Golf Course Risk Assessment

This risk assessment applies exclusively to the golf course at College Pines Golf Club and does not cover risks associated with the Clubhouse or its immediate surroundings. All on-course hazards have been systematically identified, and associated risks evaluated based on their potential consequence and likelihood. Where appropriate, control measures and mitigation strategies have been implemented to reduce these risks to an acceptable level.

Risks related to the work activities of the professionals shop, catering department and greenkeeping team, including the use of machinery, chemicals, and other operations, are outside the scope of this assessment and are addressed through separate, task-specific risk assessments.

General Course Topography

College Pines Golf Club is situated on land leased from Worksop College. The course is predominantly flat, though gentle gradients are present on several holes – most notably the 1st, 4th, 10th, 13th, and 18th – where slopes may affect footing and visibility.

The western boundary of the course is defined by the B6034 (Ollerton Road), a public highway. To the north, the boundary of Worksop College is marked by a line of trees running along the left-hand side of the 2nd hole and part of the 3rd hole. This boundary is clearly delineated with white out-of-bounds posts. Additional sections of the Worksop College boundary are located near the 5th hole, marked by green security fencing.

The southern boundary, to the left-hand side of the 12th and 13th holes, adjoins Clumber Livery. All remaining boundaries of the course border land owned by the National Trust.

A designated public bridleway crosses the course in two locations: between the 5th and 6th holes, and between the 9th and 10th holes. This right of way is occasionally used by pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders. All golfers and staff are required to give way to bridleway users at all times and only cross when clear and safe to do so.

The 15th hole features a pond situated on the right-hand side. This pond contains deep water and is clearly marked with red lateral hazard stakes. Safety signage is prominently displayed to alert players and visitors to the potential risk.

Staff Working on the Course

Course staff undertaking maintenance or operational duties on the golf course always have priority over play. No golf shots are to be played while staff are visible and within potential shot range.

Greenkeeping staff are trained to remain alert to player presence. It is critical for maintaining the safety and wellbeing of all personnel working on the course.

Use of Trolleys, Electric Trolleys and Motorised Buggies

The use of trolleys, electric trolleys, and motorised buggies on the course is subject to daily assessment by the Course Manager or, in their absence, the Deputy Course Manager. Course conditions are reviewed each morning, and any restrictions are communicated promptly to the Club Professional and displayed via appropriate signage.

All buggy users must adhere to the following policy:

Club-owned buggies may only be used after the driver has read and acknowledged the official Buggy Use Instructions. A signed Disclaimer Form is required to confirm the driver has read, understood, and agreed to the conditions of use.

Privately owned buggies (used by members or visitors) are subject to the same process. Users must provide a valid copy of an insurance certificate confirming third-party public liability cover. This document must be submitted:

Annually for members, at the time of membership renewal. Copies will be retained in the Club’s administration office.

Prior to use for visitors, who must provide proof of valid cover on the day of play.

All buggy drivers must be 18 years of age or older.

The Club reserves the right to restrict or prohibit buggy use at any time to protect course conditions or ensure safety during adverse weather or ground conditions.

Reduced Visibility Weather Conditions

In the event of fog or other reduced visibility conditions, the Course Manager, their Deputy, or a Managing Club Official will monitor visibility from the 1st hole’s Yellow Tee. If the bunker on the left-hand side of the 1st hole is not visible from this vantage point, the course will be considered unsafe for play.

Under these conditions, the Club Professional’s Shop will be immediately notified, and the course closed to all play. Visibility will be reassessed every 30 minutes by the same designated officials or the most senior Managing Club Official present.

Once visibility improves sufficiently – specifically when the bunker becomes clearly visible from the Yellow Tee – the course will be reopened for play.

Lightning Policy

In the event of lightning or the threat of lightning, the golf course will be closed immediately by a Club Official, the Course Manager, or Professional Staff.

To alert players, staff and marshals will use two-way radios, mobile phones, loudhailers, or personal contact while patrolling the course to communicate the closure at key points such as the 16th, 4th, and 10th tees.

