countries that are baking hot!
What would you tell your 16-year-old self about sun protection?
I would tell my 16 year old self to stay out the midday early afternoon sun, drink lots of water, cover up and ALWAYS use sun cream!!
What are your top tips for sun safety?
Top tips for sun safety would be as mentioned before: avoid peak sun times, cover up as much as possible especially on your face neck and ears using factor 50. You will still get brown just not burnt!! Wear UV protection clothing hats sleeves and so on and drink plenty to stay hydrated, using electrolytes tablets in your water to assist!
You can find out more about Solbari's certified UPF50+ sun protective range by clicking the blue links below:
Women UPF 50+
Men UPF 50+
Sun Hats UPF 50+
Accessories UPF50+