Health & Safety of Players – Hazards & Risks

The Akaroa Golf Club takes its Health & Safety obligations seriously. Due to its unique and stunning natural features, the course has many potential risk hazards to be aware of

  • While enjoying the views, always be mindful of the potential risks – slippery steep slopes, narrow bridges, and wayward flying golf balls.
  • On some fairways players are unsighted from oncoming golf balls, particularly over rises or from behind trees. If you or your partner hit a wayward ball warn unwary players by shouting “FORE” loudly and promptly.
  • Players hit by flying golf balls cause death and serious injuries around the world.
  • The Tees of the 14th & 17th holes are vulnerable to wayward balls from both directions. Please use the screen for protection.
  • The steep slopes on holes 3, 4 and 14 require special care and attention especially when wet.
  • Motorised Golf Carts must remain on the cart paths on holes 3 & 4 at all times. Operate carts in a safe responsible manner.
  • Retrieving golf balls from creeks is hazardous and dangerous. Golf balls are cheap compared to falls and injuries.
  • Balls hit out-of-bounds into neighbouring property should be reported to the office.

Throughout the course and clubhouse, please take care and act responsibly – BUT – above all, stay safe, have fun and enjoy the challenge that is the Akaroa Golf Club Course.

Motorised Cart Policy

All users of motorised golf carts at Akaroa Golf Club, including AGC Members and visitors are to comply with the Use of Motorised Golf Carts Policy:  

  1. Drivers of golf carts must hold a NZ Full or Restricted; or overseas drivers licence and be over the age of 17 years.
  2. To prevent possible serious injury, driver and passenger must keep their entire bodies within the vehicle.
  3. Do not overload the vehicle and never have more passengers than seats available.
  4. To avoid possible injury to passengers, pedestrians, drivers or damage to other vehicles, avoid sudden starts, sudden stops and abrupt turns. Also reduce speed for adverse driving conditions such as wet grass or steep terrain.
  5. Where possible, keep carts at least five metres from all greens and tee blocks. Carts are NOT permitted inside staked or roped off areas. All cart signs on the course must be strictly observed.
  6. Park carts at the rear of greens or to the side leading to the next tee. Never in front of the green. This will greatly assist with Pace of Play.
  7. If course conditions are wet, carts should only travel on the driest and firmest parts of the golf course. Driving in the rough is preferred to driving on the fairways.
  8. All cart users will be required at all times to remain on the designated track when playing holes 3 and 4.
  9. Green fee players are to advise the Club in advance if they wish to bring their own carts. (There may be restrictions in place).
  10. No alcohol may be consumed or carried on Carts.
  11. All golfers and motorised carts shall give way to course staff and machinery.

It is normal practice for the Greens Committee and Greenkeeper to control activity on the course which entails limiting or suspending play when conditions are not suitable.

  1. Designated Club officials may prohibit or limit the use of carts at any time. The Greens Supervisor will have overall responsibility for banning or limiting the use of carts from any areas of the course for safety reasons, or to prevent damage to the course. At their discretion, on a day by day basis, they may allow the use of restricted areas if there is any rapid improvement in course conditions. They can also close parts, or all of the course to carts if there is a sudden deterioration in course conditions during play.
  2. Members who breach the policy will receive a written warning and may be subject to a ban from driving carts within the course and grounds for a period of one month.

Akaroa Golf Club’s Alcohol Policy

Our club alcohol policy outlines club rules around alcohol consumption. The policy sets expectations for behaviour and expresses the club’s intolerance to intoxication. The club alcohol policy will ensure our club meets the best interests of members and represents the values of the club.

Vision

Our aim is to provide a fun, safe, enjoyable environment that encourages all participants to reach their full potential no matter what their aspirations may be.

Mission

Akaroa Golf Club is committed to being an outstanding club that provides an environment that aims to inspire, nurture and develop.

Members of this community and this club recognise that the misuse of alcohol constitutes a threat to our mission.

This policy applies to club members; their guests and members of clubs with reciprocal visiting rights, and any affiliated team (whether or not the member is an authorised customer) on club property and facilities; and while engaged in a club activity.

Our rules

  • Alcohol can only be purchased at the clubhouse bar – No BYO alcohol permitted
  • Alcohol can only be consumed in the licensed areas (refer clubhouse/tournament day plans)
  • Bar staff will confirm customers can purchase alcohol (age/intox/membership)
  • Disregarding our rules may result in loss of membership
  • There will be no alcohol sponsorship
  • No drugs are permitted
  • No disorderly behaviour or intoxication permitted on premises or when representing the club off-site or on tour

Our process

  • Our alcohol policy is displayed at the entrance to the club and on the clubs website
  • Membership contracts and newsletters will include the clubs alcohol policy
  • We will review our policy annually