Play must cease immediately, and all golfers are required to seek shelter at the nearest safe location until conditions improve.

The decision to reopen the course will be made by the Course Manager or a senior Club Official based on local weather observations and reports from trusted weather services. Once it is deemed safe to resume play, staff will notify players using the same communication methods.

Sun, Heat and Humidity

When weather conditions are hot, sunny, and/or humid, there is an increased risk of heat-related illness, including dehydration, sunburn, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. This risk is particularly heightened for individuals out on the course during the hours of 12:00 to 15:00, when the sun is at its peak and temperatures are typically highest.

Considerations for Individuals with Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

Players, visitors, and members of staff with pre-existing medical conditions should consider the potential implications of dehydration on their health. Certain prescribed or over-the-counter medications can increase susceptibility to dehydration or heat-related illness. Such individuals are advised to take extra precautions to minimise risk, including but not limited to:

Scheduling play or outdoor work outside the peak heat hours where possible.

Increasing fluid intake before, during, and after activity.

Taking regular rest breaks in shaded or cooler areas.

Wearing light, breathable clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.

Applying high-factor sunscreen regularly.

Personal Responsibilities of Golfers

Each golfer has a personal responsibility when the weather is sunny, hot, and/or humid to:

a) Ensure they have sufficient non-alcoholic and non-caffeinated beverages with them on the course.

b) Protect themselves against harmful UV rays by wearing long-sleeved shirts/blouses, trousers rather than shorts, and a hat or other suitable head covering.

c) Use an appropriate sunblock preparation, with a minimum of SPF 30 as recommended by dermatologists.

d) Use a golf buggy when prolonged exposure to the sun, heat, and humidity is unavoidable.

Club Responsibilities

College Pines Golf Club will:

Make drinking water available for golfers through the bar services. Bottled water is also available from the professionals shop.

On special occasions, provide additional water or cold drinks at key points on the course (e.g., halfway house).

Monitor Met Office weather forecasts and issue heat advisories as necessary.

Display advisory notices in the clubhouse, pro shop, and at the first tee during high-risk conditions.

Encourage hydration and safe play/work practices through regular communications to members and staff.

Provide first-aid trained staff to recognise and respond to heat-related illnesses.

Consider temporary suspension or modification of play/work during periods of extreme heat and humidity to safeguard health.

Footwear

All golfers, including members and visitors, are required to wear golf shoes that are appropriate and suitable for the prevailing ground and weather conditions on the day of play. Proper footwear is essential to maintain player safety, ensure stability, and protect the course from unnecessary damage.

Golfers are advised to check the weather forecast and course conditions before play and select footwear that provides adequate grip and support accordingly.

The Club reserves the right to refuse access to the course to any golfer wearing footwear deemed unsuitable or unsafe. This measure is intended to protect the safety of all players and maintain the condition of the course.

Players Insurance

All golfers, including members and visitors, are strongly advised to obtain and maintain adequate third-party liability insurance. This insurance should provide cover for any legal liability arising from death or bodily injury to others, as well as loss or damage to material property caused during play.

Carrying such insurance is an important safeguard to protect both the player and others on the course.

Public Access and Responsible Behaviour

College Pines Golf Club acknowledges the presence of a designated public bridleway crossing the course between the 5th and 6th, and again between the 9th and 10th holes. This legal right of way is open to walkers, cyclists, and horse riders in accordance with public access rights.

The rest of the golf course is private property and is not open to the public under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. This means there is no general right to roam across the course outside of the designated bridleway.

Responsibilities of the Public

Those using the public bridleway are expected to:

Remain on the bridleway at all times.

Refrain from entering tees, greens, or other restricted areas.

Keep dogs under close control in line with the Countryside Code; leads are advised where appropriate.

Avoid distracting or obstructing golfers or course operations.

Be aware of greenkeeping activities and proceed cautiously when maintenance is taking place nearby.

Responsibilities of Golfers and Club Staff

Remain vigilant when playing near the bridleway.

Avoid taking shots if members of the public are within potential striking distance.

