Golf Buggy Policy

Golf Buggy Safety Policy

Bamburgh Castle Golf Club has a duty of care to its employees and 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 golf buggy. It is also necessary for the Club to provide adequately safe means of access for all golfers including those given permission to use golf buggies. Moreover, the Club has to ensure the safety of golfers who do not wish to use golf buggies but who might be at risk from a mechanically defective golf buggy or its careless use. This duty of care also applies to members of the public who may, from time to time, justifiably be on the course.

To assist the safe employment of golf buggies all potential users (members and visitors) shall comply with the following conditions:

1. Buggies may only be used by those authorised by Bamburgh Castle 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.
5. Bamburgh Castle Golf Club has no responsibility for ensuring the safe operation of buggies on or beyond the confines of the course and the Club 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 buggy by their servants or agents.

Golf Buggy Safe Working Practice

Before Use

• All users must have signed a Safety Policy Acknowledgement form before they are allowed to use the buggy. 
• All users must ensure that they are familiar with the buggy controls and the constraints on buggy use
• A golf buggy shall only be used for the number of occupants it was designed to carry and only by people authorised to use one.

During Use

• Be satisfied that the buggy is well maintained and fully serviceable
• Do not move off until all occupants are seated
• Always remain seated with hands, feet and head kept inside the buggy at all times while the buggy is in motion 
• Do not drive buggies in prohibited areas
• Use the buggy to progress the game by driving it in the direction of play 
• Keep the buggy on pathways or closely mown grass
• Do not drive the buggy in tight circles or into the rough even when looking for golf balls 
• Do not use the buggy on tees greens or slopes leading to them 
• Check the area behind the buggy before reversing 
• Do not use the buggy within 2 metres of any bunkers, ditches or slopes leading to them 
• Apply the parking brake before leaving the buggy 
• 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 
• Drive the buggy only as fast as the terrain and safety considerations allow 
• Drive the buggy directly up and down sharp slopes to avoid the risk of it tipping over
• Always slow down before cornering
• Execute all turns at reduced speeds 
• Avoid sudden stops or changes of direction to prevent loss of control or damage to grass 
• Take extra care in strong winds or when the course is wet or frosted

After Use 

• The buggy should be returned to the buggy parking space in the car-park.
• The parking brake engaged and the operating key turned to the off position.
• The ignition key should be returned to the bar staff in the Clubhouse.

Acknowledgement Form

This form must be completed by all golfers prior to operating a Golf Buggy. Any person who accepts the privilege of operating a golf buggy on Bamburgh Castle Golf Club premises is deemed, by so doing, to have the knowledge, training and skill to safely operate this vehicle and shall be fully accountable for their actions and consequences thereof. The safe operation of golf buggies on the course requires conscientious application and adherence to the minimum standard of care prescribed in this policy.

By completing below I acknowledge that:

• I have read the Bamburgh Castle Golf Club Buggy Safe Working Practice 
• I understand the terms and conditions of the Bamburgh Castle Golf Club Buggy Safety Policy 
• I have been provided with the opportunity to ask questions related to this policy 
• I will ensure that the golf buggy is maintained and operated in accordance with the Bamburgh Castle Golf Club Buggy Safety Policy 
• I accept that it is my duty alone to ensure that I have sufficient insurance to cover liability for risks to third parties
• I agree to indemnify Bamburgh Castle Golf Club against all claims costs and demands made against Bamburgh Castle Golf Club arising out of or in connection with the use of the golf buggy Signature: 

Users of privately owned buggies do so at their own risk. Bamburgh Castle Golf Club will not accept any liability for any loss or damage to the privately owned buggy or any other property arising from the negligence of the club or any of its servants or agents.