This information provides an assessment of the risks identified for players and staff at Driffield Golf Club (DGC) on the golf course. It is a policy of DGC that ALL players are insured for 3rd party risk to which end, all members, green fee players and invited guests are automatically insured free of charge by DGC with NFU Mutual. (Please see the schedule of Insurance held in the Golf Office).
We urge all course users, in particular playing visitor hosts and organisers to read this whole brief.
Traffic Light System: Driffield Golf Club operates a colour coded course condition alert, posted next to men and ladies changing room door and on the first tee hut.
Green – Course Open with No Restrictions.
Amber – Course Open with Restrictions. Likely to have some winter greens, Carrying is expected for all players who are physically capable, Personal buggies and trollies should use buggy paths or confined to the rough where possible, If it’s necessary for buggy and trolley users to cross a fairway, they should cross at 90 degrees rough to rough.
Red – Course Closed.
In the case of an emergency:
Call the Club Office on +44 (0) 1377 253116 and/or the Emergency Services on 999
* Our postcode is YO25 9AD
* What3Words for the clubhouse entrance – ‘Tactical, Launcher, Pelted’
Inform the Professional Shop and/or the Club Office. In case of extreme trauma referral, Helicopter air ambulances can land on the practice ground adjacent to the car park.
Players are expected to be aware at all times of danger to others and themselves; care must be taken at all times to avoid accident or injuries to oneself and to other players, officials or staff.
First Aid Boxes: Are located in the Bar area, Office, Reception, Ladies Changing Room and Greenkeeping Compound.
Defibrillator: Our defibrillator is located in the Clubs main entrance hall just inside the front door.
Accidents: All accidents MUST be reported as soon as possible to the Professional Shop or the Club Office for entry into the Accident Book.
SUSPENSION OF PLAY (Rule 5.7)
Play can be suspended at any time due to the course being unplayable e.g. flooded greens or in a dangerous situation e.g. lightning, fog etc.
DANGEROUS SITUATION – PLAY SUSPENDED IMMEDIATELY
KLAXON - ONE PROLONGED NOTE.
Play must be discontinued immediately. If a player fails to discontinue play immediately, he is disqualified, unless circumstances warrant waiving the penalty as provided in 5.7b.
COURSE UNPLAYABLE – SUSPENSION OF PLAY
KLAXON - TWO SHORT NOTES, PAUSE, THEN REPEATED.
If a player has started play of a hole, they may discontinue play immediately or continue play of the hole, provided they do so without delay. Play must be discontinued after the hole is completed. Discontinuing play under rule 5.7b, a player may lift his ball, without penalty. Before lifting the ball the player must mark its position.
PROCEDURE FOR RESUMPTION OF PLAY
KLAXON THREE SHORT NOTES, PAUSE, THEN REPEATED.
Under Rule 5.7c play must be resumed from where it was discontinued, even if resumption occurs on a subsequent day. The player must, either before or when play is resumed, proceed in accordance with Rule 14.2:
PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 5.7b or 5.7c: Disqualification
Players must protect themselves in Health and Safety matters especially should there be a danger from lightning. If, in your opinion, there is a risk of lightning, play must be discontinued and players must proceed in accordance with Rule 5-7a, whether or not a klaxon is sounded. It is unreasonable for the Club to monitor the course at all times although, every effort will be made to ensure the warning is sounded with sufficient time to allow for all competitors and spectators to evacuate the course prior to an electric storm striking the course. Upon the signal being given, all players and spectators must comply with the above conditions. Players should report to the clubhouse when it is safe to do so to find out when and if play is to be resumed.
Inclement Weather: Darkness, rain, fog and ice: During inclement weather, the fact that the course has not been officially closed does not warrant that it is fit for play. Therefore, members and visitors should themselves determine whether they consider it safe to play. Players have a duty of care to behave in such a way that others will not be injured by their actions. They also have a duty of care to ensure that they do not injure themselves.
