A health and safety and insurance expert, with over two decades of experience in health and safety consultancy, is warning golf clubs to beware of a 2016 ‘rookie boom’ that could put their club’s health and safety practices and procedures to the test.
To gear up for this possibility, Gauntlet Health and Safety has launched www.golfclubhealthandsafety.com to help golf clubs access professional help more easily. It points to the forthcoming Ryder Cup – the world’s third biggest sporting event – being one of the catalysts for increased demand for golf memberships and has timed its site’s launch accordingly.
Previous Ryder Cups, such as that held in Wales in 2012, have seen memberships increase by 10 per cent and visitors by 17 per cent, in the year following the golfing extravaganza. As every golf club knows, the more ‘rookies’ on the course and in the club house, the higher the risks of injury, fire and even maintenance incidents, as a higher workload puts a strain on systems and structures.
With Brit, Danny Willett, having won the US Masters this year, and with golf being included in the Olympics for the first time since 1904, the popularity of golf is already riding high, so the ‘rookie boom’ could be significant.
As well as offering advice on all matters relating to on-course health and safety and hazard control, general risk assessments, fire risk assessments and food safety, Gauntlet can help clubs avoid the financial risks that could accompany any increase in corporate events that incorporate expensive hole-in-one competitions.
Individual player insurance and cover for personal property are also available, making the website a one-stop shop for any golf club wishing to protect its members, employees, visitors and balance sheet!
Most importantly, as well as having the health and safety expertise that clubs such as Ashridge Golf Club, in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, have already turned to, Gauntlet has extensive access to all the insurance markets. This makes its insurance cover highly competitive and often specifically tailored to the individual needs of a particular golf club.
Gary Skews, head of Gauntlet’s Health and Safety team says: “With a live chat facility available at the website, a ‘request a quote’ form that can be filled in and submitted and the option to ask for a call back, there are lots of ways to get in touch with the Gauntlet Golf team.”
Visit www.golfclubhealthandsafety.com or call 0113 244 8686 to get the ball rolling before any new rookies expose the hazards that long-term members have managed to recognise and avoid.”