Safety

INTRODUCTION
This page provides an assessment of the risks identified for players and staff at Moor Park Golf Club (MPGC) on the golf course. It is a policy of MPGC 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 MPGC with Carrick Neil Ltd. (Please see the schedule of Insurance held in the Golf Office).

WHAT TO DO IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY?

If you find yourself in an emergency situation please call the emergency services immediately on 999 (the postcode is WD3 1QL) and then inform the Reception team either by asking someone to do this in person (if you are close to the Mansion) or calling reception on 01923 773146. For out of hours emergency please call the Clubs out of hours emergency number 07793467355.

Follow the advice of the 999 operator, if required use the Automated External Defibrillator of which the club has two, one located in the  Tennis Pavilion and one in the Staff kitchen corridor by the Main Hall.

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 and Greenkeeping Compound.

Accidents: All accidents MUST be reported as soon as possible to the Senior Manager on duty or Reception for entry into the Accident Book. If you are the first responder please complete the accident book with as much detail as possible.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

Darkness, rain, fog and ice: During inclement weather, the fact that the course or courts have 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 statement:

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. Reapply 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.

Blind Tee Shots: Will vary due to each players own ability. However, the following holes may have blind areas.
High Course 4th, 7th, 9th, 11th, 14th, 15th, 16th and 17th
West Course 3rd, 7th, 8th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 17th and 18th

Adjacent Fairways: A deviant ball can carry to adjacent Fairways/tees and greens on virtually ALL holes, please shout “FORE”.

Steep Banks: Can be found on each hole of the golf courses, these include banks of tee, bunker, ditches and other areas. Please take additional care on:
High Course 3rd, 11th, 12th and 13th
West Course 3rd, 6th, 7th, 10th, 13th, 14th, 16th, 17th and 18th

Ditches: Come into play on the following holes:
High Course: 1st, 4th, 5th, 8th, 11th, 12th 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th 17th and 18th
West Course: 7th, 8th, 10th, 12th, 16th 17th and 18th
In some cases, the sides of the ditches are steep and slippery.

Lakes/ponds: Lakes feature on the 8th, 15th/16th High Course and Temple Gardens Lake. The water in the lakes is deep and may have steep and slippery slopes, and may have deep silt deposits. Players MUST NOT under any circumstances retrieve balls from the lakes. Life belts are located alongside each lake.

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 on the 1st, 5th, 11th, 14th and 15th High and 10th and 12th West.

Buggies: Please use the paths provided and follow the buggy rules displayed on the Buggy and Course. Additional care should be taken when crossing bridges and travelling around the course and buggies must not be taken onto steep slopes

Steps: There are steps at the entrance to the practice tees and on the following holes:
High Course: 1st, 5th, 10th, 12th, 13th and 18th.
West Course: 1st, 2nd, 9th, and 13th
These steps may be dangerous when wet, or in icy conditions. Beware of all wooden sleepers, especially when wet. Please use the steps where provided.

Public Footpath: There are Public Footpaths on:
High Course: 1st, 2nd, 8th, 9th, 16th and 17th Holes.
West Course: 1st, 2nd and 3rd Holes.

Driveways: The following holes have driveways crossing or running adjacent to them:
High Course: 1st, 10th 13th 15th and 18th Holes.
West Course: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 12th Holes.
Players must ensure that the public have right of way and shots must not be played when members of the public could be in danger.

Out of Bounds: Players MUST NOT retrieve balls from the grounds of any house or private property around the course.

Other potential hazards: Be aware that adults, children and animals may inadvertently enter onto the course.

Toilets: There are Ladies and Gents toilets situated at the Halfway House on each course. For security purposes, these facilities are protected by an entry code that is available from the Golf Shop, Reception or Halfway House Staff.

The Greenkeeping Compound/Buildings: Situated on the right hand side of the 10th West Hole on the West Course. This is a working area and players are not permitted to enter the compound under any circumstances.

Other Health and Safety Considerations: Fertiliser and Insecticides etc. on the ground: Do not lick golf balls or fingers. A notice on the 1st Tee will advise when spraying is in progress. Players are advised to take heed of the warnings and protect themselves.

Footwear: Players should ensure that they are wearing suitable 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: 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.

Uses of Privately Owned Buggies: The use of privately owned single seat ride-on buggies is not permitted. Players
who are registered disabled or on the Medical Exemption list may obtain a reduced rate for the hire of Moor Park’s buggies.

Suspension of Play: 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. However, play is automatically discontinued on the sound of one long blast from the klaxon and a player may not override the Club’s decision in this respect. 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, caddies and spectators to evacuate the course prior to an electric storm striking the course. Upon the signal being given, all players, caddies and spectators must comply with these 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.

Suspension of Play if Course Unplayable: Players may not suspend play during a competition for adverse ground
conditions unless this has been authorised by the Golf Course Manager, Golf Services Manager or Ladies Secretary. In the absence of these, the Rangers may take the decision to suspend play.

Resumption of Play: The Club will consult the Met Office’s website to make an informed decision regarding recommencement of play after an incident of lightning to confirm that the storm has passed. Every effort will be made to inform players that play will be resumed. However, TWO SHORT BLASTS on the klaxon will notify players when it is safe to resume play. Players must resume play as soon as possible when the klaxon is sounded. No player shall resume play until the klaxon has sounded.