MEMBERS’ HEALTH AND SAFETY AT THE CLUB

Safe working practices have been adopted for our course and Clubhouse and all players are asked to note the following procedures to prevent injury to workers and players from golf balls and equipment.

1.1 Golfing Risks

A golf course can be a hazardous environment and players must always remain vigilant to prevent accidental injury to themselves and others.

1.2 Golf Balls:

When a player or course worker is within striking distance, a player should not hit a golf ball in their direction until their intention to hit has been acknowledged by the player or course worker, i.e., they should not hit until they have been called up.

• Members must call FORE if their ball is heading towards another person.
• Errant shots that exit the property must be reported to the Golf Shop as soon as practicable.

1.3 Practice Swings:

Members are to ensure they are at least 5 metres away from another Member when taking a practice swing.

1.4 Golf Carts:

Users of motorised carts must conform to the following requirements:

1. Carts must not be driven or parked within ten metres of a green or five metres of a tee (including practice facilities) and must adhere to any direction signs where in place.
2. Carts should be driven on cart paths where available.
3. No more than TWO persons are permitted to ride on a cart at one time.
4. Carts shall not be driven by Junior 15 Members without the prior consent of the Golf Operations Manager.
5. Players using motorised carts have no priority over players on foot. The Committee reserves the right to limit the competitions in which motorised carts may be used. 
6. Care and caution in driving must always be observed.
7. Carts are to be returned to golf operations by 5.00 p.m. or during the months of daylight saving 6.30 p.m., except as otherwise arranged. The Committee reserves the right to withdraw the privilege of using motorised carts from any Member or Visitor who breaches the above requirements.
8. Players hiring a golf cart must abide by the Course Care Policies and ensure that the golf cart always stays out of the fescue while following all instructions and signage.

1.5 Natural Risks

At all times players must abide by the Club Ruling on the day of play. These will be posted on the website and when practicable.

1.6 Fog:

Players must not hit a golf ball if they cannot see the flight direction of that ball and/or where it could potentially land.

1.7 Wet Conditions:

Care must be taken when walking the course or in and around the Clubhouse and carpark in wet conditions. It is recommended that walking members avoid steep slopes, wooden surfaces and drains.

1.8 Lightning Strike:

It is the responsibility of every player to assess the danger of a lightning strike and to take appropriate action. Players may suspend their round at any time if they believe they are in danger of a lightning strike. The Golf Operations Manager may suspend play in anticipation of lightning. Players must discontinue play immediately and seek shelter in the Clubhouse.

Below is a summary of safety measures in the event of a lightning strike:

• If caught in the open when an electrical storm develops, count the time gap between the lightning flash and the sound of thunder. Each second of delay between a lightning flash and the thunder is approximately one kilometre of distance. If the gap is less than five seconds, take emergency precautions immediately. These are as follows: 
• Get into a car or building if possible.
• If you are in the open, stay clear of wire fences, large trees, hilltops and metal tools or equipment
• In the open, it is safer to get as low to the ground as possible and avoid bodies of water.
• If a worker is operating a mower or tractor with ground contact implements, the machine is to be left and no person is to be within a fifty-metre distance.

1.9 Defibrillator

The Club has a defibrillator outside the front door. Most staff are trained as first aiders and in the correct use of the defibrillator.  Smash glass to get the key out and this in turn, opens the cabinet.

1.10 Works Risks

• Course employees always have the right of way.
• Fairway and rough maintenance - players must wait for an approaching vehicle or mower to pass behind, or out of range, before playing their shots. Alternatively, golfers may be called up by the operator to play.

1.11 Incidents and Near Misses

All incidents and near misses must be reported to the Golf Shop or General Manager IMMEDIATELY or following the conclusion of the game.

1.12 Greens maintenance

If a green is being worked upon by staff, and the flagstick is not in the hole, players are not to hit to the green until the flagstick is replaced and the green is cleared, or they have been called up.

1.13 Other situations

Spraying of pesticides, fungicides and other chemicals is an essential part of course maintenance. Warning signs regarding spraying will be displayed when chemicals are in use. Members or visitors are advised that it is at their own discretion if they choose to use the course on days when chemicals have been applied.