Course Safety Information
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 Horsforth Golf Club have a personal responsibility to follow this common sense guidance. Members should familiarise themselves with further information on Health and Safety on the Club website and on the locker room notice board.
You are advised to carry a mobile phone with the ring tone set to zero to summon assistance in an emergency
Policies
- Fog and Darkness Policy
- General Course Health and Safety Policy
- Buggy Policy
- Course Closure Policy
- Greenkeeper Priority and Safety policy
Lightning
If there is a risk of lightning play MUST be discontinued. Horsforth Golf Club is not responsible for the safety of any golfer on the course and it is therefore your responsibility to remove yourself from any situation which you deem dangerous.
If you see lightning or hear the air horn (three short blasts) the following will apply:
- Proceed immediately to the clubhouse.
- Do not continue to play golf and do not seek shelter under trees. Trees do not protect you from lightning.
- During competitions, if there is a lightning risk, play will be suspended and players must leave the course.
- Where play is automatically suspended on the sound of the air horn. A player may not override the Policy decision to evacuate the course.
- Players should stop play and seek shelter any time they believe lightning threatens them, even if the air horn has not been sounded.
Although the Club will take every precaution to ensure the safety of players during a thunder storm, it is a player’s own responsibility to discontinue play when in his/her opinion lightning is a threat. It is not always possible to monitor conditions on the entire course and players have a duty of care to themselves. They should therefore familiarise themselves with both the Club policy and the Rules of Golf (Rule 6-8a applies).
Greenstaff
Greenstaff have priority at all times. Players should always alert greenstaff nearby or ahead when they are about to make a stroke that might endanger them and wait for staff to move out of range.
Public Footpaths
Paths run alongside and cross several holes on the course. Priority must be given to members of the public. Players must not play shots until footpaths in range are clear. Tee signs have been erected at effected holes.
Buggies
To ensure the safety of all golf course users, buggy drivers are required to comply with the Club’s Buggy Policy and follow designated buggy routes at all times. Take particular care on slopes and around ditches and deep-sided bunkers.
Course, Steps and Surfaces
The steps and surface may be slippery when damp or wet. Golfers must ensure to wear appropriate footwear to meet the prevailing conditions. Wherever possible, keep to covered areas of footpaths and steps. Take care on steep banks and when entering and leaving deep-sided bunkers.
Deep Water
There are several ponds across the course. Players are advised not to attempt to retrieve golf balls from ponds. Players enter water hazards at their own risk.
Please Shout “Fore!” If Your Ball Goes Offline
Players should not play until the players in front are out of range.
Players should ensure that no one is standing close by or in a position to be hit by the club, the ball or any stones, pebbles, twigs or the like when they make a stroke or practice swing.
If a player plays a ball in a direction where there is a danger of hitting someone, they should immediately shout a warning. The traditional word of warning in such situations is “FORE!” On hearing “FORE!” please crouch, cover your head with your arms and count to 10.