Boldon Golf Club permits the use of buggies on the course by members and visitors. However, the club reserves the right to impose restrictions on the use of buggies in certain conditions.

The club offer for hire two buggies, subject to availability. It is advisable to book these in advance via the Golfworx (Pro Shop). Use of hire buggies is subject to the conditions contained within this policy.

The club also permits the use of members and visitors own personal buggies. Use of personal buggies is also subject to the conditions contained within this policy and requires personal; liability insurance.

• The purpose of this document is to:
• Establish the criteria for safe buggy use by disabled golfers
• Establish a standard for the safe operation of all buggies operated at BGC

Ride-on buggies should be driven at all times on the fairway and recommended not to be driven within five metres of any hazard except when using a pathway.

In the interests of safety, or the conditions of the course the Club staff may impose restrictions governing the use of the ride-on buggy on the course whenever in its absolute discretion it deems it is expedient to do so. This might apply to the whole or just part of the course. Potentially unsuitable conditions may include water- logging, frost, etc which will apply to all play.

There are two possible options:
• Buggies are permitted on the whole course
• General buggy use is prohibited but concession use for players with disabilities is permitted

Disabled Golfers
Due to disability as defined under the terms of the Equality Act 2010 as the person has a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘’substantial’’ and ‘’long term’’ adverse negative effect on their ability to carry out normal daily activities of living. BGC acknowledges that some members or visitors may not be able to play golf without the use of a motorised buggy, however every endeavour will be made to allow disabled golfers to a buggy on the course.

In order to enable these golfers to have maximum access to the course at BGC, the club has introduced this policy to address the issue of making ‘’reasonable adjustments’’ to enable them to do so wherever reasonably practicable.
If the general use of buggies is prohibited specifically for the purposes of ‘’course protection’’ due to adverse weather or terrain conditions e.g. water logging, surface water, frost, ice etc. (not an all- inclusive list) the club may permit disabled players (providing they have registered their disability with the club) to use a personal, individual motorised buggy on some or all of the course.

Prior to this concession being granted, an individual risk assessment will have to be carried out for the relevant member and his/her buggy. However, if the use of buggies is prohibited for safety reasons, whereby the use of any type of buggy on the course may present a significant risk to either the driver or other people e.g. overturning, becoming bogged down, risk of impaired vehicle control including slipping or sliding then the judgement will apply equally to all players, regardless of status as disabled.

Buggy restrictions may be applied to the whole or parts of the course at the Course Greenkeeper’s (or their representative) discretion based upon a course inspection which will be carried out at least once daily. In some circumstances, if general buggy use is prohibited, but concession use is permitted, only parts of the course may be accessible -

The Club also recognises the vast differences in weight and construction of different types of ride on buggy. As such, it may be the case that restrictions could be imposed on the larger and heavier two-seater EZ-GO type buggy while single seater buggies are permitted on the course -

Course restrictions will be communicated via a telephone answer phone message, on the club website and by appropriate signage at the club itself.
A course ‘route’ guide for disabled users of buggies during periods of general buggy prohibition will be available from the Managers Office or Pro Shop and the designated route must be followed and not be deviated from.

Registering a Disability with Boldon Golf Club Golf Club

In order for BGC to permit a disabled person to use a buggy on the course at times of buggy prohibition (other than for safety reasons), the member must have previously registered their disability with the club by submitting the appropriate medical certification from their GP (see appendix 1) which confirms that they qualify as ‘’disabled’’ under the terms of the Equality Act 2010.

Members who have a medical condition, injury or impairment which temporarily or permanently prevents them from playing golf without the use of a ride on motorised buggy, but who are NOT covered by the Equality Act 2010 (disability) must also have produced a valid medical certificate to this effect (see appendix 1). However, the concessions for using a buggy during periods of general buggy prohibition will not apply in their case.
In the case of disabled visiting players, they must produce a medical certificate (letterheaded) completed and signed by their registered medical practitioner (GP or Consultant) stating that they are unable to play golf without the use of a motorised buggy.
If the relevant certification has not been produced or the required medical criteria has not been met, the club the club reserves the right to refuse permission to allow the use of a personal ride on motorised buggy during times of prohibition.
The club reserves the right to withdraw authorisation if the disability, medical condition, injury or impairment necessitating the use of a ride on motorised buggy ceases, or if the conditions of its use are not complied with.

Golf Buggy Safety

The club has a duty of care to all users of the course. The topography of some areas of the course is such that caution, and prudence must be demonstrated by the user of a ride on buggy, particularly in some challenging weather or course conditions. It is also necessary for the club to provide adequately safe means of access for all golfers, including those using buggies. Additionally, the club must ensure the safety of golfers who are not using buggies, but who may be at risk from a mechanically defective ride on buggy, its careless use, or any incident involving the use of a ride on buggy e.g. slipping, sliding, overturning or bogging down. This duty of care also extends to members of the public using any rights of way.
To assist the safe employment of ride on buggies, all users (members and visitors) will comply with the following conditions:
• Ride on buggies are only to be used by members, green fee-paying visitors, competition entrants or other persons authorised by the Secretary or Professional.
• Any member or visitor hiring a course buggy from BGC must sign the Golf Buggy Safety Policy Acknowledgement Form available from the Club Professional.
• Any member or visitor wishing to use their own personal ride on motorised buggy on the course at BGC must produce a valid certificate of Indemnity Insurance for the use of that vehicle. Members must lodge the certificate with the Club Secretary. Visitors must show the certificate to the Club professional or Club Secretary before using the buggy on the course.
• At times of buggy prohibition, only players authorised to use a ride on buggy by virtue of valid medical certification will be permitted to do so, providing the prohibition is not on the grounds of safety, when all buggy use will be prohibited regardless of medical status. On these occasions the buggy user must adhere to the designated route available from the Mangers Office or Pro Shop.
• Ride on buggies must be operated with the utmost courtesy, care and consideration for the safety and convenience of pedestrians and other buggy users. Pedestrians must be afforded right of way at all times.
• The signs and instructions employed on the course to warn buggy riders of potential hazards, danger areas or areas forbidden to ride on buggies because of concerns about safety or the potential to cause unacceptable damage to the course, must be followed at all times.
• Ride on buggies must be operated and parked in such a manner that they do not impede or interfere with normal pedestrian or vehicular flow on roadways, ramps, bridges or pavements.
• Ride on buggy operators will be responsible for the security of the ignition keys for the period that the buggy is on Golf Club owned property.
• BGC has no responsibility for ensuring the safe operation of ride on buggies on or beyond the confines of the course and the club car parks, other than those operated by their servants or agents. The club will therefore accept no responsibility for any loss or damage caused to property or person, other than that arising from the negligent use of a ride on buggy by their servants or agents.
• The buggy must never be operated at what could be construed as an excessive speed. Any specific speed limits must be observed.
• Ride on buggies shall only be used during daylight hours or, if in the car park area, when full street light illumination is turned on.
• Buggies must not be operated in any prohibited areas.
• Operators must observe all signage, comply with common ‘’rules of the road’’ and proceed with caution at intersections and corners.
• The Secretary, Course Greenkeeper and professional has the authority to immediately prohibit any individual from using or being carried on a ride on buggy. Application for reinstatement must be made to the club before future buggy operation can recommence.
• Ride on buggy operators must not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs and the consumption of alcohol or improper use of drugs is not permitted whilst using a ride on buggy.