Adverse Weather Condition Policy

Purpose and scope

This policy sets out how we keep golfers, employees and the public safe when adverse weather makes the golf course hazardous, meaning there is a danger of injury or death. It covers fog, high winds, lightning and extreme heat.

WGC London considers the safety of its employees, members and visitors the top priority during inclement weather. Weather reports and local conditions are monitored throughout periods of adverse weather. Employees working on the course will be alerted during adverse weather, and told when play has stopped or restarted. The club will endeavour to keep any delays to an absolute minimum.

All golfers are reminded of the importance of having adequate golf insurance, including public liability cover, whilst playing golf.

Who decides

• Tee times: if adverse weather occurs immediately before casual play, a major competition or an event, WGC London may, at its discretion, move back all subsequent tee bookings. The club's decision on the day on any change to tee times is final.
• Fog: golfers are responsible for checking visibility against the fog markers in the Fog Policy (section 1) before starting, and for stopping play if fog makes it unsafe. WGC London may suspend play if conditions become dangerous.
• High winds: WGC London may close the course before play, and will confirm when play restarts.
• Lightning: every player is responsible for stopping play if, in their opinion, lightning is a threat. WGC London may suspend play or close the course if conditions become dangerous.

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Quick reference: thresholds and signals

1. Fog Policy

1.1 Objective‍

To set safe playing and working conditions when fairways and rough are obscured by fog, reducing the risk of golfers, employees and the public being injured by golf balls in flight.

1.2 Definition of fog and mist

The only difference between mist and fog is visibility:

• Fog: visibility of less than 1 km (1,100 yards).
• ‍Mist: visibility of at least 1 km but less than 2 km.
• For UK driving purposes, fog is defined as visibility of less than 200 metres.

1.3 Fog markers

The overall driving distance is taken as 230 yards. Most club golfers’ balls are not in flight for this full distance, although some low-handicap players could exceed it. Before play can begin, the designated markers must be clearly visible from one of the two pre-agreed tees:

• 1st hole: the back edge of the fairway bunker.
• ‍10th hole: the depression/gulley crossing the fairway.

1.4 When play is suspended

Before play: golfers are responsible for checking the fog markers. If a designated marker cannot be clearly seen, play should not begin.

During play: WGC London may suspend play if fog makes conditions dangerous.

• Stop play: the klaxon is sounded.
• ‍Resume play: the responsibility of the golfer once threshold is clear.

1.5 Signals

1.6 What to do

• When the klaxon sounds, stop play and mark your ball.
• The golfer taking the shot is responsible. If a bank of fog rolls in while you are playing, do not take your next shot until it is safe to do so.
• Never hit a ball directly into a fog bank.

2. High Winds (Damaging Winds)

2.1 Objective

To set safe playing and working conditions when there is a risk of injury from falling trees and branches, flying debris, or damage to equipment and buildings.

2.2 Definition‍

High or dangerous winds are sustained wind speeds of more than 50 mph, or frequent gusts of more than 50 mph. Winds above this speed can damage buildings, uproot trees, bring down heavy branches and cause tall structures to fall.

Winds of more than 73 mph are classified as hurricanes and no play will be allowed.

2.3 Before play‍

• When high winds are present or forecast by the Met Office, it is the golfer's responsibility to check conditions before playing. Anyone who chooses to play does so at their own risk.
• In extreme high winds, WGC London may, at its discretion, close the course before play begins if they feel there is an immediate risk to golfers and employees from falling trees, branches and flying debris.

2.4 When play is suspended

If, during play, the wind becomes strong enough that flying debris (for example branches, twigs or sand particles) may injure golfers, the course will be deemed unfit for play.

2.5 Signals

• Stop play: the klaxon is sounded.
• ‍Resume play: WGC London confirms when play can restart (see Resuming play).

2.6 What to do

• Golfers: leave the course at the earliest opportunity, by the safest route available.
• Staff working on the course: will be told that work may be dangerous, and must return to their staff areas by the safest route possible.

2.7 Resuming play

After high winds, the greenkeeping team will check for new hazards, such as broken or fallen trees and branches, and clear them as soon as possible. Where a hazard cannot be cleared safely and in good time, it will be assessed and the area made safe, closed, or given an alternative route.

Once the winds have subsided and the greenkeeping team has assessed the course as safe, WGC London will send a communication confirming that play can restart.

3. Lightning

Lightning is a severe hazard that must be taken seriously.

3.1 Objective

To protect golfers and employees when lightning is present near the golf course, avoiding the risk of lightning strikes and possible death, and to communicate the plan for evacuating the course. These procedures apply equally to employees working on the course.

3.2 Before play

If lightning or thunderstorms are forecast in the area by the Met Office (www.metoffice.gov.uk), it is the golfer's responsibility to check the forecast and any weather warnings before playing. The club may suspend play or close the course if conditions become dangerous.

3.3 When play is suspended

Play is suspended when lightning materialises on or around the course.

Although the club will take every precaution to keep players safe during lightning or a thunderstorm, it is each player’s own responsibility to stop play if, in their opinion, lightning is a threat. It is not always possible to monitor conditions across the whole course, and players have a duty of care to themselves.

3.4 Signals

• Stop play: the klaxon (or air horn) is sounded. Stop play, leave the course immediately and seek safe shelter.
• If you cannot hear the klaxon: it may not be audible everywhere on the course. If you have identified lightning around you, you must stop play, leave the course immediately and seek safe shelter.
• ‍Resume play: 3 short blasts of the klaxon indicate that it is safe to return to the course and continue play.

3.5 What to do

Return to the clubhouse. If it is too far away, leave your clubs, take shelter in the nearest bunker and crouch down to make yourself as small a target as possible (feet together, hands on knees and head tucked in).

• Avoid high ground and do not shelter under trees. Trees do not protect you from lightning.
• Do not use mobile phones. It is advised that you turn your device off.
• Do not hold golf clubs or umbrellas, as they may act as a lightning conductor.
• Golf buggies do not give protection from lightning.

3.6 Employees

Employees working on the course must consider their own safety and follow the same guidelines. The Head of Department will be informed when lightning is identified.

It is not the responsibility of staff to retrieve clubs, equipment or trolleys from the course during a lightning storm when play has been suspended, as their safety may be put at risk.

3.7 If someone is struck by lightning

Call the emergency services, as the person will need help as soon as possible. If you know first aid, give it; you will not receive an electric shock. A lightning strike is not usually instantly fatal, but the person’s heart and/or breathing may stop, so quick CPR is likely to save their life.

3.8 Further advice and lightning apps

• Download lightning tracker apps to stay up to date on possible lightning threats.

4. Extreme Heat

4.1 Objective

To protect golfers and employees during periods of extreme heat, avoiding the risk of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, dehydration, sunburn and possible serious illness.

4.2 Definition

Extreme heat is a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 32°C for at least two to three days.

On the rare occasions that the UK experiences extreme heat (a “heatwave”, as determined by the Met Office, www.metoffice.gov.uk), advice and support may be given to our employees, members and visitors so that they stay safe.

4.3 What to do

The following should be considered:

• Before starting golf or work, staff, members and guests should consider applying suncream.
• Everyone is advised to avoid lengthy periods in the sun and to seek shade where possible.
• Take sufficient water out with you while on the golf course.
• Smoking bans must be enforced on the golf course due to the increased fire risk in dry conditions.
• Employees working outside should consider changing shift patterns so that they work during cooler periods of the day.
• Where possible, keep blinds, windows and doors closed. Where air conditioning units are in operation, windows and doors must remain closed.

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