Introduction
CGALT Ltd has decided it would be beneficial to develop a policy which encompasses all Members and Visitors who while not fulfilling the legislative definitions of being disabled need the help provided by a motorised buggy to enjoy a round of golf. Our Buggy Policy has been designed to establish a standard for the safe operation of all ride-on buggies operated on the courses at Broome Manor Golf Complex. This policy sets down the criteria which is to be adopted and the conditions to be met for their use. The Trust has several buggies available for hire which can be booked in advance, via the app or by telephoning our reception: 01793 532403 (EXT.2). Bookings are subject to restrictions which may be imposed owing to the conditions of the course at the time of booking. No guarantee is given that a buggy may be available for hire unless it has been pre-booked.
Qualifications
In normal conditions there will be no restrictions for the use of buggies. In some circumstances however it may be necessary to restrict their usage. (See buggy restrictions) To facilitate those who wish to enjoy a round of golf but require the help of a buggy, a list of authorised buggy users will be maintained by the Director of Golf to who all applications in this regard may be made. The process of applications can be explained by our reception team. Any persons who operate the buggies are deemed to have knowledge training and the skill to do so safely and are to be aware that they will be accountable for actions or consequences thereof.
The safe operation of the Complex buggies requires responsible persons with conscientious application and adherence to the minimum standard of care prescribed by the Complex Policy. Ride-on buggies must be operated in accordance with the requirements of the following:
- Golf Buggy Safety Policy
- Golf Buggy Working Practice
- Golf Buggy Hire Agreement The Director of Golf or the Reception Team reserves the right to refuse permission of buggy hire if some or all the conditions stipulated are not met.
The Director of Golf reserves the right to withdraw authorisation of buggy use at the disabled rate if the medical condition ceases or if the conditions are not fully met.
Buggy Restrictions
The complex staff may determine that the conditions of the course or the weather conditions may affect the safe use of buggies, or the course may be unacceptably compromised using buggies. This may apply to the whole or just part of the course. Potentially unsuitable conditions may include but are not limited to water logging or frost.
When the course access is restricted for everyone, visiting disabled golfers may be permitted to use the buggies on receipt of evidence of their disability (within the meaning of
section 6 of the Equality Act 2010) a copy of their third-party liability insurance will be required, if using their own buggy. Should this evidence not be produced they may well be
denied access to the course.
Members with a disability (within the meaning of section 6 of the Equality Act 2010) may be permitted to use a buggy.
Disabled golfers are advised to check the course status before their arrival.
General Play and Conditions
During general (non-competition) play, a buggy may only be used by those authorised to do so.
Golf club members who require the use of a buggy during a club competition must be on the authorised users list and must apply to the competitions committee.
All buggies MUST be back and key handed to reception by 9pm at the latest between the months of May & September inclusive.
Golf Buggy Safety Policy
The Complex has a responsible duty of safety and care to all users of the golf courses. The topography of certain areas (including deep water) of the course is such that caution, and
prudence must be shown by the user of a ride-on buggy. It is necessary for the complex to provide safe means of access for all golfers including those who have been authorised to
use a buggy. Moreover, the complex will ensure the safety of golfers who do not require the use of a buggy, but who may be a risk from a mechanically defective buggy or the careless use of one.
To ensure the safe and responsible use of a buggy, all users (Members, visitors, and guests)
shall comply with the following conditions:
1. Ride-on buggies are for use by Members, green-fee paying visitors, competition entrees or persons so authorised by the Director of Golf and Reception.
2. Buggies must be operated with the utmost courtesy, care, and consideration, for the safety and convenience of staff and members of the public.
- Pedestrians must always be afforded the right of way.
- Buggies must be operated in compliance with the common rules of the road, whether
operated on pathways or roadways.
- Operators must stop the buggy at blind intersections and road crossings proceeding with
caution.
3. Where there are signs and instructions along the course, warning buggy users of the potential danger ‘areas or the potential to cause damage to the course, must be adhered to.