Sun Protection: Between April to September you need to be aware of the risks of UV light and remember to follow these five rules when playing, working or spectating:
1. Keep sunscreen (SPF30+), sunglasses, a hat and large umbrella in your summer kit bag.
2. Apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before teeing off to ensure it is effective.
3. Re-apply sunscreen every two hours on sunny days, or around the 9th hole, using a sunscreen applicator to avoid a greasy grip!
4. Use a chubby sunblock stick to protect lips, nose and ears
5. Check skin every month or so and if you spot any changes, visit your GP immediately.
The Course: The Golf Course Risk Assessment is carried out on a hole-by- hole basis. As a general rule, players should not strike a golf ball when there is the risk of endangering another player, member of the Green Staff or a member of the public.
Tee & Approach Shots: Will vary due to each players own ability. However, please note the following holes and use caution.
Viewing platform on the 3rd tee to check play ahead
Bell on the 3rd tee viewing platform to tell players the 2nd green is clear – please use.
15th Hole. Fairway crosses in front of the 16th tee and pathway.
16th Hole. Fairway crosses 15th fairway.
Warning Bell on the 4th & 12th holes – please use.
Pond in front of 7th tee box and adjacent to the 15th green.
Ditches on 3rd,7th, 8th & 16th holes.
Ditch and pond on the 9th,10th & 11th fairways.
Ponds: The water in the ponds can be deep, may have steep slippery slopes and may have deep silt deposits. Players MUST NOT under any circumstances retrieve balls from the ponds.
Adjacent Fairways: A deviant ball can carry to adjacent Fairways/tees and greens on virtually ALL holes, please shout “FORE”. For this reason, ear & headphones are not permitted on the course by any user.
Banks: Can be found on most holes, these include tees, bunkers, ditches, ponds and other areas. Please take additional care.
Trees & Bushes: A number of trees/bushes on the course have thorns that may cause injury/damage to clothing etc. Care should be taken when playing in close proximity to these and a penalty drop taken where appropriate.
Bridges (Slip Hazard): Bridge coverings are liable to be slippery when wet, particularly the bridge on the 10th approaches and between the 11th green and 12th tee. Buggy users must drive slowly.
Buggies: Please use the paths provided and follow the buggy rules in the Clubs Buggy Policy. Additional care should be taken when crossing bridges and travelling around the course. Buggies must not be taken onto slopes, tee boxes, greens, winter greens and users must observe white line restrictions and buggy paths.
Steps: Steps may be dangerous when wet, or in icy conditions. Beware of all wooden sleepers, especially when wet. Please use the steps where provided.
Out of Bounds: *Players MUST NOT retrieve balls from private property around the course.
Other potential hazards:* Be aware that adults, children and animals may inadvertently enter onto the course
Toilets: There is a unisex toilet next to the 9th tee. Please ensure the door is fully closed after use.
The Greenkeeping Compound/Buildings: Situated next to the 15th tee. This is a working area and players are not permitted to enter the compound under any circumstances, unless it is a medical emergency requiring the Greenkeeper first aid box. Please note, the greenkeeper buildings are not always open and manned.
Other Health and Safety Considerations: Fertiliser and Insecticides etc. on the ground: Do not lick golf balls or fingers. Players are advised to take heed of the warnings and protect themselves.
Footwear: Players should ensure that they are wearing suitable Golf footwear. Players have a responsibility to themselves to avoid slipping on slopes and other awkward places. Please ensure that you check your spikes regularly and clean debris from your spikes to ensure that they give you good traction throughout the round.
Greenkeeping Staff: Greenkeeping Staff have priority at all times. Always make sure that they are aware of your presence before you play your shot. The Greenkeeping Staff are instructed to signal to you when it is safe to play.
The Practice Ground: Only club members can use this. Persons under the age of 12 MUST NOT use the practice ground without appropriate adult supervision; this includes crossing to/from the practice area to the Golf Club/Shop. Persons using the practice area are expected to be aware at all times of danger to others and to themselves. Care must be taken at all times to avoid accidents or injuries to themselves or others who may be present on the practice area and may not hit balls when the range is being cut or balls are being collected.