Toft Golf Club Buggy Policy

Use of Ride-on Buggies on the Golf Course

Introduction

The purpose of this document is to establish a standard for the safe operation of all ride-on buggies operated on the course at Toft Golf Club (the Club).

This document also lays out the criteria to be applied, and conditions to be met, for their use.

The Club has several buggies available for hire and they can be booked in advance by telephoning the Professional shop on 01778590852. Any booking is subject to restrictions that may be imposed according to the condition of the course. No guarantee can be given that a buggy will be available unless it has been pre-booked.

The Club also allows members and visitors to use their own buggies on the course subject to them obtaining the permission of the Club to do so, and meeting the requirements set out in this document.

2. Qualifications

In normal conditions there is no restriction on the use of ride-on buggies other than in certain areas of the course (see Conditions of Use). In some circumstances, however it may be necessary to restrict their use (see ‘Buggy Restrictions’).

Any person who operates a ride-on buggy on the golf course is deemed to have the knowledge, training and skill to safely operate this vehicle and be fully accountable for their actions and the consequences thereof.

The safe operation of ride-on buggies on the course requires conscientious application and adherence to the minimum standard of care prescribed by this policy.

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

Golf Buggy Safety Policy
Golf Buggy Safe Working Practice/Conditions of Use

The Club reserves the right to refuse permission if all the conditions stipulated are not complied with.

It is Club policy that if the whole course or part of the course is open, ride-on buggies may be used.

3. Buggy Restrictions

In exceptional weather conditions, the Greens Staff or the Professional may determine that unrestricted use of buggies will, or is likely to, cause significant damage to the course and danger to their user(s). In these circumstances, buggy restrictions will apply.

Buggies will then either be limited to a certain number of safer holes, only allowed in the rough and/or not allowed to be taken down slopes on certain holes (e.g. 7 and 13). The club does reserve the right in extreme circumstances to have a blanket ban on buggies to ensure the safety of their users.

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 the user of a ride-on buggy must show caution and prudence. 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 must ensure the safety of golfers who do not wish to use ride-on buggies but who might be at risk from a mechanically defective ride-on buggy or its careless use. This duty of care also applies to members of the public using any rights of way.

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

Ride-on buggies on Toft Golf Club property are only for the use of members, green-fee paying visitors and persons so authorized by a member of staff at the Club.
Ride-on buggies must be operated with the utmost courtesy, care and consideration for the safety and convenience of Pedestrians must be afforded the right-of-way at all times.
The signs and instructions on the course to warn buggy riders of potential danger areas or areas forbidden to ride-on buggies because of concerns about the potential to cause unacceptable wear and tear to the course must be followed at all times.
Ride-on 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.
Toft Golf Club has no responsibility for ensuring the safe operation of ride-on buggies on or beyond the confines of the course. 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 ride-on buggy by their servants or agents. The buggies must not be taken across the road to the car park.
No ride-on buggy will be operated in excess of 15km per hour (9mph). All speed limits must be observed. When the ground is wet or muddy the maximum permissible speed is walking pace 3.3km per hour (2 mph). Operators must however ensure that they drive at the appropriate speed and in the appropriate manner for the prevailing conditions.
Ride-on buggies shall be used only between dawn and dusk.
Ride-on buggies must be operated in compliance with the common ‘rules of the road’ regardless of whether they are operated on pavements or
The consumption of alcohol and/or the improper use of drugs when using the ride-on buggy is strictly prohibited.
If, in the opinion of a staff member of the Club, a person is deemed to be in an unfit condition to use a buggy, she/he has the authority to immediately prohibit any such person from using or being carried on the ride-on buggy.

Golf Buggy Safe Working Practice/Conditions of Use

Ride-on buggy operators must not be under the influence of alcoholic drinks or drugs. Never allow children to drive the ride-on buggy.

Persons driving a buggy must be over 21 years of age or hold a full valid driving licence.

Persons operating a privately owned buggy must provide a copy of a valid certificate of insurance providing cover for third party risk of at least £1,000,000 (one million pounds).

BEFORE USE

A ride-on buggy shall only be used for the number of occupants it was designed to carry and only be people who are authorised to use one.

DURING USE

Do not move off until the occupants are
Always remain seated and hold on while the vehicle is in
Hands, feet and head must be kept inside the buggy at all times while the vehicle is in
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 not be driven on tees, greens or the slopes leading up to
The vehicle must not be used within 5 metres of any green, bunker, ditch, pond or slopes leading to them.
Check the area behind the vehicle before
Always set the parking brake before leaving the vehicle even on flat
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 your vehicle only as fast as the terrain and safety considerations
To avoid tripping over, drive the buggy straight up and down severe slopes, not across
Slow down before
All turns must be executed at reduced
Avoid sudden stops or changes of direction that may result in loss of
Brake gently and
Be extra careful and drive slowly when the course is wet and

Buggies are not allowed in the following areas: –

On any areas that is visibly wet, marked ‘ground under repair’, or areas marked as

prohibited to buggies.

Beyond the gravel path down to the green on the 13^th hole.

Dated 18 Apr 23