The Radcliffe-on-Trent Golf Club
Golf Buggy Policy
Introduction
Radcliffe on Trent Golf Club (RoTGC) has a duty of care to all users of the golf course. Due to disability, some members, visitors and guests may not be able to play golf without the assistance provided by a ride on buggy that carries both the player and the golf clubs whilst others may simply prefer the option to drive around the course instead of walking.
The purpose of this document is to establish a standard for the safe operation of all ride-on buggies operated on the course within the confines of RoTGC.
The document also sets down the criteria to be applied and conditions to be met when RoTGC considers applications for buggy use both hired and personally owned.
The club has a number of buggies available for hire and they can be booked, in advance, by telephoning the Club Professional on 0115 933 3000 option 2. Any booking is subject to restrictions that may be imposed owing to the condition of the course. No guarantee can be given that a buggy will be available unless it has been pre-booked.
The Club also allows members and visitors to use their own buggies on the course subject to them obtaining permission from the General Manager to do so and meeting the requirements set out in this document.
Qualifications & Criteria for Buggy Use
RoTGC welcomes the use of motorised golf buggies on the golf course but are subject to certain restrictions due to health and safety concerns. Use of a ride-on buggy in competitions is permitted as the Competition and Handicap Committee (C&H) does not feel that the use of a buggy provides any unfair advantage over other golfers not using a buggy. A medical certificate is therefore not required to use a buggy in 18-hole competitions for 36-hole competitions buggy use will only be permitted for players with a Section 6 certificate.
In normal conditions, there is no restriction on the use of ride-on buggies other than in certain areas of the course. In some circumstances, however, it may be necessary to restrict their use and provide a safe route around the course. These restrictions will be made available to the user on the day.
Any person who operates a ride-on buggy on the golf course is deemed by so doing, to have the knowledge, training and skill to safely operate this vehicle and be fully accountable for their actions and the consequences thereof.
The safe operation of ride-on buggies on the course requires conscientious application and adherence to the minimum standard of care prescribed by this policy.
Golf Buggies must be operated in accordance with the requirements of the following documents:
- Golf Buggy Safety Policy
- Golf Buggy Safe Working Practice
- Golf Buggy Safety Policy Acknowledgement Form
The Club reserves the right to refuse permission if all of the conditions stipulated are not complied with.
From time-to-time RoTGC may determine that the state of the course or the weather is such that safety on the course may be unacceptably compromised if a ride-on buggy is used. This might apply to the whole or just part of the course. Potentially unsuitable conditions include but are not restricted to, waterlogging, frost, snow and reduced visibility. Where such conditions arise RoTGC will review the situation daily.
Determining any such restrictions on buggy use will be the responsibility of the following:
- Head Greenkeeper/Assistant Head Greenkeeper
- General Manager
- Professional Staff
In exceptional course conditions, the above people may determine that unrestricted use of Buggies will, or is likely to, cause significant risk to Health and Safety. In these circumstances, we will avoid a blanket ban on buggy use, but buggy restrictions will apply. Routes for use by buggy users will be provided by the club in these circumstances. This could include closing some holes to ride-on buggy users, asking buggy users to use specified safe routes around the course where they will be expected to leave their buggy and walk to their ball. Failure to use these safe routes may result in you being asked to leave the golf course.
Buggies may then be permitted, but only to those people who have a disability as defined under the Disability Discrimination Act. Such persons must have lodged with the General Manager, a Medical Certificate (see Appendix A) signed by a registered General Practitioner confirming that they are unable to play a full round of golf without the use of a buggy. If they do not provide such a certificate, they will not be permitted to use a buggy.
Golf Buggy Safety Policy
The Club has a duty of care to its employees and all users of the golf course.
The topography of certain areas of the course is such that caution must be shown by the user of a Golf Buggy. It is also necessary for the Club to provide adequately safe means of access for all golfers including those given permission to use Golf Buggies. Moreover, the Club has to ensure the safety of golfers who do not wish to use Golf Buggies but who might be at risk from a mechanically defective Golf Buggy or its careless use. This duty of care also applies to members of the public who may, from time to time, justifiably be on the course.
To assist in the safe employment of Golf Buggies all potential users (members and visitors) shall comply with the following conditions:
- Only recognised Golf Buggies – with three or four wheels – are permitted at RoTGC.
- Privately Owned Buggies must be either ridden or transported to RoTGC within the confines of the owner’s vehicle.
- Facilities to store or re-charge Privately Owned Buggies are not available at RoTGC unless prior agreement has been given by the General Manager (Buggy Shed).
- Privately Owned Buggies on RoTGC property are only for the use of members and visitors who are disabled within the meaning of the Disability Discrimination Legislation.
- Golf Buggies must be operated with the utmost courtesy, care and consideration for the safety and convenience of pedestrians. Pedestrians must be afforded the right-of-way at all times.
- The signs and instructions employed on the course to warn Golf Buggy users of potential danger areas or areas forbidden to Golf Buggies because of concerns about danger or the potential to cause unacceptable wear and tear to the course, must be followed at all times.
- Golf Buggies must be operated and parked in such a manner that they do not impede or interfere with normal pedestrian or vehicular flow on roadways, ramps or pavements.
