LOCAL RULE

In considering all of the issues surrounding the use of a Buggy, the Board has decided that Golf Buggies, including privately owned golf buggies may be used in club competitions at Ashton and Lea Golf Club, subject to the following competition conditions.

1.  36 Hole Competitions (played on the same day)

a. The use of Golf Buggies, including privately-owned golf buggies will only be permitted for competitors in these competitions with a Medical Exemption Certificate (MEC) provided by a suitably qualified clinician at the personal cost to the competitor.

b. A note of the MEC should be held on file for as long as it is in effect.

NOTE: A competitor may obtain an MEC for either a permanent or time-limiting clinical condition or due to their physical limitations associated with the ageing process.

2.  9 and 18 Hole Competitions

a. The use of golf buggies, including privately owned golf buggies may be used by any member in these competitions.

EXCEPTIONS: The only occasions whereby a golfer will be refused permission to use a buggy in such a club competition is when, after assessment of ground conditions, the Course Manager or Committee may determine that the state of the course or the weather is such that safety or the condition of the course may be unacceptably compromised if a ride-on buggy is used by anyone. Potentially unsuitable conditions include waterlogging, frost etc. Where such conditions arise, the Course Manager or Committee will review the situation on at least a daily basis. (See Ashton and Lea Course Conditions Operating Policy.)

BUGGY USE

Any person operating a ride-on buggy on the golf course must demonstrate they have the knowledge, training and skill to safely operate the vehicle and be fully accountable for their actions and the consequences thereof.

Ride-on buggies must be operated in accordance with the requirements of the following documents.

Appendix 1 - Golf Buggy Safety Policy.

Appendix 2 - Essential and Safe Operating Practices.

PRIVATELY OWNED BUGGIES

Members wishing to use and store their privately owned ride-on buggies must, in the first instance, make an application to the Club Secretary. Privately owned buggies may only be driven by the member named on their Insurance Policy.

APPENDIX 1 - GOLF BUGGY SAFETY POLICY

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 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 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.

1. To assist the safe employment of golf buggies all potential users (members, visitors and guests) shall comply with the following conditions:
2. Golf buggies must be operated with the utmost courtesy, care and consideration for the safety of pedestrians. Pedestrians must be afforded the right of way at all times.
3. Any signs/instructions employed on the course to warn buggy riders of potential danger areas, or areas forbidden to golf buggies because of concerns about danger, or the potential to cause unacceptable wear and tear to the course, must be followed at all times.
4. Golf buggies must be operated and parked in such a manner that they do not impede or interfere normal pedestrian or vehicular flow on roadways, ramps or pavements.
5. Golf buggy operators will be responsible for the security of ignition keys for the period that the buggy is on the property owned by the club.
6. The Club has no responsibility for ensuring the safe operation of golf buggies on or beyond the confines of the course and car park.
7. No golf buggy will be operated at a speed considered excessive. Any speed limits that may be set must be observed.
8. Golf buggies shall be used only when the courses are open for play and when no essential buggy prohibition is in force.
9. The Course Manager, in line with Ashton and Lea's Winter Golf Policy, shall determine when it is safe to allow golf buggies on the course and their determination shall be final.

APPENDIX 2 - ESSENTIAL AND SAFE OPERATING PRACTICES

1. Golf buggy operators must not be under the influence of alcoholic drinks or drugs.
2. Children under the age of 18 are not allowed to drive a golf buggy.
3. All operators of golf buggies must sign a Safety Policy Acknowledgement form before they are allowed to drive the buggy.
4.  A golf buggy shall only be used for the number of occupants it was designed to carry and only by people who are authorised to use one.
5. Standing on the back of a buggy is expressly forbidden.

During Use:

• Do not move off until the occupants are seated
• Always remain seated and hold on while the vehicle is in motion
• Hands, feet and head must be kept inside the buggy at all times while the vehicle is in motion
• Golf buggies must not be driven in prohibited areas
• The vehicle must be used to progress the game and must not be driven up and down excessively, e.g., when looking for golf balls
• The vehicle must absolutely not be used on tees, greens or the slopes leading up to them
• The vehicle must not be used within 3 yards of any bunkers or ditches except when using the designated bridges
• Check the area behind the vehicle before reversing
• Set the parking brake before leaving the vehicle
•  Always consider the terrain, existing vehicular and pedestrian traffic conditions as well as environmental factors that may affect your ability to operate 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 severe slopes and slow down before corners.
• All turns must be executed at reduced speeds
• Avoid sudden stops or changes of direction that may result in loss of control
• Be extra careful when the course is wet and muddy

After use:

• When the vehicle is left unattended, turn the operating key to the off position, remove the key and engage the parking brake.