HEALTH & SAFETY ON THE CLUB’S PREMISES

INTRODUCTION
In addition to any changes which are made following reviews of the Club’s risk assessments, which are carried out on a regular basis in accordance with the Club’s Health and Safety Policy, changes are also made as the need arises.

In this respect the Club welcomes Members, Guests and other Visitors bringing to the attention of the Club Secretary any hazards which they feel have not been addressed.

All accidents MUST be reported as soon as possible to the Club Secretary.

First Aid boxes are located in the Bar area and the Greenkeepers Shed.

GOLF COURSE & PRACTICE AREAS

The golf course area consists of 18 holes which is the Hollinside Park course. The practice areas consist of a golf range, a practice putting green and a practice chipping green with bunker.

People playing or walking the Hollinside Park Golf Course, which is hilly, or using the Practice Areas, do so at their own risk and are expected to be aware at all times of danger to others and themselves and must not do anything to jeopardize the safety of themselves or others.

Players must not strike a golf ball when there is a risk of endangering another person on the course and must not walk in front of a fellow competitor or partner prior to them playing a shot.

Warning Notices and Direction Signs
All golfers must pay attention to red warning notices on tee boxes and all other direction signs and notices on the course, in the interest of safety.

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The following information identifies the main hazards that Golfers, Caddies and Spectators may encounter on the Hollinside Park Golf course or the Practice Areas at Whickham Golf Club. It does not contain a definite list of hazards as by the very nature of the game of golf it is impossible to eliminate risk entirely.

GOLF COURSE
Blind Tee Shots
*In addition to the following requirements players on the holes marked with an asterisk are requested when it is necessary to leave a ‘sentry’ in sight of players behind, until it is safe for those players to tee off.

1st People in the dip approx. 100yds from the green are out of sight to big hitters. Big hitters are requested to wait until those people are in sight and walking up the incline to the green.
3rd * From the mens tee people on the right on the fairway or in the rough could be in range and out of sight from the tee. People in the area approaching the quarry are out of sight from big hitters off the tee. A bell is located on the stone shed opposite the quarry, to be rung when this area is clear. 6th (Dogleg left) A bell is located past the axis of the dogleg, to be rung when it is safe for those behind to drive.
7th * The area approaching the green is out of sight from the tee box and could be in range from big hitters.
9th * People in the area from the 150 yard marker post to the top of the gully could be out of sight. A bell is located at the entrance to the path down the gully on the right of the fairway.
10th * From the yellow and red tee boxes people over the brow of the hill could be out of sight and in range from the tee box. From the white tee box people on the area to the right of fairway and or over the brow of the hill will be out of sight and could be in range from the tee box.
11th * People over the brow of the hill are in range from big hitters teeing off.
14th (dogleg) Use the steps beside the tee to ensure it is safe to drive.
15th * People to the right of the fairway are out of sight and in range from the tee.
16th People over the brow of the hill are out of sight and in range from the tee. Do not drive until the bell rings (situated over the top of the hill, approximately 200yds from the green).
18th * People in front could be out of sight after the marker post. If no sentry is posted and you are not sure then wait until the people in front ring the bell at the stone bridge when crossing the burn.

Other Blind Shots (i.e. other than tee shots)
Depending on the circumstances players on holes with ‘Other Blind Shots’ should leave a ‘sentry’ in sight of players behind until it is safe for those players to play, or players behind should walk forward to check ahead before playing a shot.

ADDITIONAL SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

Use of Ride on Buggies
Drivers of ride on buggies must have due regard for the safety of others on the course as well as for themselves. Drivers must operate a buggy in accordance with the Conditions of Use issued with the Club’s Golf Ride on Buggy Hire Agreement Form and be aware of the following:

(1) A buggy must be driven with caution on and across slopes on the course, in particular on the 18th hole.
(2) The following direction signs must be obeyed:
a) Approaching the gully on the 9th
b) On the 18th from the plateau to the burn.

Steep Slopes
Care must be taken when walking down and across slopes, especially in slippery conditions. Particularly on the 9th when walking down the slope on the left to cross the gully and on the 18th when walking down the slope from the plateau to the burn.

