Ashton & Lea Course Conditions Operating Policy
Even though we have experienced an unusually very wet autumn and winter, we accept that climate change as is predicted, will result in possible similar scenarios in the future and hence necessary course restrictions.
It is and always has been the Club’s aim to allow all members to participate during the winter months but due to factors relating to H & S, inclement weather and hence unsuitable course conditions, restrictions have to be implemented. It is hoped the following system will allow for more golf and respect the needs of those with a registered disability.
Please, though, respect the decisions made by green staff, whose call will be made after assessing the course with regard to Health & Safety and actual ground conditions.
GREEN
Course fully open.
No restrictions
BLUE
Course open
Carry only
Trolleys and buggies allowed for members/visitors with a medical exemption certificate
These must be kept to paths and designated routes only
AMBER
Course open
Carry only
No buggies
Trolleys allowed for members/visitors with a medical exemption certificate
These must be kept to paths and designated routes only
BLACK
Course open
Carry only
No exceptions
RED
Course closed
No Go areas for trolleys & Buggies
Tees and greens
Between greenside bunkers and green
Onto the fringes and aprons of the greens
Restricted Trolley & Buggy Use (Medically exempt only)
There are occasions when it will be necessary for the safety of the staff and the users of the course to restrict the use of buggies and trolleys due to the course and weather conditions. This will be declared by the designated greenkeeping staff member where buggies and/or trolleys:
Present Health and safety issues for members, visitors and staff or will lead to excess damage to the course.
Where there is restricted buggy/trolley use, only the following will be able to use buggies/trolleys:
Members and visitors with a medical exemption certificate, where in the opinion of their medical practitioner** they are unable to play or have undue difficulty in playing golf without the use of a trolley or buggy because:
They are suffering from a disability within the meaning of Section 6 of the Equality Act 2010 or any statutory modification thereof,
OR
their physical or medical condition precludes the physical carrying of golf clubs for a full 18 hole round either permanently or long term
OR
Their medical or physical condition precludes the physical carrying of golf clubs for a full 18 hole round for a period specified by their medical practitioner.**
Restricted Trolley & Buggy Use (Medically exempt only) Visitors and Guests
Visitors/Guests wishing to use a buggy or trolley when use is restricted to ‘exempted buggies and/or trolleys only’ must produce a copy of a valid medical certificate to the Pro Shop staff before playing the course.
Total Buggy Ban AMBER
In circumstances where, in the opinion of the Head Greenkeeper or his deputy in consultation with management of the Club, and where the prevailing conditions, including amongst other factors, the course or parts of the course, the environment or the weather are unfit and/or unsafe for buggy use, or present Health and safety issues for the users of buggies, or other users of the course including our staff, a total buggy ban will be applied. In these circumstances no members or visitors will be permitted to use buggies, irrespective of the person’s possession of a medical certificate.
Total Trolley Ban BLACK
In circumstances where, in the opinion of the Head Greenkeeper or his deputy in consultation with management of the Club, and where the prevailing conditions, including amongst other factors, the course or parts of the course, the environment or the weather are unfit and/or unsafe for trolley use, or present Health and safety issues for the users of trolleys, or other users of the course including our staff, a total trolley ban will be applied. In these circumstances no members or visitors will be permitted to use trolleys, irrespective of the person’s possession of a medical certificate.
How does this affect me?
In the case where use of a buggy or trolley is restricted to ‘Exempted Buggies or Trolleys only’ those members or visitors who are disabled or who have medical or physical conditions which preclude their physical carrying of golf clubs for a full 18 hole round will be able to continue to play golf with the use of a personalised ride on buggy or trolley when use by the general membership or visitors is not permitted.
I want to use a Personalised Buggy or Trolley when use is restricted to ‘Exempted Buggies or Trolleys only’- What do I need to do?
Those members who are disabled or who have medical or physical conditions which preclude their physical carrying of golf clubs for a full 18 hole round should see their Medical Practitioner** and ask them to sign a Medical Exemption Certificate with the appropriate endorsement. Once signed, the certificate should be submitted to the Office at Ashton & Lea Golf Club, where a copy will be taken. Those members with a permanent or long-term certificate will be noted within the IG System and will be issued with a tag to identify their exemption.Visitors who are disabled as defined under section 6 of the Equality Act 2010 or who have medical or physical conditions which precludes their physical carrying of golf clubs for a full 18 hole round will be required to produce a copy of their Medical Exemption Certificate, signed by a Medical Practitioner**, if they wish to use a buggy or trolley where the use is restricted to ‘Exempt Only’
PLEASE NOTE
1.** The term ‘Medical Practitioner’ means anyone involved in the diagnosis, treatment or care of one’s physical or medical disability. This can include GPs, nurses, physiotherapists to name a few.
2.Members should always consult the Club website or phone the Club(option 3) to obtain the most up to date advice in regards to course status and the ability / or not to use buggies or trolleys on the course on any given day in order to avoid disappointment or from being precluded from playing.
If players do not heed the advice issued by the Club, then the Club reserves the right to amend the policy in order to maintain/preserve both the condition of the course and the safety of the players.
