Brocton Hall Golf Club

Buggy Policy 2021-2.1

Buggy Policy 2023  Buggy Safety Policy Acknowledgement Form Annual Application for permission to use a golf buggy

Contents

1. Introduction & Background
2. Qualifications & Criteria for Buggy Use
3. Course Topography Considerations & Restrictions
4. Golf Buggy Safety Policy
5. Conditions of Use
6. Golf Buggy Safe Working Practice

• Golf Buggy Safety Policy Acknowledgement Form
• Golf Buggy annual application form

1. Introduction & Background

Brocton Hall Golf Club 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 motorised ride-on buggy 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 any ride-on buggies authorised and operated within the confines of Brocton Hall Golf Club (BHGC)

The document also sets down the criteria to be applied and conditions to be met when BHGC considers applications for buggy use both hired and personally owned.

The topography of the BHGC is such that you are requested to please take particular note of Course Topography Considerations and Restrictions thereof referred to later in this document.

This document is based upon and adapted from a template provided by the National Golf Clubs’ Advisory Association (NGCAA) www.ngcaa.co.uk

2. Qualifications & Criteria for Buggy Use

BHGC welcomes the use of motorised golf buggies on the course subject to certain restrictions such as weather / ground conditions and health and safety considerations. Use of a ride-on buggy in competitions is permitted as the Match and Handicap Committee do 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 competitions.

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 the 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.

Ride-on buggies must be operated in accordance with the requirements of the following documents.

1. Golf Buggy Safety Policy
2. Golf Buggy Safe Working Practice
3. Golf Buggy Safety Policy Acknowledgment Form

In order that these conditions can in practice be met, the BHGC Management Committee / Golf Club Secretary or their approved nominee must whenever possible be given prior notice of a requirement by a member, visitor or guest to use a ride-on buggy unless they are already registered with the golf club office. BHGC reserves the right to refuse permission if some or all of the conditions stipulated are not complied with.

From time to time BHGC may determine that the state of the course or the weather is such that safety on or the condition of 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 BHGC will review the situation on at least a twice daily basis.  

Determining any such restrictions on buggy use will be the responsibility of the following;

• Head Greenkeeper
• Club Professional
• Course Committee Chair or Health & Safety Lead

3. Course Topography Considerations & Restrictions

Due to the historic layout of Brocton Hall Golf Club, some holes could be deemed hazardous to motorised buggies in certain weather or ground conditions. Particular consideration has, and continues, to be given to the potentially hazardous nature of the following sections of the course.

4th hole – slope from tee area to fairway & gradient of slope from fairway to greenside area

6th hole – pathway from 5th green to white tee

12th hole – slope from 11th green to white & yellow tee area

13th hole – pathway to quarry pit & exit slope from quarry pit

To this effect, after careful consideration and risk assessments having been carried out there may be restrictions in place for motorised buggies which could prohibit access to some or all of these holes or specific tees. In some circumstances an alternative route for buggies will be clearly marked out and this must be adhered to.

Any implementation of restrictions will be the responsibility of the Head Greenkeeper, Club Professional, Chairman of Course and or Health & Safety Lead

4. Golf Buggy Safety Policy

The Club has a duty of care to its employees and all users of the golf course. Caution and care must be shown by all users of buggies. Moreover, the Club has to ensure the safety of golfers who do not use buggies but who might be at risk from a mechanically defective buggy or its careless use. The Club's duty of care also applies to any members of the public who may be on the course.

To assist the safe employment of ride-on buggies all potential users (members, visitors and guests) shall comply with the following conditions:

1. Ride-on 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.
2. The signs and instructions employed on the course to warn buggy riders of potential danger areas or, areas forbidden to ride-on buggies because of concerns about danger or, the potential unacceptable wear and tear to the course, must be followed at all times.
3. Ride-on 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, bridges or paths This includes vehicles in storage at the golf club.
4. Ride-on buggy operators will be responsible for the security of ignition keys for the period that the buggy is on the property owned by BHGC.
5. BHGC have no responsibility for ensuring the safe operation of ride-on buggies on or beyond the confines of the course and the club main car park 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 ride-on buggy by their servants or agents.
6. No ride-on buggy will be operated in excess of 15km per hour. All speed limits must be observed.
7. Ride-on buggies shall only be used between dawn and dusk.
8. Ride-on buggies must be operated in compliance with the common rules on the road regardless of whether they are operated on pavements or roadways.
9. Operators must stop the buggy at blind intersections and proceed with caution.
10. The consumption of alcohol and / or the improper use of drugs is not permitted when using the ride-on buggy.
11. The BHGC Management Committee / Manager or Club Administrator has the authority to immediately prohibit any individual from using or being carried on a ride-on buggy. Application for reinstatement of permission can only be made the Club Secretary.

