Bad Weather Policy

Lightning

In the event of lightning within the immediate area of the golf course, golfers are advised to cease play. They should go to the nearest lightning-protected shelter, or clubhouse building until the lightning has moved away. They may then return to their place on the golf course to complete their round. If green fee paying golfers decide to abandon their round, rather than wait for the lightning to cease, refunds will not apply. Golfers will be advised of any lightning that is evident or imminent which would result in course closure, it is their decision whether or not to play. If they miss their teetime as a result of the time lapsed suspension, reasonable endeavours will be made to reschedule depending on availability.

Fog

In the event of fog or mist interfering with play, the decision to stop or continue play lies with the golfer (as it is recognised that conditions can be inconsistent) Golfers signing in will be advised of the conditions by the professional shop. If golfers decide not to start or they miss their tee-time as a result of a time lapsed suspension, reasonable endeavours will be made to reschedule depending on availability. If golfers decides to abandon their round, rather than wait for the fog to clear, refunds will not apply.

Heavy Rain

The expectation of heavy rain, will result in the holes being moved to the highest position on the green and the golf course setup to minimise the potential impact. If during prolonged exposure, the casual water is so severe on the greens that it prohibits full relief or makes holing out impossible, the course will be temporarily closed and play suspended. Golfers on the course should take temporary relief from the weather conditions. When it is possible for play to restart, golfers should resume their game and place on the course. If golfers decide to abandon their round, rather than wait for the rain to cease, refunds will not apply. If they miss their tee-time as a result of the time lapsed suspension, reasonable endeavours will be made to reschedule depending on availability.

Frost

When frost conditions are evident and local winter rules are not in operation a suspension to play will ensue to such time as the temperature is deemed to have reached a level that general play will not result in the damaging to any grasses on the course. If golfers miss their tee-time as a result of the time lapsed suspension, reasonable endeavours will be made to reschedule depending on availability.

Delays and refund experienced by bad weather

In an organised event, the decision to suspend or stop play lies with the tournament organiser. In the case of Prestonfield Golf Club tournaments, the responsibility lies with the council member or staff running the event. If weather conditions become so severe that Prestonfield Golf Club believe that the Health and Safety of all golfers and staff is at significant risk, the airhorn will be sounded by a representative of the club. This action will take precedence over any other individual or organiser’s decision previously supported and play should be halted immediately. The golfer’s position on the course should be marked and reasonable care should be taken when evacuating the golf course. When it is possible for play to restart, golfers should resume their game and place on the course. If golfers decide to abandon their round, rather than waiting a reasonable time for the conditions to pass, refunds will not apply.

Order of play

Should severe lightning, fog, heavy rain or frost force the temporary suspension of play, start times may be delayed significantly to allow for the conditions to improve and for the necessary course maintenance procedures to be implemented to support a safe and enjoyable experience. A delay of up to one hour will result in the original tee time bookings determining the order of play after resumption. Every effort will be made by the starter to reduce the effect this delay will have on the subsequent tee times. A delay of more than one hour will result in actual tee times taking precedence and every effort will be made to reschedule the delayed tee times subject to availability. If a visiting golfer’s tee time cannot be rescheduled to a time and date convenient to both parties then a full refund will be offered. If golfers decide to start play but do not complete their full round refunds will not apply. In an organised event, the decision to stop play lies with the tournament organiser (exception to rule: severe weather conditions proposing a significant threat to Health and Safety of all individuals on the course, as outlined) In the case of Prestonfield Golf Club tournaments, the responsibility lies with the council member or staff running the event.