This information identifies the main hazards that members and visitors to Aberystwyth Golf Club may encounter while playing, practising or walking the course. It does not contain a definitive list of hazards, as by the very nature of the game of golf, it is impossible to eliminate risk entirely.
ALL accidents and incidents MUST be reported to the Secretary’s Office, so that the appropriate documentation may be completed.
Emergency services: 999 (Our postcode SY23 2HY)
Clubhouse: 01970 615014
Aberystwyth Police: 101
Bronglais Hospital: 01970 623131
Aberystwyth Golf Club boasts lovely scenery and wildlife that has no respect for health and safety and like many other golf courses there are always dangers associated with animal burrows, ditches and slippery banks. Persons playing or walking on the course do so AT THEIR OWN RISK and must not do anything to jeopardize the safety of themselves or others.
All players are expected to adopt golfing etiquette by not playing a golf shot if there is the remotest chance of injuring someone, or by walking in front of a fellow competitor or partner prior to them playing a shot.
Arriving and Leaving the Club
Please be careful as you enter and leave the Club as road leading to the Club is narrow and there are blind spots on the road. Particular care needs to be taken in Brynymor Terrace due to the close proximity of houses with the possibility of children playing near to the road. Excessive speed is to be avoided at all costs.
Lightening and Adverse Weather e.g. fog, ice and snow
A decision to carry on playing during adverse weather conditions is left to the discretion of the player, who MUST accept full responsibility for his/her safety.
However, if the Horn sounds, the instructions below MUST be followed:
One long blast -it is mandatory that you leave the course. If the Horn is not sounded and a player believes there is a real danger by proceeding, he/she is entitled to discontinue play under Rule 6-8 (A)(ii).
Where there is not sufficient time to evacuate the course and there is a threat of lightning, you are advised to comply with the following procedure:
Keep as low down as possible, leave your golf equipment and stand away from it.
DO NOT: Stand under overhead power lines or pylons, shelter under trees or go to high ground, use a mobile phone (switch it off), put your umbrella up in any circumstances, stand by a stream or pond.
Play should not resume for at least 30 mins, after the final clap of thunder.
Special care must be taken to avoid trips, slips and falls when standing on, or walking near, banks/slopes, as these are considered to be some of the most hazardous areas of the course, particularly during or immediately after adverse weather conditions. If the course has not been officially closed, this does not mean that it is necessarily fit to play and golfers must determine for themselves, whether they consider it is safe to do so.
Advice during Lightning Storm
It is the player’s own responsibility to discontinue play when, in his/her opinion, a danger from lightning exists. In the event that a player is out on the golf course when lightning is about then the following safety considerations are advised:
- KEEP AS LOW AS POSSIBLE AND IDEALLY CROUCH DOWN IN THE NEAREST BUNKER/HOLLOW.
- LEAVE YOUR GOLF EQUIPMENT WHERE IT IS AND STAND AWAY FROM IT.
- DO NOT USE A MOBILE PHONE –MAKE SURE IT IS SWITCHED OFF.
- DO NOT PUT AN UMBRELLA UP IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.
Fog Policy
In order to fulfil health and safety responsibilities, Aberystwyth Golf Club operates a fog policy. No play will take place on the course if a distance of 150 yards cannot be seen. If it is not possible to clearly see the brow of the hill on either the 1st or 15th Hole players must not start to play golf. Whilst on the course, players must use their own judgement based on the distances demonstrated on the 1st and 10th holes.
Accident / Emergency Procedures
First Aid Assistance: In the event of an accident, first aid boxes are located behind the bar and in the greenkeeping workshops,
Mobile Phones: Mobile Phones must be switched off in and around the Clubhouse and on the course. Their use is not permitted on the course except to summon help in the case of an accident / emergency.
Course Risk Assessment Statement
The Golf Course Risk Assessment has been carried out on a hole-by-hole basis. Aerial photos highlighting hazards are available in the Clubhouse. Please note that this list is not exhaustive. To help minimise the risks from the hazards that have been identified,it is your responsibility as a golfer on the course to ensure that you adhere strictly to the following:
You are advised to exercise caution at all times on the course in respect of identifying areas where you may be at potential risk of being hit by another golfer’s ball, especially on those holes where the landing area is not clearly visible from the tee and areas where parallel fairways are played in opposing directions. Particular care should be taken on the 3rd, 4th, 11th, 15th, 17th holes.
Aberystwyth Golf Course has many public rights of way abutting and sharing our land. Please remember that USERS OF THE PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY HAVE PRIORITY AT ALL TIMES. If there are people in range of your shot take a minute to enjoy the stunning scenery until they are out of range. If a miss hit shot is heading in the direction of other people, you must shout “FORE!” in a loud voice to alert them of possible danger. If “FORE!” is heard when playing, please take evasive action if possible. Players should not strike a golf ball when there is the risk of endangering other players, members of the Green Staff and all other users of the golf course & its surroundings. Particular careshould be taken on holes where the landing area of your shot is not clearly visible.
Animal Holes: Aberystwyth Golf Club endeavour to fill in holes created by animals. However it is inevitable that there will be rabbit holes that can lead to sprained ankles or worse.
Buggies: Aberystwyth Golf Club has buggies available for hire. Apart from these, the use of motorised ride-on buggies is permitted only by prior application to the Secretary. All buggies must be operated in accordance with our Golf Buggy Safety Policy (available on request). To help protect the fairways as much as possible all buggies are to be kept out of the rough wherever it is practicable to do so.
Fertiliser and Insecticides etc: Do not lick golf balls or fingers. A notice on the 1st Tee willadvise of days that chemicals have been used. Players are advised to take heed of the warnings and protect themselves.
Footwear: Aberystwyth Golf Club require golf shoes to be worn on the golf course as they help with avoiding slips; they also help your golf!
Greenkeepers: The green staff are regularly working on the Course when golf is in progress. Please be careful and courteous to them and ensure that they are aware of and have acknowledged your presence prior to playing in their proximity.
Insurance: Aberystwyth Golf Club provides liability insurance to their members. This insurance is also extended to green fee paying visitors. However, all golfers must ensure that they are adequately insured in respect of the risks involved with the playing of golf.
Practising: This is strictly limited to the designated practice areas within the Club. This is strictly limited to the Academy Course, Driving Range and Practice Nets. Under no circumstances is there to be any practicing on the Course itself. To ensure the safety of all users of the practice area, as well as other golfers and members of the public, these instructions must be adhered to.
Steep Banks, Slopes & Paths: By the very nature of the Course it has many steep banks, slopes and paths and certainly too many to list individually. At all times players should take care when walking up or down these, particularly when using golf buggies or trolleys.
Wildlife: Players should be aware that there is a potential threat from wildlife such as wasps, bees and other biting insects on the course. Adders are also present on the golf course, and urgent medical attention should be sought if you suffer a venomous bite.
To help with the review process of our safety procedures all Members, Guests and Visitors are kindly requested to bring to the attention of the Secretary any incidents that happen on the golf course, or hazards they feel have not been addressed.