Braehead Golf 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 ride-on buggy. It is also necessary for the Club to provide adequate 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 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 the right of way on the course perimeter from 3 rd hole to the 10th fairway.
1. Personal Golf Buggies on Club property are permitted, though storage must be within designated spaces at the buggy park area. However users must check with the website for daily updates, and pro-shop to ensure their use is permitted on the day. These buggies must only be operated by their owner and the club accepts no liability for any damage or accidents caused by these buggies. Operators of personal buggies are covered under the clubs insurance for liability however damage to personal buggies on club property is not covered by the club insurance and therefore owners must have their own insurance cover.
2. Single Seater, Privately Owned Ride on buggies – Use of a ride-on buggy will be permitted. These buggies are operated by their owners and the club accepts no liability for any damage or accidents caused by these buggies. The Club may require written confirmation from the buggy owner that the buggy is maintained and safe to use on the golf course. There will be times when conditions do not allow the use of such buggies and the club will take measures to protect the health and safety of the operator, damage to the course, and protection of other golfers. Operators of personal buggies are covered under the clubs insurance for liability however damage to personal buggies on club property is not covered by the club insurance and therefore owners must have their own cover.
3. Hired club Buggies – The Club professional has 3- 2 seater buggies for hire by members and visitors. These buggies are owned by Braehead golf club, and serviced and maintained by the club staff and club pro. There are no restrictions on the use of such buggies in general play or in club competitions. There will be times when conditions do not allow the use of such buggies and the club will take measures to protect the health and safety of the operator, protection of the course, and other golfers. Operators of buggies hired from the pro shop are covered under the clubs insurance for liability however damage to the actual buggies is not.
4. Authorisation to operate a golf buggy is contingent on the possession of at least a valid provisional driver’s license by driver or passenger, or the operator will be required to prove his / her ability to drive the buggy properly.
5. Buggy drivers will be required to be 16 years of age or older.
6. The consumption of alcohol and / or the improper use of drugs when using a ride on buggy is prohibited. You must not drive a buggy while under the influence of drink or drugs.
7. Golf buggies must be operated with the utmost courtesy, care and consideration for the safety and convenience of pedestrians. Pedestrians must be afforded the right of way at all times.
8. Golf buggies must be operated in such manner that they do not impede or interfere with normal pedestrian or vehicular traffic flow in the club car park.
9. Golf buggies must be operated within the confines of the Golf Club only.
10. Do not move off until all occupants are seated, always remain seated and hold on while the vehicle is in motion.
11. Hands, Feet and head must be kept inside the buggy while the vehicle is in motion.
12. Check the area behind the buggy before reversing.
13. To avoid tipping over, understand the buggies limitations and the manufacturer’s instructions regarding slopes. Drive the buggy straight up and down severe slopes.
14. Slow down before corners, all turns must be executed at reduced speed, avoid sudden stops or changes of direction.
15. The buggy must not be used on tees, greens or the approaches leading up to them, and must not be used within 2 metres of any bunkers, ditches or slopes leading to them.
16. Only cross ditches and streams via the bridges and follow the paths where available.
17. Golf buggy operators will be responsible for the security of ignition keys for the period that a golf buggy is assigned to them.
18. Under no circumstances should the buggy descend the hill on the 6th hole fairway towards the green.
19. Additional care must be taken when the Course is wet, muddy or has frost on the ground, subject to buggies being permitted that day
20. No golf buggy will be operated in excess of 15km per hour.
21. Golf buggies are intended for use only between dawn and dusk.
22. Golf buggies must be operated in compliance with the common “rules of the road” regardless of whether they are being operated on grass, paths or carpark.
23. Golf buggies must not be parked in any manner likely to obstruct or interfere with the flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic in heavily travelled areas.
24. Set the parking brake before exiting the buggy. After use, when the vehicle is to be left unattended, engage the parking brake, turn the operating key to the off position and remove.
25. The vehicle must be immobilised and secured in the designated area at the end of play.
26. Golf buggies must not be adapted in any way from the manufacturer’s design. Golf buggies must conform to the current CE standards.
27. All golf buggies used by the Club must be maintained to the manufacturer’s service recommendations, all maintenance records are to be kept.
28. The Committee have the authority immediately to prohibit any individual from using or being carried on a ride-on buggy. Application for reinstatement of permission can only be made to the Club secretary.
29. Temporary Bans on the Use of Buggies. From time to time the Club staff may determine that the state of the course or the weather is such that the risk of the Health and safety of the user is too great, or the condition of the course may be unacceptably compromised if a ride-on buggy is used. This might apply to the whole or just part of the course. In such conditions, the decision of the Head Green keeper is final, and will be determined by daily risk assessment of conditions. This will be recorded daily, held on file, and also posted on the club website.
30. The Club has no responsibility for ensuring the safe operation of buggies on or beyond the confines of the course and the club car-parks other than those operated by their staff or agents. 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.
Braehead Golf Club
Club Secretary
David Dick