Introduction

Due to disability, some members and visitors may not be able to play golf without the help provided by a motorized ride-on buggy. This document applies solely to the use of personal solo ride-on buggies and does not apply to the use of trolleys (push/pull or powered) or two-person Caddy cars.

The purpose of this document is to establish a standard for the safe operation of such ride-on buggies at Preston Golf Club. The document also sets down the criteria to be applied and conditions to be met when the Club considers applications for their use, and the circumstances when their use is prohibited.

Qualifications

Use of a solo ride on buggy will not be allowed unless authorized by the Club and will be restricted to members and visitors who would not be able to play golf without the facility to use a ride-on buggy.

Any person authorized to operate a solo ride-on buggy on the golf course is deemed  to have the knowledge, training, and skill to safely operate their vehicle, be insured and  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:

• Ride-on Buggy Safety Policy
• Ride-on Buggy Safe Working Practice
• Ride-on Buggy Safety Policy Acknowledgement Form

Click here to download the Buggy Safety Policy Acknowledgement Form

In order that these conditions can in practice be met, the Club Secretary/Manager or his approved nominee must whenever possible be given written prior notice (preferably three working days) of a requirement by a member or visitor to use a solo ride-on buggy. The Club reserves the right to refuse permission if all of the conditions stipulated are not complied with.

The Club also reserves the right to withdraw authorization if the disability necessitating the use of a solo ride-on buggy ceases, or, the conditions for its use are not complied with.

From time to time, Club staff 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 waterlogging, snow, frost etc. A risk assessment is normally made by 0800 hrs each morning and any restrictions are posted on the Club’s ‘Twitter’ noticeboard, telephone messaging service and 1^st tee.

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 solo 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 use ride-on buggies but might be at risk from a mechanically defective ride-on buggy or its careless use. This duty of care also applies to members of the public using the various rights of way.

To assist the safe use of personal solo ride-on buggies all potential users (members and visitors) shall comply with the following conditions:

1. Ride-on buggies on Preston Golf Club property are only for the use of members and visitors who would not be able to play golf without the facility to use a ride-on buggy.
2. Ride-on buggies must be operated with courtesy, care and consideration for the safety of pedestrians. Pedestrians must be afforded the right-of-way at all times.
3. The signs and instructions employed on the course to warn buggy users of potential danger areas or areas forbidden to ride-on buggies because of concerns about safety, or the potential to cause unacceptable wear and tear to the course, must be followed at all times.
4. 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, ramps or pavements.
5. Ride-on buggy operators will be responsible for adequately maintaining/servicing their buggy and the security of ignition keys for the period that the buggy is on the property of the Club.
6. Preston 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. Ride-on Buggy users must take out their own insurance and present a valid insurance certificate to the Club Secretary/Manager
7. No ride-on buggy will be operated in excess of 15km per hour. All speed limits must be observed and ride-on buggies shall only be used between dawn and dusk.
8. Ride-on buggies must be operated in compliance with the common ‘rules of the road’ regardless of whether the buggies are operated on pavements or roadways. Operators must stop the buggy at blind intersections and proceed with caution.
9. The consumption of alcohol and/or the improper use of drugs when using the ride-on buggy is prohibited.
10. The Club Secretary/Manager, Course Manager, or their approved nominees, are the only persons to have the authority to immediately prohibit any individual from using a ride-on buggy.

Safe Working Practice for Ride-on Buggies

Before Use

• All users of personal solo ride-on buggies must lodge a signed Safety Policy Acknowledgement Form with the Club Office before using their buggy
• A ride-on buggy shall only be used by the solo occupant it was designed to carry and only by the person authorized to use it

During Use

• Where designated routes for ride-on buggies are specified on the course, these must be followed.
• The vehicle must be used to progress the game and must not be driven up and down excessively, eg. when looking for golf balls.

• Always consider the terrain, existing vehicular and pedestrian traffic conditions as well as environmental factors that may affect an operator’s ability to use 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 steep slopes

-          Be extra careful when the course is wet and muddy

Areas where buggies are not allowed

• The vehicle must not be used on tees, greens, or the slopes leading up to them

• 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 never be driven between a greenside bunker and the green..
• Ride-on buggies must not be driven in prohibited areas.

January 2011