R & A Rule 2-14 states: The use of golf buggies (i.e. ride-on motorised vehicles) during a competition is permitted unless their use is specifically prohibited in the conditions of the competition.
Ashton and Lea Golf Club supports the policy of The R & A to encourage golfers with physical difficulties to play the game if at all possible, and recognise that the use of a Buggy can greatly assist many in doing so.
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.
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.
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.)
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.
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.
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.