Politely alert bridleway users when it is unsafe to proceed.

Report any misuse of the bridleway (e.g. unauthorised access onto the course, use of motorbikes) to the club management or local authority if necessary.

Give priority to members of the public using the bridleway and only cross it when it is safe to do so.

Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in restricted access to the course to protect the safety and enjoyment of all.

Notice Signage

The following notice can be found on approach to the 1st tee;

“Please ensure the landing area is clear before playing any shot.

Golfers are responsible for their own actions and play at their own risk.”

Responsibilities

College Pines Golf Club Health and Safety Officer

Maintain and regularly review the risk assessment to ensure it remains up to date, relevant and compliant with current legislation.

Identify hazards across the golf course and associated facilities, assess risks, and implement control measures.

Ensure appropriate signage, policies, and safety procedures are in place and effectively communicated to all staff, members, and visitors.

Lead on the investigation and documentation of any incidents, accidents, or near misses.

Liaise with external bodies (e.g. insurers, local authorities) on health and safety matters where appropriate.

Provide guidance and training to staff on safe working practices.

Golf Club Staff

Follow all health and safety procedures and training relevant to their role.

Report hazards, near misses, or unsafe conditions to the Health and Safety Officer immediately.

Use equipment and PPE as instructed and only for its intended purpose.

Participate in any training or refresher courses provided by the club.

Members and Visitors

Act in a manner that does not endanger themselves or others while on the premises.

Follow course rules, signage, and instructions from club staff.

Be aware of other players, staff, and the public, particularly when playing or driving vehicles such as buggies.

Report any accidents, hazards, or concerns to a member of staff as soon as possible.

Risk Rating System

The specific risks identified within the assessment have been graded using the following system;

L = Low Risk

M = Medium Risk

H = High Risk

Determining risk levels is based on the formula below;

Likelihood of harm will be awarded a score of 1-3 based on the following scoring system;

Score	Likelihood
1	Low (where harm will seldom occur)
2	Medium (where harm will occur frequently)
3	High (where it is certain or near certain that harm will occur)

Severity of harm will be awarded a score of 1-3 based on the following scoring system;

Score	Likelihood
1	Low (for example, all other injuries not qualifying for scores 2 or 3) including injuries where people are off work for periods of up to three days).
2	Medium (for example injuries where people may be off work for more than three days).
3	High (for example death or major injury as defined in RIDDOR - Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations).

Risk assessment factor is determined by multiplying the likelihood score x severity score. Scoring table to determine low, medium or high risk;

Risk Factor	Comments
1	Low Risk
2 - 4	Medium Risk
6 - 9	High Risk

Publication of Risk Assessment

A copy of the risk assessment is available at the following locations;

Website (www.collegepinesgc.com)

Hard copies available by request at the Pro Shop.

