The Clifton Springs Golf Club’s extreme weather policy will be implemented as part of the Club’s duty of care to Members and Guests using the Golf Course. The Policy will maximise playing opportunities on the Golf Course whilst keeping Members and Guests safe in the event of extreme weather conditions. Implementation of the Policy will protect against damage to the Golf Course.
This Extreme Weather Policy has been developed with reference to Golf Australia and Sports Medicine Australia Hot Weather Guidelines.
HEAT
When the Bureau of Meteorology forecast temperature at 4.00pm on the day prior to any timesheet is predicted to be 38 degrees Celsius or above, the daily timesheet will be amended in one of the following ways:
- At 4.40pm on the day prior, a timesheet for 7.30am shotgun start shall be opened. Any Member or Guest who wishes to play in the shotgun start field will be required to book on the new timesheet, regardless of whether their name had been entered on the previous timesheet or not. Members will be notified the day prior via the Portal and on the timesheet.
- At 4.40pm on the day prior, Pro Shop Staff will determine whether it is safe to run a timesheet commencing at 7.30am, with players finishing their round during the morning. This will apply to non-competition days and days where the playing field is small. Members and Guests will be notified via the Club Portal and the timesheet as to whether a new timesheet has been organised and if there is a need to rebook.
- At 4.40pm on the day prior, the Captains of the Club will determine how the timesheet and play should proceed. The Pro Shop Staff will be informed and will action the timesheet accordingly. Members and Guests will be notified via the Club Portal and the timesheet as to whether a new timesheet has been organised and if there is a need to rebook.
Should the event of the day be of a significant nature, for example an Honour Board Event or a Medal Event, the event will be transferred to another date determined by the Golf Operations Committee. Members will be notified of the date change via the Club Portal.
The 7.30am shotgun start field does not preclude Members and Guests from playing after the field on an extreme heat day, however the Club strongly recommends that they consider the risk of playing prior to commencing their round.
MOTORISED CARTS
No motorised carts will be permitted on the Golf Course when the Extreme Weather Policy is activated. This includes Member’s motorised carts. Use of motorised carts on extreme heat days can cause significant damage to the Course with a long-lasting impact on the turf.
Members and Guests will be notified the day prior via the Club Portal and the timesheet, confirming that motorised carts are not to be used.
SMOKING
On days designated as total fire ban days, smoking is banned on the Golf Course.
WIND
When the Bureau of Meteorology forecast wind speed at 4.00pm on the day prior to any daily timesheet is predicted to be 65km per hour or above, Members and Guests will be notified of the possibility that the daily timesheet will be cancelled the following day. This will be confirmed at 7.00am on the day of play.
If an amended forecast of 55km per hour or below is received by 7.00am on the day of play, the daily timesheet will continue. However, if wind speeds reach in excess of 65km per hour during the day, the daily timesheet will be cancelled.
This does not preclude Members and Guests from playing on the day, however the Club strongly recommends they consider the risk prior to commencing their round.
AIR QUALITY
When the EPA predicts air quality in Geelong as hazardous, (the highest rating), at 4.00pm the day prior to play, Members and Guests will be informed via the Club Portal and daily timesheet that the Golf Course may be closed the following day. If an amended EPA rating is received by 7.00am on the day of play the Golf Course will remain open and Members and Guests notified.
LIGHTNING
Under Rule 5.7 in the Rules of Golf, a Player may discontinue play if he/she believes there is danger from lightning but then must follow the procedure defined by rule 5.7 to avoid disqualification.
FOG
In the event a heavy fog reduces Player and Pro Shop Staff visibility and a white marker behind the 3rd green cannot be seen from the Pro Shop, a member of Golf Operations, a Manager, Club Management or Pro Shop Staff must suspend play immediately for the safety of all golfers.
STOPPING PLAY
If a member of Golf Operations, a Manager, Club Management or Pro Shop Staff have safety concerns, play must be suspended for all Players. This will be signalled on the Golf Course by one prolonged note of the siren, meaning play must cease immediately.
The ball positions must be marked with Players returning to the Pro Shop/Clubhouse as safely as possible.
Play may also be suspended in the event a member of Golf Operations, a Manager, Club Management or Pro Shop Staff become aware of unplayable conditions such as darkness, flooded greens and balls blowing off greens. Play may be suspended under Rule 5.7. This will be signalled on the Golf Course by three (3) consecutive notes of the siren.
RESUMING PLAY
Resumption of play will be determined by a member of Golf Operations, a Manager, Club Management or Pro Shop Staff, signalled on the Golf Course by two short notes of the siren