Although I endeavor to avoid hypocrisy, I usually fail. For example, I look at smokers and wonder how they can continue to smoke, knowing full well the cancer risk.

Then I hit the links on sunny days without even giving thought to sunscreen, knowing full well the cancer risk.

Sigh.

My only pitiful defense is that I hate getting all greasy and goopy. God knows I have enough trouble with my grip (and often with the re-grip I attempt at the top of my backswing – ugly, really ugly) without having to fight with slippery hands and grips.

Last week I tried some of the rather ingenious products made by Proderma Products, which are designed specifically for golfers, and was pleasantly surprised.

Although the Proderma line is formulated to dry quickly and without a greasy film, I could not bring myself to overcome my aversion to smearing on the stuff – yet. However, Proderma apparently knows how I (and lots of other golfers – especially men with hairy arms and legs, I think) feel. They package sunscreen in towlette packs that wipe the protection on cleanly and quickly, without goopy excess.

Even better in my opinion is their face-stick. Imagine a Chapstick on steroids that you use to glide SPF 30 sunscreen across your cheeks, nose, ears, and neck. I never had to touch the stuff at all!

Seeing as May was Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and I missed it, I promise to put this Proderma stuff in my bag, and even promise to do my best to remember to use it. And I’d ask the rest of you to take similar precautions, too.

It’d be a shame if the game we love ends up killing us.

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