Extreme Heat Policy

IVANHOE MEN'S SOCIAL GOLF CLUB

Extreme Heat Policy and Guidelines

Many golf clubs have an extreme heat policy that can result in the closure of the golf course and the cancellation of competitions. Golf Victoria has also issued Hot Weather Guidelines which golf clubs take into consideration when establishing their extreme heat policy. In many cases on days of extreme temperatures, the event for the day is restricted to a morning competition only to avoid the extreme afternoon temperatures.

It is considered appropriate that the Ivanhoe Men's Social Golf Club has guidelines in place covering extreme heat. The Club has a responsibility to provide guidelines which support safe playing conditions for all players. In so much as these guidelines provide a set of rules to guide play, it is recognised that heat affects each person differently. As such, it remains the responsibility of the individual to recognise their capabilities and limitations and to act in accordance with them to stay safe in all playing conditions.

Although the Ivanhoe Golf Course does not have an extreme heat policy, having reviewed the extreme heat policies in place for other golf clubs in our area the following policy and guidelines are considered to be reasonable for use by the Ivanhoe Golf Course and are considered to be an appropriate fit for our Club based on the morning block booking the Club has with the Ivanhoe Golf Course for our Saturday competitions.

Recommended heat policy and guidelines for use by the Ivanhoe Golf Course and to be adopted by the Ivanhoe Men's Social Golf Club.

Heat Policy:

Should the forecast temperature predicted for Viewbank at 4.00pm on the evening before the day of competition be 38 degrees or more the competition times for that day will be adjusted such that start time will be 7.00 am to 8.50 am only.

No competition entries will be accepted outside these times.

If you choose to start play outside of these times then you do so at your own risk.

Guidelines:

The course will remain open for play but not in the competition if outside the 8.50 am closing time
The General Manager, and in his/her absence the Golf Professional will inform players of the modified competition times at or after 4.00 pm on the day prior to the competition.
Time sheet bookings will remain so that all golfers who have booked will be assured of their game if they have a time within the modified competition times. Otherwise, to play in the competition you will need to phone and make a booking within the limited time available.
Should the event for the day be of a significant nature eg. Monthly Medal, the event will be transferred to a date to be determined.
Should the forecast temperature at 4.00pm as above be 42 degrees or more the course will be closed.

Rationale:

The Ivanhoe Golf Course has a duty of care to its golfers and seeks to take a reasonable approach to days of extreme heat.
The Ivanhoe Golf Course is cognisant of advice given by Golf Victoria and Sports Medicine Australian and expressed in the Golf Victoria Heat Policy.
The Ivanhoe Golf Course is concerned for the health and well-being of all of its golfers.
The Ivanhoe Golf Course is concerned for any possible litigation arising out of a heat-related situation.
Cancellation of the competition of the day is advice from the Ivanhoe Golf Course that it considers that it is too hot for play.
Golfers who play on days of extreme heat do so at their own risk. Golfers are advised to take appropriate actions to prevent heat stress.
The Ivanhoe Golf Course reminds all golfers about the appropriate measures to be taken to avoid heat stress, heat stroke, heat cramps and heat exhaustion.
Golfers will have certainty and will know from the forecast at 4.00 pm what to expect on the following day.

Further to that, consider the following tips to stay cool on the golf course –

PURCHASE A SPECIALLY DESIGNED COOLING TOWEL

Cooling towels are inexpensive and can keep you 20 degrees cooler! Just soak the towel in water, wring it out, and place it on your neck for some added relief on those hot summer days.

WEAR LIGHT-COLORED CLOTHING

If golf shorts just aren't your thing, no worries. You can still wear khakis or pants on the course; just make sure that they're made of loose, cool material or moisture wicking. Wear a hat that is wide brimmed and well vented.

BRING AN UMBRELLA

Umbrellas aren't just for rain. If you're riding in a cart, you might be able to forgo this shade device, but if you're using a pull cart, you might consider attaching an umbrella to the back (oftentimes there are holsters specifically for this purpose) to provide moving shade as you walk the course.

REMEMBER SUNSCREEN – AND TO REAPPLY

Repeat after me: sunscreen is my friend. Put sunscreen on before you leave your house, or at the beginning of your round. And remember to reapply, especially on exposed areas like your face, neck, shoulders, arms, and ears. Even if you're wearing a hat or sunglasses, you want to make sure you don't burn!

MAKE SURE YOU KEEP HYDRATED!

Again, while this might seem like common sense, many people don't drink enough water on a daily basis, and when you're spending time outdoors in the sun, you need to drink a lot more fluids. And not just water. It can help to alternate between water and sports drinks such as Gatorade, to help build back those lost electrolytes. Take a minimum of 2 litres of cooled water or sports drink onto the course. You should drink at least a litre of water every 6-9 holes.