UPDATED JUNE 2025

1. Purpose
This policy outlines procedures to manage the risks associated with wet weather, lightning, and extreme heat at Kooindah Waters Golf Club (KWGC). The goal is to ensure the safety of all players, staff, and visitors during adverse weather conditions while maintaining clear communication and operational guidelines.

2. Scope
This policy applies to:
– All members and guests playing on the course
– Tournament and competition participants
– KWGC staff and volunteers
– Contractors and event organisers

3. General Guidelines
– Safety is the first priority during adverse weather.
– The Golf Operations team and/or Club Management will assess weather conditions using local weather services and radar.
– KWGC reserves the right to close the course or suspend play when conditions are deemed unsafe.

4. Wet Weather Policy
Play may be suspended or the course closed under the following conditions:
– Waterlogged fairways or greens
– Unsafe or slippery conditions on paths or bridges
– Significant rain that affects visibility or playability

Actions During Wet Weather:
– Temporary local rules may be introduced (e.g., preferred lies, compulsory drop zones).
– Motorised carts may be restricted to paths only or prohibited entirely.
– Course staff will display signage or notify players directly if conditions warrant interruption or closure.

5. Lightning Policy
Lightning poses a significant hazard to golfers. KWGC follows the 10km rule
– If lightning is seen and thunder follows within 10kms, players must immediately suspend play and seek shelter. We have weather apps and lightning trackers to assist in our decision making.

• THE AIRHORN WILL BE SOUNDED
• In a Comp, players will mark their ball and come in.
• A MESSAGE TO ALL CART USERS WILL BE SENT – see below:

“SEVERE WEATHER IN THE AREA

Please return to the clubhouse immediately. Play at your own risk.”
– Play must not resume until 30 minutes have passed since the last thunder was heard.

Designated Shelters:
– Clubhouse/Resort

Responsibilities:
– Players are responsible for their own safety. If lightning is visible, they must stop play regardless of an official suspension.
– Staff will sound a siren or notify players when conditions require evacuation from the course.

6. Extreme Heat Policy
Extreme heat can pose serious health risks such as heat stroke and dehydration. KWGC uses Bureau of Meteorology forecasts and guidelines to manage heat risks.

When temperatures are forecast to reach 35°C or higher: This will be posted on the tee sheet to warn of the extreme heat conditions.
– Competitions may be postponed, modified (e.g., shortened rounds), or cancelled.
– Additional water stations will be made available outside the golf shop.
– Players are encouraged to wear sun protection (hat, sunscreen, UV clothing) and stay hydrated.
– Vulnerable individuals (e.g., seniors, juniors) should consider their own health and seek advice before playing.

Play Suspension in Extreme Heat:
– Play may be suspended or cancelled if conditions are deemed to pose an imminent health risk.
– Golf Shop Staff will make announcements as needed.

Play Suspension due to Flooding (Applies to comp golf only)

Common sense should prevail for all players who experience severs flooding from a flash weather event. If playing socially it is your choice to play or come in.

• In comp golf, if you cannot PUTT THE BALL IN THE HOLE the course is unplayable.
• In a comp players will mark their ball and come in.
• Once the course is playable, play will resume.

7. Communication Procedures
– A siren or verbal notification may be used to suspend or resume play.
  – One prolonged blast: Suspend play (immediate evacuation)
  – Two short blasts: Resume play
– Signage will be displayed in the Golf shop.
– Management, Golf shop staff or marshals may be used to communicate on-course during competitions.

8. Resumption or Cancellation of Play
– Play may resume when it is deemed safe by management or Golf Shop staff.
– Competitions may be cancelled or results declared based on the number of completed holes, in accordance with Golf Australia guidelines.

9. Member and Guest Acknowledgement
By participating in any activity at Kooindah Waters Golf Club, members and guests acknowledge their responsibility to follow this policy and prioritise safety during adverse weather and extreme heat.

We will continue to review our policies and always act in the best interest of the members and guests at Kooindah Waters Golf Club.

Dave P Stretton

General Manager Kooindah Waters Golf Club