Adjacent Fairways, Greens and Tees
A diverted ball or stray shot can carry to adjacent fairways, greens or tees on some holes. Players must shout FORE where such instances could endanger another person on the course.

Paths, Steps & Bridges
Where paths, steps and bridges are provided they must be used. Paths steps and bridges must be treated with caution in slippery conditions (e.g. when wet or icy).

Holes Made by Animals
The Club endeavours to fill in holes on the course and practice areas where there is a chance of a person being injured.

Dangerous Weather Conditions - Lightning / Fog / Ice / Snow and Gales
In summary people should determine themselves whether they consider it is safe to be on the Course or Practice Areas during dangerous weather conditions.

See the Appendix for a detailed notice regarding dangerous weather conditions.

Other Health and Safety Considerations
1) Fertilizers and Pesticides -- Notices are displayed on appropriate tee boxes advising when fertilizers and pesticides have been used. Some of these chemicals are toxic so therefore do not lick golf balls or fingers.

2) Footwear -- Suitable footwear appropriate for the prevailing weather must be worn on the course at all times. A person on the course has a responsibility to oneself to avoid slipping on slopes and other awkward places.

3) Greenkeepers -- Greenkeeping staff have priority at all times. Always make sure that they are aware of your presence before you play your shot.

GOLFERS INSURANCE

All golfers are advised to make adequate insurance arrangements to cover legal liability for injury or damage caused to another person or their property.

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CLUBHOUSE and SURROUNDINGS – SAFETY NOTICES AND SIGNS

Users of the Clubhouse and surroundings are requested to familiarise themselves with the Notices and Signs which are displayed in the interest of safety.

LIABILITY

Whickham Golf Club Ltd accepts no liability for any personal injury, loss or damage caused to members, guests or other visitors, or to their personal property while on its premises, including vehicles in the car park and personal property inside the vehicles and personal property in lockers.

ENTRANCE TO THE CLUB

Drivers are requested to be careful when entering the car park as there is a speed restriction of 5mph in the car park.

DANGEROUS WEATHER CONDITIONS

LIGHTNING – During Competitions

In a competition under Rule 5.7 of the Rules of Golf a player is entitled to discontinue play if he/she believes there is a danger from Lightning. Even if the Klaxon is not sounded and the player honestly believes that there is a risk of lightning then he/she should leave the Course and report to the Committee.

KLAXON

Play will AUTOMATICALLY BE SUSPENDED with 1 long blast of the Klaxon and RESUMED with 2 blasts.

Please remember to mark the position of the ball when leaving the course.

LIGHTNING – During General Play

It is the Golfer’s individual responsibility to discontinue play if there is a risk of lightning.

General Advice regarding Lightning

The following advice has been compiled from various sources and is designed to be of help and assistance. Whickham Golf Club Limited does not accept any liability for any damage or injury caused by following this advice.

DO NOT exit the course by walking under trees, if at all possible.
DO NOT use a mobile phone – switch it off.
DO NOT put up your umbrella under any circumstances.

Should play be suspended and there is insufficient time to evacuate the course stand away from your clubs and trolley.

Keep as low as possible and if necessary, crouch down in the nearest bunker or lowest point of the course.
Never lie flat on the ground during a lightning storm.
If you are in a group of people members of the group should keep at least 15ft apart.
DO NOT shelter under trees or on any high ground.
DO NOT take cover in wooden or metallic shelters, unless the shelter is fully enclosed and properly earthed.

More in-depth information and advice on this subject can be obtained from the internet by searching for ‘Lightning on Golf Courses’.

FOG / SNOW / ICE/ GALES

The fact that the course has not been officially closed does not warrant that it is fit for play. Therefore, golfers should themselves determine whether they consider it safe to play.

Players have a duty of care not to behave in such a way that others may be injured
by their actions.

They also have a duty to take care not to injure themselves.

If conditions are foggy and you are unable to see where the ball is likely to land or ground conditions are such that it is impossible to judge how far the ball is likely to travel DO NOT PLAY.

Playing in such conditions is dangerous – Players do so at their own risk.