1. Rules & Policies
  2. HEALTH AND SAFETY

HEALTH AND SAFETY

HEALTH AND SAFETY


Health and Safety – General

Golf Course

  1. Players should at all times be alert to the dangers of slips and trips on the golf course especially banks, slopes and damage caused by burrowing animals.

  2. We have a number of banks and slopes on the course. Players are advised that when walking over or around these banks that specific care is taken, particularly during wet or icy conditions, and should walk diagonally rather directly up or down these banks to be safe.

  3. Players should always use pathways where provided

  4. Players should assess the dangers associated with underfoot conditions particularly when wet or after wet conditions and especially during frosty or icy times of the year and take appropriate action to stay safe.

  5. Players should always ensure that appropriate footwear is worn and that spikes or cleats are in good condition.

  6. Players should take time to assess whether it’s safe to take a shot in relation to the proximity of other players, green staff and walkers, and wait for the area to clear if necessary.

  7. Players should be aware of the use of the warning word FORE and the dangers of possible errant golf shots played by other users of the course.

  8. Players are advised to leave the course in the event of dangerous weather conditions including lightning or the potential of lightning, as well as fog or conditions where they are unable to see other users such that they cannot make a safe decision to hit their next shot or continue playing safely.

Public footpaths and byways

Players should at all times be aware of footpath users and give them priority allowing them to be a safe distance away before hitting any shot that could go near them. Please refer to the map in the clubhouse for the location of footpaths as well as more information in the Health and Safety Hole by Hole section below.

Children

Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult unless under the supervision of a staff member or teaching professional.

Health and Safety – Hole by Hole

When playing any hole, players must be aware of the dangers of a miss-hit tee shot. We have public footpaths crossing the course, so take the time to check for walkers, green staff and other players, and give them time to leave the area before taking a shot. In the event you consider your ball could go near them, immediately shout FORE.

There are many slopes on our course. As well as wearing suitable footwear, players must be extra careful if the conditions are wet or icy, and use the paths/steps wherever possible.

In particular, please note the following:

  • Hole 3: Public footpath to left of fairway

  • Hole 5: Public footpath to left of fairway

  • Holes 6 & 7: Both have blind tee shots, and public footpath runs across both fairways

  • Hole 7: If there are players ahead of you, and you can’t see the green, wait for them to ring the bell before playing the approach shot

  • Hole 8: Partially obscured approach shot to green. Allow adequate time for other players and green staff to leave the area before taking tee shot

  • Hole 10: Blind shot over hill. Allow adequate time for other players and green staff to leave the area before taking second shot

  • Hole 11: Footpath runs across back of green. There is a ditch crossing the fairway – players must use the bridges to cross this safely. There is also a pond to the far right of the green – players must not enter the water for any reason.

  • Hole 12: Footpath crosses behind tee. There is a ditch crossing the fairway – players must use the bridges to cross this safely.

  • Hole 13: Blind approach shot to green. Allow adequate time for other players and green staff to leave the area before taking approach shot – if unsure, walk closer to the green to check.

  • Hole 14: There are ditches surrounding the back of the green – they are deep with steep slopes. Players must not attempt to climb into them. A ball retriever should be used to recover any balls in the ditch.

  • Hole 15: Footpath runs down left-hand side of the fairway, and walkers regularly stray onto large tree-covered mound on right. Also, this is a dog-leg tee shot, so longer hitters who can reach the green must allow adequate time for the green to be cleared before taking a shot. If unsure, walk closer to the green to check.

  • Hole 16: Footpath crosses fairway in front of tee. Also be aware of the 12th tee to the right of the fairway, in case of errant shots. Allow time for others to clear the area before taking the approach shot to the green, and be aware that the 17th tee is to the left of the green, over the brow of the hill.

  • Hole 18: There is a large pond to the right of the green. Players must keep at least 1m from water’s edge and use a ball retriever to collect balls if necessary. Lifebuoy located other side of pond if needed.

Health and Safety – Buggies Hiring of buggies

  • No person under the age of 18 may hire or operate a buggy.

  • A rental disclaimer must be signed by each hirer of a buggy.

  • Buggies must not be driven while under the influence of alcohol.

  • Drivers must ensure they are fully conversant with the controls of the buggy – for more information speak to staff in the clubhouse.

  • Clubhouse staff should be informed of any faults with a buggy.

  • Driving of buggies

  • No person under the age of 18 may operate a buggy.

  • Buggies must not be driven while under the influence of alcohol.

  • No buggy shall be driven within 10m of any green and 5m of any bunker or teeing ground unless on a made-up path.

  • Wet areas and ground under repair must be avoided.

  • No more than 2 persons and 2 sets of clubs shall be carried on a buggy.

  • Drivers must be fully conversant with the controls of the buggy.

  • Brakes should be applied gently to avoid skidding.

  • No standing on a buggy while it is in motion.

  • Hands and feet must be kept inside the buggy at all times.

  • Caution must be exercised when reversing.

  • Caution must be exercised on all slopes and inclines -and they should be avoided if at all possible. In particular, do not attempt to drive buggies over/across any steep slopes.

  • The parking brake must always be applied when leaving the buggy.

  • Do not drive any buggy if you note any fault that could be dangerous.

  • Minimise any damage to the course through the use of buggies.