Fleetwood Golf Club Buggy Policy 

USE OF RIDE-ON BUGGIES ON THE GOLF COURSE

Introduction

Due to physical constraints, some members, visitors and guests may not be able to play golf without the help provided by a motorised ride-on buggy.  The purpose of this document is to establish a standard for the safe operation of all ride-on buggies operated on the course at Fleetwood Golf Club.  The document also sets down the criteria to be applied and conditions to be met when the Club considers applications for buggy use.

The Club has a duty of care to all users of the golf course.  The topography of certain areas of the course is such that caution and prudence must be shown by the user of a ride-on buggy.  It is also necessary for the Club to provide adequately safe means of access for all golfers including those given permission to use buggies.  Moreover, the Club has to ensure the safety of golfers who do not wish to use ride-on buggies but who might be at risk from a mechanically defective ride-on buggy or its careless use.

Qualifications

Use of a ride-on buggy will not be allowed unless authorised by the Club.  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.  Ride-on 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

In order that these conditions can, in practice, be met, the Club, 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.

The Club reserves the right to refuse permission if some or all of the conditions stipulated are not complied with. The Club reserves the right to withdraw authorisation if the medical condition or disability necessitating the use of a ride-on buggy ceases, or the conditions for its use are not fully complied with.

Use in General Play and Competitions

During general play a ride-on buggy can be used by members, visitors and guests authorised to do so.

Competition Play: A medical exemption is required from any lady or gentleman to use a buggy in any competition. This medical exemption should be deposited with the club office. An extra set of clubs may be carried, provided that:

• The buggy is designed to carry more than one set of clubs.
• The player whose clubs are being carried walks the course at all times.

Ride-on buggies may be used during closed and open competitions by those suffering from a disability within the meaning of Section 6 of the Equality Act 2010.

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

• 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.
• 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 or pavements.
• 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 the Club.
• Fleetwood Golf Club have no responsibility for ensuring the safe operation of ride-on 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 willaccept 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.
• No ride-on buggy will be operated in excess of 15km per hour. All speed limits must be observed.
•  Ride-on buggies shall be used only between dawn and dusk.
• Ride-on buggies must be operated in compliance with the common rules of the road regardless of whether ride-on buggies are operated on pavements or roadways.
• The consumption of alcohol and/or the use of drugs is not permitted when using the ride-on buggy.
• The Club 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 to the Chairman.
• Never allow children to drive the ride-on buggy unsupervised by an adult.

Safe Working Practice

Before Use

• All operators of ride-on buggies must sign a Safety Policy Acknowledgement Form before they are allowed to drive the buggy.
• A ride-on 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

• Do not move off until the occupants are seated.
• Always remain seated and hold on while the vehicle is in motion.
• Hands, feet and head must always be kept inside the buggy at all times while the vehicle is in motion.
• Ride-on 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 or the slopes leading to them.
• The vehicle must not be used within 10 metres of any bunkers, ditches or ponds or slopes leading to them. Nor between bunkers and greens.
• 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 slopes.
• Slow down before corners.
• All turns must be executed at reduced speed.
• 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