Health & Safety

HGC is committed to the Health and Safety of their staff, members, visitors and guests. The H&S policy, Risk Assessments and COSHH assessments are available and can be viewed upon request.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Like many sports, golf can be a dangerous game and there are numerous associated hazards. Players are expected at all times to be aware of danger to both themselves and others. This guide aims to reduce the risks from these hazards by drawing your attention to the following simple control measures, which aim to promote a safety culture for the benefit of us all.

Players at HGC have a personal responsibility to follow this common sense guidance. Members should familiarise themselves with further information on Health & Safety on the Club website and on the locker room notice board.

SWINGING GOLF CLUBS

Be aware of the position of others and maintain a safe distance at all times.

BALL STRIKES

Never play until those in front of you are out of range.

Never play if you feel others have encroached too much onto the line of your intended shot. Always ensure they move to a safer position before playing.

Always shout “FORE” to warn others of stray shots heading in their direction.

Always take evasive action on the shout of “FORE” by turning away from the direction of the shout and by covering your face and head with your arms

BLIND SHOTS

Never play shots if you cannot be certain the intended landing area is clear of other golfers, green staff or members of the public. Utilise playing partners to ensure you are safe and the intended landing area is clear, i.e. cutting the corner on the 13th hole where there is a public right of way (PROW) across the fairway, which is not visible from the tee.

Pedestrians on the PROWs have right of way over golfers on the course.

FOG

Where fog is present, visibility is dependent upon where you are on the course. Competition play will be cancelled in serious fog conditions. However, sensible guidance for general play, which keeps the course open and safe, is that players MUST only hit shots to an intended position which is visible to the group/player playing the shot. It is Essential to be aware of other golfers, green staff and pedestrians on the PROWs.

FALLING DEBRIS

Be vigilant when under tree canopies in strong winds.

GOLF COURSE TOPOGRAPHY (Uneven ground, Gradients, Up Slopes, Down Slopes, Ditches, Streams, Ponds, Bunkers, Steps, Pathways, Golf Course Furniture.)

Be aware of these hazards in regards to slipping, tripping and falling. Always look for the safest routes when walking. Avoid walking up or down steep banks whenever possible.

Keep a safe distance from ditches, streams, ponds, deep bunkers and where ground levels fall away. Many hazards increase in regard to risk when wet, frozen or muddy.

Always wear the correct footwear and clothing and ensure they are in good condition and fit for purpose. If using golf shoes with moulded soles, metal, or soft spikes take extra care when wet and avoid slippery surfaces such as wooden steps and/or sleepers

THUNDER AND LIGHTNING

If there is the risk of thunder and lightning:

Do NOT use any shelters on the course.

Do NOT stand under any overhead power lines.

Do NOT shelter under trees or on high ground.

Do NOT walk under trees when making your way off the course.

Do NOT use your mobile telephone.

Do NOT put up your umbrella under any circumstances.

EMERGENCIES

The phone number of the Clubhouse is 01455 615124 opt.1

Please dial 01455 560999 if the defibrillator is required.

In the case of a medical emergency where an ambulance is required, dial 999.

The postcode of the Club is LE10 3DR.

ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES

Must be reported to the Pro Shop (or, if closed, the bar) and the incident logged in the Accident Book

LOCAL RULES

Out of Bounds (Rule 27-1):

• Beyond all boundary fences
• On or beyond the public footpath, to the rear of the eighth green
• Beyond boundary white posts where indicated including the practice area

Abnormal ground conditions (Rule 25-1):

• Any area marked as GUR and/or surrounded by a white line

Stones in bunkers are movable obstructions (Rules 24-1)

Immovable obstructions (Rule 24-2):

• All staked or guarded trees
• All course furniture
• Artificially surfaced pathways (unless within the margins of a water hazard)
• All fixed sprinkler heads and drain covers

Water Hazards (Rule 26-1):

• Water hazards shall be marked by yellow posts and or lines
• Lateral hazards shall be marked by red posts and or lines
• A ball entering the water hazard at the side of the 8th, 16th and 17th greens must be dropped in the designated dropping zones under penalty
• All ditches within the course are lateral water hazards, unless marked otherwise

Distance measuring devices (Rule 14-3):

• A player may obtain distance information by using a device that measures distance only

Please see “Local Rules Notice Board” for any other local rules in operation on the day of play.

Penalty for breach of local rules: Stroke-play 2 shots, Match-play loss of hole.

SUSPENSION OF PLAY

Rule 6-8b:

When play is suspended by the Committee because of a dangerous situation, e.g. lightning, fog, or simply that the course is unfit for play, the klaxon will sound ONE PROLONGED NOTE.

Players must cease play immediately, mark the position of their ball and leave the course.

If players are between holes they shall not start the next hole.

The klaxon will sound TWO SHORT NOTES to indicate the resumption of play. Play must be resumed from where it was discontinued.

Penalty for breach of RULE 6–8b is DISQUALIFICATION.

In the event that the course becomes unplayable and the competition is abandoned, the Committee shall ascertain if sufficient cards have been completed in order to constitute a competition. This is covered in the Competitions Policy