Generic Risks

Risk Description	Grade of Risk	Solution/Recommendation
Struck by a Stray Golf Ball from Another Hole or Boundary	High	All players must always remain alert to the behaviours of nearby players or persons in the line of the ball. Players who have played an offline shot must immediately shout “FORE” to alert all surrounding players that the shot has been struck.
Struck by a Playing Partner’s Golf Ball	High	Non-playing partner (s) must not advance in front of the shot being played. Players who have played a shot towards a playing partner (s) must immediately shout “FORE” to alert all surrounding players that the shot has been struck.
Struck by a Golf Ball Played by a Following Group	Medium	Following golfers must ensure that those in front have advanced further than they can hit their potential best shot.
Struck by a Playing Partner’s Swinging Club	Medium	Players must stand at least 2 metres away from the arc of the swinging club.
Tripping or Slipping on Uneven, Sloping, or Wet Ground	Medium	Obvious tripping hazards should be removed by fellow golfers & greenkeeping staff. Sloping areas which become wet and are lacking in thick grass cover should be roped off by green’s staff to prevent entry by players. Extra care should be taken by all golfers
Tripping Over a Playing Partner’s Equipment, Trolley, or Buggy	Low	Awareness and care should be taken by all golfers on the course.
Slipping on Sloping Edges Around Bunkers (Especially When Wet)	High	When entering/exiting bunkers to play/after playing a shot, entry and exit should be from the shallowest edge of the bunker. Trolleys (whether motorised or pull) and motorised buggies must not be taken within 2m of any of these slopes in either wet or dry conditions.
Slipping on Slopes Surrounding Teeing Areas	Medium	Trolleys or motorised buggies are not to be taken on to teeing areas in any circumstance.
Slipping or Falling on Slopes Across the Course (Especially When Wet)	Medium	All golfers should ensure they have golf shoes which are adequate & suitable for the ground/weather conditions on the day of play.
Ponds: There is one pond on the course which is located to the right hand side of the 15th green.	High	All players should not walk inside the line of the hazard posts. If approaching the sloping area at the pond edge (only on foot and without trolleys) then extreme care must be taken not to slip into the water. A warning notice of deep water to be placed in a clearly visible location at the pond edge. All trolleys/buggies must be left at least 3 metres from the pond.
Struck on the Shared Green Between 13th and 16th Holes	Medium	Golfers are to ensure the target green is clear prior to taking any shots likely to reach the green.
Injury or Disruption Caused by Wildlife Encounters	Low	Golfers should be aware of local wildlife such as deer, birds or rabbits. Please avoid approaching and disturbing animals. Take extra care near burrows or uneven ground caused by wildlife activity, and report any dangerous nests or wildlife issues to the club.
Exposure to Chemicals from Course Spraying Activities	High	Signage is displayed at the clubhouse advising “CAUTION, SPRAYING OF THE GREENS! PLEASE AVOID HAND TO MOUTH CONTACT AND WASH YOUR HANDS AFTER PLAY”. Golfers are advised to follow this guidance and exercise caution after playing on recently treated surfaces.
Injury from Vegetation, Overhanging Branches, or Thorns	Medium	Care should be taken when retrieving golf balls from wooded or overgrown areas. Branches, low limbs, thorns, or uneven ground may pose a hazard. Never climb trees or enter dense vegetation. If you spot a damaged or fallen tree, please notify the club.
Practice Areas. Chipping Green (located to the left of the driving range). Putting Green (located behind the 1st tee). Driving Range.	Medium Low High	Players should adhere to all posted usage rules in practice areas. Maintain safe distances from others and use equipment responsibly. Retrieval of golf balls from the chipping green must only be carried out when it is safe to do so. Golfers may chip from distance using the artificial mats provided but must ensure the chipping green is clear before striking a ball. The putting green may be used for putting and soft chips only, below waist height and aimed away from other players on the green. Please refer to risk #1; “All players must always remain alert to the behaviours of nearby players or persons in the line of the ball. Players who have played an offline shot must immediately shout “FORE” to alert all surrounding players that the shot has been struck.”
Children on the Golf Course / Practice Facilities.	Medium	Children must be supervised at all times. Junior players should receive a safety briefing to understand the dangers of stray shots and correct equipment usage.
Car Park, Buggy Hire Collection / Return areas.	Medium	Caution must be taken, particularly during busy periods. Keep clear of moving vehicles and avoid leaving equipment where it may pose a hazard by keeping all pathways clear. Car parking must be within the marked bays. Vehicles and their contents are left at the owner's risk. The stop sign must be adhered to when exiting the car park.
Frost, Ice, or Winter Conditions.	High	Paths, slopes, and steps may be slippery in cold weather. Golfers should wear appropriate footwear and obey any temporary course restrictions or route changes advised by staff.
Lightning and Severe Weather	High	In the event of lightning, golfers must cease play and return to the clubhouse or shelter immediately. Additional information can be found on page 6 - Lightning Policy.
Sun, Heat and Humidity	High	Please refer to pages 6-8 for information on Sun, Heat and Humidity.
Injury from Boundary Fences and Ditches	Medium	Do not attempt to climb fences or enter ditches or steep banks to retrieve balls. Observe warning signs and rope lines, and prioritise safety over ball recovery.
Public Bridleway interference or collision.	High	Players must not play a shot if a person is visible on the public bridleway. Ensure the person has reached a safe distance before resuming play. Golfers may only cross the bridleway once they have confirmed it is safe to do so.
Slipping, Tripping or Falls - Railway Sleeper Steps	Medium	Care must be taken when using the steps, especially during periods of wet or frosty weather conditions.
Blind Tee Shots or Blind Fairway	High	Players must not take shots if the landing area is not clearly visible or may be occupied. Use bells or signage where installed, and await confirmation before proceeding.
Injury or Distraction from Drone Use Over the Course	Medium	Drone flights are only permitted with prior approval from the club and must comply with CAA regulations. Golfers should report unauthorized drone activity to staff immediately.
Slips, Trips and Falls Caused by Irrigation System Features.	Medium	Golfers should be aware of sprinkler heads, irrigation boxes and damp turf near active sprinklers.

