Adverse Weather Conditions Document – Players
Due to the location of CDGC it can be subject to rapid and severe weather changes. Members should act responsibly and take the action necessary for the conditions they encounter. A player must not proceed with his/her shot if they can hit the ball past the level of visibility, as there may be another player or Green keepers just out of sight.
Course Closures
If the conditions deem play dangerous, the Head Green Keeper, the Manager, Professional or Member of the Committee will close the course. This information will be passed to the players via A boards in the car park and on the 1st and 11th tees. This will advise players not to commence their game. For players already on the course one long blast will be sounded with an air horn on the 1st tee and chipping area. On hearing this horn all players MUST suspend play.
Re-Opening the Course
When conditions improve and safe play can be re-started the Head Green Keeper, the Manager, Professional or Member of the Committee will re-open the course. The A boards will be removed and 3 short blasts on the air horn will be sounded on the 1st tee and chipping area to advise players who chose to remain on the course during the suspension of play, that it is safe to re-commence play.
Weather Conditions
Fog / Mist
The Professional or Member of the Committee will assess the course condition against this criteria:- If from the first tee it is not possible to see both the bunker on the left hand side of the 1st fairway and the flag on the 9th green, then the course is to be closed until conditions improve. The course will be closed and then re-opened according to the procedure above.
Lightning
On seeing a flash of lightning players must stop play. One long blast will be sounded on the air horn (by the Head Green Keeper, Manager, Professional of Member of the Committee) on the 1st and chipping area to advise players who did not witness the lightening flash, that they must suspend play. Players are advised to return to the clubhouse, but they may take shelter in one of the huts (situated on 1st, 10th and 15th). It is recommended that players keep away from tall objects such as trees and pylons. During the storm, players are advised not to brandish clubs or umbrella, as they may act as a lightening conductor. The process for re-opening the course is detailed above (ideally 30 minutes after the last thunder clap is heard).
Snow
As snow is a very rare occurrence at CDGC, in the event of a serious flurry the Head Green keeper will determine if the course is playable or not and close the course if necessary.
Heavy Rain
During torrential rain the grass will become slippery under foot and the greens will flood making play impracticable. In this instance the Head Green Keeper will advise players.
Rain / Wet / Frost
During rain and frost the grass will become wet and slippery especially in areas containing slopes, banks and uneven ground. Players are advised to wear spiked golf shoes to assist with grip. When moving about the course players should use the designated routes and paths. These may not be the quickest routes. The best route from A to B is not always a straight line especially if it means travelling down slopes or up slippery banks. Players, please let common sense prevail.
If an area has been “ring fenced” by hoops or ropes, players must not walk through these areas.
Cold
Warm clothing (ideally layers) are advised in cold conditions.
Wind
During times of high wind, players should be aware that the conditions could effect the direction of their shot. This is of particular concern when playing close to the road that encircles two sides of the course. Any player who suspects their ball may have hit a car must report it to the Manager, Professional or the Steward on completion of the round. In very strong winds tall objects may be blown over, causing a hazard not only when they fall but while lying on the ground. Winds of a lesser strength can cause debris to be blown around.
Heat / Sun
It is recommended players apply a high factor sun cream and wear a hat during hot weather. Although the Club can not be held responsible if players choose not to heed these guidelines. To reduce the risk of dehydration, liquid (not alcohol) should be carried by players at all times on the course. This can either be provided before getting to the course or purchased from the Professional Shop. From mid spring to mid autumn, water fountains are in action (located on 5th, 10th and 14th tees) on the course. Players are advised to run the water for a few seconds before quenching their thirst or refilling their water container.
Weather information
A 24 hour weather forecast is available on the BBC weather website www.bbc.co.uk/weather/24hr. If required information from this site can be obtained from the Professional, Manager or Assistant.
In the event of an accident or incident on the course
*If the situation is serious and requires an instant response, use a mobile phone and call The Manager 01305 813494 - The Head Green Keeper 07968 234 286 - The Professional 01305 812670 - or The Steward 01305 812531. Giving detail of the event and the EXACT location.
* Or suspend play and walk to the clubhouse to report the incident to the Manager, Professional or Steward.
* Or report the incident to the Manager, Professional or Steward once your game has been completed and returned to the clubhouse.
All accidents and incident must be recorded in one of the clubs Accident Books, located in the Office or Behind the Bar.