4. Buggies must be operated and parked in a manner where they do not impede with public footpaths or pedestrian walkways, nor must they interfere with vehicle flow on roadways.
5. Buggy operators will be held responsible for the security of the buggy for the period that the buggy is in their possession.
6. CGALT holds no responsibility for the safe operation of buggies on or beyond the confines of the courses and or the complex car parks, other than for those operated by
Broome Manor Staff. The club will accept no responsibility for any loss or damage caused to any property, the responsibility will lie with the hirer or the owner of the buggy.
7. Buggies will not be operated more than what is safe in the circumstances. When the grounds are wet, muddy, or negotiating narrow routes, the maximum permissible speed is walking pace. Operators must however ensure that they drive at the appropriate speed and manner for prevailing conditions.
8. Buggies are only permissible between dawn and dusk.
9. The consumption of alcohol and / or use of drugs are prohibited when using the buggies.
This would include prescribed medication which is known to affect the users’ capabilities and concentration.
10. Should the Reception Team or the Director of Golf deem a person in an unfit condition to hire a buggy, they would have the authority to prohibit such a person from hiring or from being a passenger.
11. Only the buggy assigned to the hirer can be used at any one time.
Golf Buggy Safe Working Practice
- Buggy operators must not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Persons hiring or driving a buggy must be over the age of 17 and hold a full valid driving license.
- Children are not permitted to drive a buggy.
- Persons using a privately owned buggy at Broome Manor must provide the necessary required documentation upon check in and are required to comply with the club’s buggy
rules.
Before Use:
All buggy operators, including privately owned buggies are required to sign the Safety Policy
Acknowledgement form at Reception before being permitted to drive a buggy.
Buggies are to be used for the number of passengers designed to carry and are not to be overloaded.
During Use:
Do not move buggy until passengers are seated.
Always remain seated whilst the buggy is in motion, keeping head, hands, and feet inside.
Buggies are not to be driven in prohibited areas.
Buggies are to be used strictly to progress the game. They are not to be used for looking for
golf balls.
Buggies are not permitted on tees, greens, or the slopes leading up to them.
Buggies are not permitted within 5 meters of the green, bunkers, ditch, or lake.
During the winter months buggies are not permitted beyond any area where traffic control measures are in place (roped off areas).
Always check rear areas before reversing the buggy.
Always set the parking brake in place before leaving the buggy.
Do consider the terrain, existing vehicular and pedestrian traffic conditions as well as the environmental factors that may affect one’s ability to operate the buggy safely.
Drive the buggy only as fast as the terrain and the safety conditions allow. Slow down before corners. Turns must be executed at a reduced speed.
To avoid buggy tipping over, always drive straight up and down the severe slopes.
Avoid sudden stops or direction changes which could result in a loss of control or skidding.
Be extra cautious when the course conditions are muddy or wet.
After Use:
When the buggy is left unattended, please ensure that the parking brake is engaged.
Operating key must be in the off position, removed from the ignition and handed in at the reception.
Privately Owned Buggies
A small number of buggies are preapproved and authorised (upon application) to be used on club premises. Privately owned buggies are for the sole use of the owner, under no
circumstances are they to be lent or hired out to third parties.
Private buggy owners must be over the age of 17 and in possession of a full and valid license.
A copy of your valid certificate of insurance along with an annual certification of servicing will be required.
Users of privately owned buggies do so at their own risk. CGALT does not accept liability for any damage or loss to the privately owned buggy nor any persons or property arising from the negligence of the complex or any of its staff or agents.
Visitors may not use their own buggy, unless they are registered to do so at their home club, on the grounds of disability they may hire one of the clubs’ buggies for an appropriate fee which will be given at the discretion of the Director of Golf or the reception team – provided advance notification is given.
Administration:
Broome Manor Reception will retain on file, a completed and signed medical certificate for the use of a buggy at the disabled rates, or a copy of the member/visitors’ blue badge.
There will be a register retained by the reception team for those who have been granted prior buggy user permission, who’s documentation will be kept and maintained on file.