Things to pack in your golf bag: clubs, balls, tees, beverages and a fire extinguisher.
That last item might seem out of place, but a study just released by UC Irvine is claiming that some golf clubs can pose significant fire hazards.
Researchers found that certain club heads, specifically those coated in titanium, can produce sparks of more than 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit capable of igniting nearby foliage.
Southern California fire investigators asked scientists at the university to look into the issue after fires scorched a pair of golf courses in Irvine and Mission Viejo over the last few years.
What they found may spark a debate among enthusiasts over whether titanium heads should be allowed on golf courses.
Most clubs come with stainless steel heads, but a significant number have recently been produced with a titanium alloy, which makes them lighter and easier to swing. The only problem is that, when struck against hard surfaces — like rocks or concrete — the clubs can shoot sparks into the surrounding underbrush.
“When the club strikes a ball, nearby rocks can tear particles of titanium from the sole of the head,” said chemical engineering and materials science professor James Earthman, lead author of the paper. “Bits of the particle surfaces will react violently with oxygen or nitrogen in the air, and a tremendous amount of heat is produced. The foliage ignites in flames.”