Incident Reporting Process

At College Pines Golf Club, we take the safety of our members, guests, and visitors very seriously. To help maintain a safe playing environment, it is essential that all incidents, near misses, or hazards are reported promptly to the club.

What Should Be Reported?

Please report any of the following:

Accidents or injuries on the course, practice areas, or clubhouse grounds

Near misses (e.g. a golf ball narrowly missing someone)

Unsafe course conditions (e.g. damaged steps, slippery bridges, wildlife interference)

Any incidents involving electric/petrol buggies or trolleys

Concerns about signage, visibility, or course layout hazards

How to Report an Incident

If an incident occurs:

Immediately notify a member of club staff, either on the course, at the Pro Shop, or at the Clubhouse reception.

Provide as much information as possible, including:

Location (e.g. 15th green, car park, putting green)

Time and date of incident

Names of those involved (if known)

Description of what occurred

Staff will complete an entry in the club’s Accident Book, which is maintained in accordance with health and safety regulations.

For serious incidents, emergency services will be contacted if necessary and a formal investigation will be initiated.

Why Reporting Matters

Prompt reporting helps us:

Investigate and address any underlying hazards
Improve the safety of the course for all players

Fulfil legal duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) and Occupiers’ Liability Acts (1957/1984)

Maintain insurance and public liability compliance

Please note: failure to report a known hazard or injury may affect how the club responds and manages ongoing risks. Your cooperation helps protect everyone on the course.

Review and Update Policy

This risk assessment will be reviewed every 12 months.

The next scheduled review is: 13th July 2026.

Additional reviews will be conducted immediately following:

Any significant incident or near miss

Any material change to the course layout, infrastructure, or play conditions

Changes in legislation or external safety guidance (e.g. HSE, BIGGA, R&A)

Contact Information

If you spot a safety concern or hazard while on the course, please report it to the pro shop or a member of staff immediately.

For non-urgent enquiries please contact the Health and Safety Officer: Mike Beahan.

Disclaimer

By choosing to play at College Pines Golf Club, all players acknowledge and accept the following:

They have read and understood the key safety information and risks detailed in this document.
They are responsible for playing in a manner that does not endanger themselves, their playing partners, staff, or other golfers.

They will remain vigilant to changing course conditions, signage, and temporary closures or restrictions.

They are physically capable of completing the course and will wear suitable clothing and footwear for the conditions.

They will follow any safety instructions given by club staff or displayed on course signage.

Assumption of Risk

While College Pines Golf Club takes all reasonable steps to manage and reduce risks, it is not possible to eliminate them entirely. Players are therefore expected to take personal responsibility for their safety and exercise good judgment at all times.

The club cannot accept liability for:

Injuries or accidents caused by failure to follow safety instructions or club rules

Injuries resulting from reckless or negligent actions by other golfers

Personal property lost or damaged while on the premises

All visiting golfers, societies, and groups are expected to review this risk assessment prior to playing. The organiser of any visiting group is responsible for ensuring that their participants are made aware of the course rules and general safety requirements.

By playing at College Pines Golf Club, you are deemed to have accepted these terms.

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Golf Course Risk Assessment

GOLF COURSE RISK ASSESSMENT