5. Conditions of Use

To ensure the safe use of buggies, all users are required to comply with the following conditions:

1. Buggies may only be used by those authorised by Brocton Hall Golf Club so to do.
2. Buggies must be operated with the utmost common sense, courtesy, care and consideration for the safety and convenience of pedestrians. Pedestrians must be afforded the right-of-way at all times.
3. Users will be responsible for the security of ignition keys for the period that the buggy is in use in their care and on Club property.
4. Any signs and instructions used to warn buggy riders of potential danger areas or areas in which buggies must not be used because of the potential to cause unacceptable wear and tear to the course must be complied with at all times.

Brocton Hall Golf Club has no responsibility for ensuring the safe operation of 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 buggy by their servants or agents.

6. Golf Buggy Safe Working Practice

Before Use

1. All users must sign a Safety Policy Acknowledgement Form (below) before they are allowed to drive a buggy at Brocton Hall Golf Club. This can be signed and sent back to us before the day of play or on the day itself. Members with their own buggy can sign once per year or at a point when any of the Safety Policy is amended.
2. All users must ensure that they are familiar with the buggy controls and the constraints on buggy use.

During Use

1. A buggy shall only be used for the number of occupants it was designed to carry and only by those who are authorised to do so by Brocton Hall Golf Club.
2. Under no circumstances should the buggy be removed from Brocton Hall Golf Club course or main car park, unless it is the private property of that individual.
3. Buggy users should be satisfied that the buggy is well maintained and fully serviceable before each use.
4. Drivers should not move off until the occupants are seated.
5. Always remain seated with hands, feet and head kept inside the buggy at all times while the buggy is in motion.
6. Do not drive buggies in prohibited areas.
7. Use the buggy to progress the game by driving it in the direction of play.
8. Keep the buggy on pathways or closely mown grass, not on fairways where possible.
9. Drivers must not drive the buggy in tight circles or into the rough or semi-rough even when looking for golf balls.
10. Not use the buggy on tees, greens or the slopes leading up to them.
11. Not use the buggy within 5 metres of any bunkers, ditches or slopes leading to them.
12. Drivers should check the area behind the buggy before reversing.
13. Apply the parking brake before leaving the buggy.
14. Always consider the terrain, existing vehicular and pedestrian traffic as well as environmental factors that may affect the user's ability to operate the buggy safely.
15. Drive the buggy only as fast as the terrain and safety considerations allow & directly up and down sharp slopes to avoid the risk of it tipping over.
16. Slow down before cornering & execute all turns at reduced speeds.
17. Avoid sudden stops or changes of direction to prevent loss of control or damage to grass.
18. Take extra care in strong winds or when the course is wet or frosted.

After Use

1. After use, the buggy should be parked outside of the clubhouse close to the Pro shop or placed back into its designated store shed, with the parking brake engaged & the operating key returned to the Pro Shop where applicable.

Privately owned buggies

BHGC welcomes the use of privately owned buggies by members, guests and visitors subject to the terms and conditions of use & buggy safety policy. It is the responsibility of the owner / user of such a buggy to ensure that the buggy is safe & fit for purpose & that the appropriate conditions for use have been met.

BHGC has limited facilities for permanent under cover storage of privately owned buggies which is allocated on a first come basis. A waiting list is in operation for available spaces and is monitored by the Golf Club Secretary.The Management Committee are currently evaluating a proposal to utilise the under cover parking bays at the club for buggy storage. If this is ratified, it is expected that the facility will be operational by early 2022.

Permission to store a buggy at BHGC is at the discretion of the Management Committee and subject to an annual levy of £100 to cover rental of storage space and electricity for charging.

The levy does not cover any insurance cost or imply any liability for the security of a stored buggy on the premises of BHGC.

Owners should arrange their own comprehensive insurance policy to cover personal injury, 3rd party liability, fire & theft.

An application form and supporting documentation for the use of and / or storing of a personal buggy should be presented to BHGC on an annual basis at the point when annual subscription for golf club membership is due.

In any event, permission to store a buggy will be reviewed annually on a case-by-case basis.

Members currently making use of storage facilities will have first opportunity to renew up to the end of the current subscription due date 31/3/22. After which spaces will be re-allocated on a first come basis reflecting when subscriptions are paid. The current waiting list takes priority over new applications.

Where a privately owned buggy is transported to BHGC rather than being stored on the club premises, users should park their trailer or other vehicle utilised for transporting the buggy in a way so as to not create a hazard or inconvenience to other users of the car park.