All players have a responsibility under Health and Safety to act in a sensible manner to minimise the risk of injury to themselves and others around them. The weather conditions do play a part in the safety of golfers. If you have any H&S concern, please advise the Manager either in person or by letter.
June 2008
Golfers in range but out of sight
Main areas on the course where this applies
Area Situation Possible Solution Solution in place
3rd
Fairway Round corner on left, not visible due to trees Thin out the trees to increase the visibility. Golfers looking for balls in this area are advised to leave a bag in view to indicate to following golfers that they are there.
6th tee Poor visibility due to trees if the tee markers are hard to the right of white tee marker.
On yellow tee, bushes growing to impair visibility to the green. Trim back trees to improve visibility, especially high up.
Trim tops of bushes
7th
Behind 7th tee - view of fairway Mirror in place to aid visibility
7th fairway Halfway down 7th fairway, to inform following golfers that they have passed this point and it is safe for them to commence Bell in place for players to ring when it is clear.
8th Round corner on right and left, out of view by trees.
Player in pit
In both instances golfers advised to leave a bag in view (as above)
New 10th Either side of fairway between the trees Golfers looking for a ball in this area are advised to leave a bag in view to indicate to following golfers that they are in the area.
11th Behind tumuli If searching for a ball behind the mound a player is advised to leave his/her bag in a visible position.
17th Player in pit Player to leave golf bag in view (as above)
4th fairway and 15th &16th Player hitting a wayward shot into the road An A board could be placed on the tee in very windy conditions See below
Green Keepers on the Course
While working on the course Green Keepers should always be mindful of the danger of being hit by a golf ball. This danger is particularly high when they are in a “blind spot”, as they can neither see or be seen by the golfer hitting the ball. Although golfers are normally aware of the distance between playing groups they are not always aware of Green Keepers working on the course, as many activities and tasks undertaken by the Green Keepers are performed in a different order to the hole by hole order of play. This is done to aid the flow of the work, but also so the Green Keepers are not disturbing the same golfers on consecutive holes.
While on the course Green Keepers must
*Wear appropriate PPE (hard hats etc)
*Be perceptive and conscious of where the golfers are.
*Be aware of their surroundings and “blind spots”
*Be aware of the weather conditions – Fog can reduce the visibility levels
*Be aware of the weather conditions – Wind can bring the ball from an alternative direction.
*Take an alternative route to avoid golfers if possible and practicable
*Watch for visual signs from members to indicate wayward shot. GK wear ear defenders so a shout may not be heard.
*Report any incidents or near miss incidents to the HGK
Golfers on the Course
While on the course players should be mindful of other players and Green Keepers on the course. This extends from players stood behind them on the tee to golfers on adjacent fairways. But most especially when playing holes with poor visibility (as outlined above).
While on the course golfers must
*Read the advice board by the clubhouse which outlines the Green Keepers programme of work, especially if it requires additional work to the routine tasks. Details normally also contained in the monthly newsletter
*Give the group in front of them sufficient time to clear the area.
*Be mindful that older golfers or golfers unfamiliar with the course could need more time to clear an area
*Be aware of surroundings i.e. “blind spots”
*Be conscious of weather conditions, poor visibility in fog
* Be aware of shots blown off direction in strong wind
*Shout FORE if they hit a wayward shot to advise other golfers
*Listen for shouts from other golfers, although in high winds the sound may not be heard.
*Listen for Green Keepers machinery that will highlight they are in the area
*Report any incidents or near miss incidents to the Manager
The road in range from the 4th 15th and 16th fairways
Over the past years steps have been taken to reduce the possibility of golfers hitting balls into the road and into the path of oncoming cars. These have included:-
* Erecting a fence along the roadside by the 15th and 16th fairways
* Moved fairway on 16th away from the road
* Planting bushes along the roadside by the 4th
* Notice on 4th tee instructing golfers not to tee off if there is a car in the area.
* Roadside signs to inform drivers of danger
* Increasing the amount of rough on the right hand side of 4th to encourage players to play away from the road.
All reports of accidents, incidents or near miss incidents must be recorded in the Accident Book. These can be found either in the Green Keepers Hut, The Office or Behind the Bar. All reports must be investigated and recommendations followed up. Depending on the incident the relevant authorities must be notified.
June 2008