- Golf Buggy operators will be responsible for the security of ignition keys for the period that the buggy is on the property owned by the Club.
- RoTGC has no responsibility for ensuring the safe operation of Golf Buggies on or beyond the confines of the course and the club car parks other than those operated by their servants or agents. The Club will accept no responsibility for any loss or damage caused to any property other than that arising from the negligent use of a Golf Buggy by their servants or agents.
- No Golf Buggy will be operated in excess of 16 km / 10 miles per hour. All speed limits must be observed.
- Golf Buggies shall be used only between dawn and dusk.
- Golf Buggies must be operated in compliance with the common `rules of the road` regardless of whether Golf Buggies are operated on pavements or roadways.
- Operators must stop the Golf Buggy at blind intersections and proceed with caution.
- The consumption of alcohol and/or the improper use of drugs when using a Golf Buggy is not permitted.
- The General Manager has the authority to immediately suspend or prohibit any individual from using or being carried in a Golf Buggy. Application for reinstatement of permission to use a Club/Privately Owned Buggy can only be made to the Main Committee.
Golf Buggy Safe Working Practice
Golf Buggy operators must not be under the influence of alcoholic drinks or drugs. Never allow children to drive the Golf Buggy
BEFORE USE
- All operators of Golf Buggies must sign a Golf Buggy Safety Policy Acknowledgement form before they are allowed to use the buggy.
- A Golf Buggy shall only be used for the number of occupants it was designed to carry and only by people who are authorised to use one.
DURING USE
- Always remain seated and hold on while the vehicle is in motion.
- Hands, feet and head must be kept inside the Golf Buggy at all times while the vehicle is in motion.
- Golf Buggies must not be driven in prohibited areas.
- The vehicle must be used to progress the game and must not be driven up and down excessively, e.g., when looking for golf balls.
- The vehicle must not be used on tees, greens, surrounds or aprons.
- The vehicle must not be used within 2 metres of any bunkers, ditches or ponds or slopes leading to them except when using the designated bridges.
- The vehicle must not be driven into any deep rough on the course.
- Check the area behind the vehicle before reversing.
- Set the parking brake before leaving the vehicle.
- Always consider the terrain, existing vehicular and pedestrian traffic conditions as well as environmental factors that may affect your ability to operate the vehicle safely.
- Drive the vehicle only as fast as the terrain and safety considerations allow.
- To avoid tipping over, drive the buggy straight up and down severe slopes.
- Slow down before corners.
- All turns must be executed at reduced speeds.
- Avoid sudden stops or changes of direction that may result in loss of control.
- Be extra careful when the course is wet and muddy.
AFTER USE
When the vehicle is left unattended, turn the operating key to the off position, remove the key and engage the parking brake.
CHECK LIST: Knowing the controls and how to use them
- Ignition switch and immobiliser key.
- Accelerator.
- Footbrake.
- Parking brake – Set the brake before leaving the Golf Buggy.
- Reversing Control.
Sample Medical Certification
To: The General Manager
Radcliffe on Trent Golf Club
Radcliffe on Trent
Nottingham
NG12 2JH
I, Dr……………………………………………………of……………………………………….………. …………………………..………………………………………………………………………………..
Certify that I have examined ………………………………………………………………….
and am of the opinion that he/she has a disability within the meaning of the Disability Discrimination Legislation and is unable to play or has undue difficulty in playing golf without the use of a motorised Golf Buggy.
Signature…………………………………………………………………Date…………………………
ADMINISTRATION
In respect of Privately Owned Buggies, The General Manager will retain on file a fully completed and signed “Golf Buggy Safety Policy Acknowledgement Form”, together with Medical Certification as per the example above. The General Manager will also ensure that the Pro Shop Staff have an up-to-date copy of the register of Authorised Buggy Users for whom documents are held on file and to whom authorisation has been granted for use of a Privately Owned Buggy.
Golf Buggy Safety Policy Acknowledgement Form
This form must be completed by all golfers prior to operating a Golf Buggy
Any person who accepts the privilege of operating a Golf Buggy on Radcliffe on Trent Golf Club (RoTGC) premises is deemed, by so doing, to have the knowledge, training, and skill to safely operate the vehicle and shall be fully accountable for their actions and consequences thereof.
The safe operation of Golf Buggies on the Courses requires conscientious application and adherence to the minimum standard of care prescribed by this policy.
Name: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………. Address:…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
By signing below, I acknowledge that:
- I have read the RoTGC Buggy Safe Working Practice.
- I understand the terms and conditions of the RoTGC Buggy Safety Policy.
- I have been provided with the opportunity to ask questions related to this policy.
- I will ensure that the Golf Buggy is maintained and operated in accordance with the RoTGC Buggy Safety Policy.
- I accept that it is my duty alone to ensure that I have sufficient insurance to cover liability for risks to third parties.
- I agree to indemnify RoTGC against all claims costs and demands made against RoTGC arising out of or in connection with the use of the Golf Buggy.
Signature: ………………………………………………………………. Date: ……………………….
Users of Club/Private Buggies do so at their own risk. RoTGC will not accept any liability for any loss or damage to the Club/Private Buggy or any other property arising from the negligence of the club or any of its servants or agents.
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