We want you to have an enjoyable and safe experience while playing our course. We are also mindful of the general public who use the footpath on the course to access the Dunstable Downs viewpoint. Please consider the following before and while on the course.

Wet and slippery conditions
Please exercise caution on paths and steps and avoid walking on steep banks. Where steps and paths are provided these should be used.
It is at the discretion of the Dunstable Downs Team whether buggies and trolleys may be used in adverse weather conditions. These restrictions are necessary to protect all individuals who may be playing, working on the course or members of the public using the footpaths that cross the course.

Lightning
If it is decided that it is unsafe to continue to play golf as a storm approaches, a klaxon will sound to call all golfers off the course and into the clubhouse. If there is a risk of lightning play MUST be discontinued. Dunstable Downs Golf Club is not responsible for your safety on this matter. You are advised NOT to continue play and NOT to seek shelter under trees. Remove yourself from the golf course by the quickest possible route towards the clubhouse.

At the extreme ends of the course it may not be possible to hear the klaxon so all golfers should recognise the potential dangers of a thunderstorm and follow the "30/30 rule" – if the "flash to the bang" time is less than 30 seconds, seek shelter and remain there until 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder.
Your best protection is to leave your clubs and crouch down in a bunker keeping away from and getting out of wide, open, spaces and exposed hilltops. Do not shelter beneath tall or isolated trees.

If you are exposed to the elements with nowhere to shelter, make yourself as small a target as possible by crouching down with your feet together, hands on knees and your head tucked in. This technique keeps as much of you off the ground as possible.

Rule 6-8 applies. Please mark your ball position before lifting. Play will resume if conditions change and are considered safe.

Please note that golf buggies do NOT give protection from lightning.

Fog
As a general rule, If the marker post on the 15th fairway is not visible from the clubhouse the course is closed; however, fog may be localised and severely affect parts of the course whilst other areas appear clear. Our Club Professional will determine whether it is safe to play and has the authority to close the course at his discretion. Signs to this effect will be displayed at the club entrance.

In the event of fog descending while on the course golfers need to use their judgment regarding further play. They need to consider dangers to themselves, other golfers, staff and the public before playing, if in any doubt whatsoever, they should not play until conditions improve.

Closure will be notified by using all available means such as the club website and notices on the first tee, or when necessary, the sounding of the fog horn.

Animal holes
Animal holes are a natural hazard of a downland golf course and, despite the best efforts of the staff to control them, care should be taken particularly when straying off the main fairways and closely mown areas of the course.

The course
The golf course covers a large area and within its confines has many different types of terrain. Any individual using the course should be aware that there are likely to be many potential, natural hazards all over the course. These can include, but are not limited to, hidden tree roots, fallen tree branches, low branches, natural dips and gullies and loose earth. Please make sure of your footing at all times and particularly when straying off the main fairways and closely mown areas of the course.

Access to tees
Tees should be accessed by paths and or steps where provided. Particular care should be taken when accessing tees in adverse conditions.

Other golfers and members of the public
Be aware of the general public at all times as they may not be aware of you, the course layout or where they should be looking.

Do not play until the players in front are clearly out of your range. Call FORE! immediately if there is a chance of your ball hitting someone. If you hear a call of FORE! immediately turn away from the call, adapt a crouch position covering your head.

For the safety and enjoyment of all please ensure that you do not play, or make a practice swing if anyone is standing close by, or is in a position to be hit by the golf club.

Green staff have priority on the course. They will move aside at the earliest opportunity and wave you through when safe to do so.

Reporting
It is the duty of members, guests and visitors to report any Health and Safety occurrence or near miss incident to the club office at the earliest opportunity. The Clubs policy is of continued improvement and there is a log book for incidents and near misses in the main office.

Buggies
Please follow all safety instructions on the golf course and buggies.

First Aid
In the event of an accident, first aiders and a heart defibrillator are available by contacting 01582 604472.

Protection from the sun
* Slap on sunscreen 20 minutes before teeing off
* Re-apply every two hours or around the 10th hole
* Use a sunblock stick to protect lips, nose & ear
* Check skin for changes every month and if you have a concern visit your GP immediately.

Hydrate
Drink plenty of water during your round and / or eat fruits with a high water content. There is a water fountain on the 10th tee.