GFGC Lightning Policy
The Growling Frog Golf Club Lightning Policy describes what actions are to be taken when lightning poses a risk to the health and well-being of players on the golf course.
The Rules of Golf (rule 6-8) makes provision for the Committee to “Suspend” play or for a player to “Discontinue” play in specific situations, including danger from lighting.
Due to the unpredictability of the weather it is not possible for the Committee to accurately predict when players will be at risk, and the size of the course makes a warning system impractical. For these reasons the Committee will not attempt to forecast lightning in advance and no alarm/warning will be sounded. It is the responsibility of every individual to take control of their own safety.
Lightning Prior to the Start of Play
If Lightning poses a risk to player safety prior to the start of play, the Committee may have an opportunity to suspend all play (rule 6-8). Regardless of a Committee decision, individuals are responsible for their own safety. Do not commence play if Lightning poses a risk to player safety.
Lightning During Play
If Lightning poses a risk to player safety during any round of golf, individuals must take responsibility for their own safety. Discontinue play and seek a safe location.
The player must not discontinue play unless:
(i) the Committee has suspended play;
(ii) he believes there is danger from lightning;
(iii) he is seeking a decision from the Committee on a doubtful or disputed point; or
(iv) there is some other good reason such as sudden illness.
Bad weather is not of itself a good reason for discontinuing play.
If the player discontinues play without specific permission from the Committee, he must report to the Committee as soon as practicable. If he does so and the Committee considers his reason satisfactory, there is no penalty. Otherwise, the player is disqualified.
If you have any queries regarding this policy please feel free to send us an email or speak to a GFGC committee member. Above all, have fun and stay safe!
Thank you, Lisa
The Growling Frog Golf Club Lightning Policy describes what actions are to be taken when lightning poses a risk to the health and well-being of players on the golf course.
The Rules of Golf (rule 6-8) makes provision for the Committee to “Suspend” play or for a player to “Discontinue” play in specific situations, including danger from lighting.
Due to the unpredictability of the weather it is not possible for the Committee to accurately predict when players will be at risk, and the size of the course makes a warning system impractical. For these reasons the Committee will not attempt to forecast lightning in advance and no alarm/warning will be sounded. It is the responsibility of every individual to take control of their own safety.
Lightning Prior to the Start of Play
If Lightning poses a risk to player safety prior to the start of play, the Committee may have an opportunity to suspend all play (rule 6-8). Regardless of a Committee decision, individuals are responsible for their own safety. Do not commence play if Lightning poses a risk to player safety.
Lightning During Play
If Lightning poses a risk to player safety during any round of golf, individuals must take responsibility for their own safety. Discontinue play and seek a safe location.
- If safe to do so, mark the location of your ball and then seek a safe location.
- Report to a Committee Member and identify that you have discontinued play due to lightning.
- If you do not intend to complete your round, submit your score card as normal. Incomplete holes must be marked as “P”. The score will be flagged in Golf Link as “NO SCORE APPROVED”.
- Prior to resuming play, report to the Pro Shop. The Pro Shop staff will identify if course access is available and what time you can resume play.
- If the Pro Shop authorise you to resume play, you must resume play from where you discontinued, obeying Rule 6-8d.
- A lightning to thunder delay of 3 seconds indicates the lighting is approximately 1 Kilometre away.
- If you experience a lighting to thunder delay of less than 30 seconds, the lightning is less than 10 Kilometres away. You should seek a safe location immediately.
- Do not wait as it may become unsafe to reach a safe location.
- Get inside an enclosed vehicle or building if possible.
- Avoid water and any objects that conduct electricity (umbrellas, clubs, buggy’s, etc)
- Avoid open spaces or under tall objects (like trees).
- If no shelter is available, crouch down, feet close together with head tucked down. If in a group spread out.
- You should remain at a safe location and not resume playing golf until thirty (30) minutes after the last lightning flash.
The player must not discontinue play unless:
(i) the Committee has suspended play;
(ii) he believes there is danger from lightning;
(iii) he is seeking a decision from the Committee on a doubtful or disputed point; or
(iv) there is some other good reason such as sudden illness.
Bad weather is not of itself a good reason for discontinuing play.
If the player discontinues play without specific permission from the Committee, he must report to the Committee as soon as practicable. If he does so and the Committee considers his reason satisfactory, there is no penalty. Otherwise, the player is disqualified.
If you have any queries regarding this policy please feel free to send us an email or speak to a GFGC committee member. Above all, have fun and stay safe!
Thank you, Lisa