Health and Safety

Wet and Slippery Conditions

Exercise caution on paths and steps and avoid walking on steep banks, where steps and paths are provided then these should be used. It is recommended that in winter and at times where the course is wet then, as a minimum, soft spikes should be worn.

It is at the discretion of the green staff, club professional and management as to whether buggies and trolleys may be used in adverse weather conditions. As a hilly course these restrictions are necessary to protect all individuals who may be playing, working on the course or members of the public using the footpaths that cross the course.

Lightning

The Club Professionals and Office Staff will sound a siren if a thunderstorm occurs in close proximity to the course, once the siren has been sounded the course is deemed to be closed and all play immediately suspended. When play is suspended players should make their way back to the clubhouse if it is safe to do so.

At the extreme ends of the course it may not be possible to hear the siren so all golfers should recognise the potential dangers of a thunderstorm and follow the "30/30 rule" – if the "flash to the bang" time is less than 30 seconds, seek shelter and remain there until 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder. The best shelters are buildings or cars, if they are too far away, your best protection is to leave your clubs and crouch down in a bunker keeping away from and getting out of wide, open, spaces and exposed hilltops. Do not shelter beneath tall or isolated trees,

If you are exposed to the elements with nowhere to shelter, make yourself as small a target as possible by crouching down with your feet together, hands on knees and your head tucked in. This technique keeps as much of you off the ground as possible.

Fog

As a general rule, If the flag on the 9th green is not visible from the patio the course is closed, however fog may be localised and severely affect parts of the course whilst other areas appear clear. The Green staff may determine that it is unsafe to play because of fog and can close the course at their discretion. Signs to this effect will be displayed at the club entrance.

In the event of fog descending while on the course golfers need to use their judgment regarding further play. They need to consider dangers to themselves, other golfers, staff and the public before playing, if in any doubt whatsoever, they should not play until conditions improve.

Animal Holes

Animal holes are a natural hazard of a Parkland Golf course and, despite the best efforts of the staff to control them, care should be taken to ensure they do not cause any harm.

The Course

The golf course covers a large area and within its confines has many different types of terrain. Any individual using the course should be aware that there are likely to be many potential, natural hazards all over the course. These can include, but are not limited to, hidden tree roots, fallen tree branches, natural dips and gullies and loose earth. It is the responsibility of the players to make sure of their footing at all times and particularly when straying off the main fairways and closely mown areas of the course.

Access to Tees 

Tees should be accessed by paths and or steps where provided. Particular care should be taken when accessing tees in adverse conditions.

Other Golfers and Members of the Public

Be aware of other golfers, staff and the public at all times as they may not be aware of you, the course layout or where they should be looking.

Do not play until those in front or members of the public are out of range. Shout ‘fore!’ if you believe a wayward shot of yourself or a playing partner may hit another person.

Before taking practice swings ensure you are well away from other people.

Reporting

It is the duty of members, guests and visitors to report any Health and Safety occurrence or issue. The Clubs policy is of continued improvement and there is a log book for incidents and near misses in the main office.

Health and Safety – Hole by Hole

Practice Range – Be aware of other golfers, staff and the public – especially if the sun is in your eyes - do not play until they are out of range. Do not hit shots over 165 yards and beware of hooks & slices.

1st –. Beware of the road on the right of the hole, as a general rule for right hand golfers, teeing to the extreme right of the tee box and playing away from the road is the safest option.  

2nd – Remember that a footpath cuts across the fairway at the bottom of the dip, please watch for walkers. Do not attempt to put or chip to the green when the 3rd tee is in use.  

3rd – Be aware of players near the second green when playing tee shots

4th – The tee shot is partially blind so make sure that the group in front are out of range before playing

5th – There is a dip in the fairway so make sure the group in front are past that point before driving

6th – No specific issues for playing, but be aware of the severity of the slope up to the tee box area

7th – No specific issues

8th – watch for any players on the 9th tee, when leaving the green follow the signs and path

9th  – before teeing off look for players leaving the 8th

10th – blind tee shot over the hill – don’t play until bell rings.

11th – No Specific issues for playing, use the stairs provided to reach the tee box.

12th – path crossing fairway, beware of walkers, use the bridge to reach the green

13th – There is a path at the bottom of the hill beware of walkers

14th – The second shot is to a green that is hidden by a downslope, do not play until visually checking that the green is clear or that the warning bell has been rung.

15th – Before playing the hole ring the bell to signify that the previous green has been cleared. Walkers may be in the woods directly behind the green.

16th – For the tee shot which can be partially blind, ensure that the group ahead are out of range. Be aware that walkers may be in the woods to the right. For second and third shots be aware that the golfers on 18 have priority and may be teeing off. The hole has signs warning of the potential dangers and should be observed at all times.

17th – Be aware of any golfers teeing off on 18 as the tee is directly behind the green. There is a public footpath to the left of the hole and courtesy should always be given to any walkers  

18th – Tee shot is over the 16th –be aware of golfers walking up to or on the 16th green. Second shots are likely to be at the green which has a road and practice green directly behind, be aware of any cars or individuals who may be heading to or from the parking area by the practice range