Par 3 Golf Wednesdays

We have not had any safety related incidents with our members so far, but this is intended to remind all members of the potential risks associated with playing golf.

While we take care to reduce the risks associated with LALG activities, it is up to each individual to stay safe and to arrange their own personal insurance where applicable.

It is a course requirement that in order to not hold up play, we play in groups of no more than four.

Golf is normally a fairly safe sport – as long as all of the golfers follow a few basic, common-sense safety rules. The basic thing to understand is that the game involves the high-speed movement of golf clubs, that generally have metal heads at the end of their shafts, which in turn hit the targeted golf ball. This means that if you happen to be in the way of either the golf club or a golf ball, you could be in danger of being physically injured in some way. It’s not only you that has to be considered when it comes to safety on the golf course as others out there are trying to focus on their game won’t be expecting your golf ball to be heading towards them at great speed if you happen to hit it in a direction that you weren’t expecting.

Be aware of who and what is around you before swinging or hitting. Before you hit any golf shot it’s your responsibility to make sure that everyone is going to be a safe distance away from you.  If you feel that anyone is too close, or you just don’t feel right about them standing where they are, deal with it immediately by asking them to move.  Say something like “last time I hit a shot with this club it didn’t go well – I wouldn’t want to hit you – so could you please move?”

Obviously, before setting yourself up to hit your shot – you need to look at the golf course ahead of you to see if there is anything or anyone in the way of where you think your golf ball might go. This is particularly important on the 2nd tee where people playing the 3rd hole may cross close to the 2nd green.

While it’s the responsibility of every golfer to be sure it is safe for them to hit their shot, you can’t rely on every golfer out there to do that, so even when it’s not your turn to hit, stay aware of what is going on around you.  

Sometimes you or the other golfers will need to yell ‘fore’ on the odd time when you miss-hit your golf ball, or your ball bounces off a tree. Once you realize that someone is in danger of being hit by your golf ball the only thing to do is to yell ‘fore’ as loudly as possible. Doing this let’s everyone know that a golf ball might be heading their way and that they need to take cover by getting down behind their golf bag or behind a tree. Effectively, the idea is to do something that will help to protect them should your ball actually come their way – as opposed to looking in your direction and trying to see the golf ball that’s about to hit them.

Some other aspects of safety that need to be considered on the golf course are protecting yourself from the sun by wearing a hat, drinking sufficient fluid so that you don’t de-hydrate while playing, being aware of what to do when lightening or some other extreme weather appears and how to prevent injuries to yourself by warming-up properly before a game. Dress for the Expected Weather, put on extra layers on colder days.  Footwear is important too, flat soled shoes or trainers are allowed, but proper Golf shoes give better grip if you have them.

The fee for non-members is £9, but this is discounted by 10% for LALG members. An annual (April- March) membership is available, which may work out cheaper if you play regularly.

The golf centre and Dimples Café website is at  https://www.letchworthpar3.co.uk/