Uncategorized

On 9th January 2026

Extreme Weather Guidelines

  1. Purpose

Killara Golf Club is committed to supporting the wellbeing of members, visitors, staff, and contractors during periods of extreme weather. These guidelines outline how the Club will monitor, communicate, and advise on weather risks, while recognising that the decision to continue, modify, or cease play ultimately rests with each individual.

Members and guests are reminded that there are inherent risks associated with golf, particularly during extreme weather events such as lightning, high winds, heavy rain, and heat. These conditions may also result in falling trees and debris, both during and after the event, which present additional hazards. By entering the course, you acknowledge these risks and accept that you do not rely on the Club to ensure your personal safety in such conditions.

These guidelines are advisory and informational, not prescriptive.

 

  1. Roles & Responsibilities

The CEO, Assistant General Manager, Course Superintendent, Head Professional, Club Captain or Women’s Captain will monitor weather conditions using:

  • Ubimet Weathercockpit local dashboard
  • Bureau of Meteorology information
  • On-course observations

They may issue warnings, but these serve to inform players, not to mandate cessation of golf.

Pro Shop staff and Duty Managers may communicate warnings on behalf of management.

Warnings will be advised as per the Communication Protocol (item 7).

 

  1. Weather Categories & Guidance

The Club will monitor conditions and may issue alerts for the following weather types.
These alerts are intended as warnings that players should take whatever action they deem appropriate.

3.1 Lightning

When lightning is detected within 10 km:

  • The Club will issue a lightning warning through siren, SMS, or MiScore.
  • Members and guests are strongly advised to take immediate shelter or discontinue play at their discretion.
  • Lightning is inherently unpredictable; the Club cannot guarantee safety nor accept liability for lightning-related incidents.

 

3.2 Severe Wind

When sustained winds or gusts indicate increased risk:

  • The Club will issue a wind hazard warning.
  • Players should independently assess whether it is safe to continue.

3.3 Heat

If forecasts indicate high temperatures (e.g., above 36°C):

  • The Club will issue a heat warning.
  • Individuals are responsible for determining their own capacity to play in heat based on health, fitness, hydration and medical conditions.

3.4 Heavy Rain & Flooding

In the event of torrential rain:

  • The Club may issue a heavy rain / flooding warning.
  • Players should decide whether to continue, taking care on slippery or waterlogged surfaces.

 

  1. Actions During Weather Warnings

When the Club issues a weather warning (via siren, SMS, MiScore or staff announcement):

  • It is a signal to take caution.
  • Players may:
    • Cease play and seek shelter
    • Modify how they play
    • Continue only if they personally deem it safe

The traditional requirement to stop play upon a siren is removed, except where required by the Rules of Golf for competition fairness.

 

  1. Competition & Event Considerations

For competitions in progress during weather warnings:

  • The Match Committee or event officials will decide whether results can stand or whether the event requires modification, suspension, or cancellation based on fairness and course conditions.
  • These decisions relate to the competition outcome, not to member safety mandates.

Match play may continue at the players’ discretion.

 

  1. Player Responsibilities

Players are personally responsible for:

  • Assessing the risks of continuing golf during any weather event
  • Seeking shelter when they deem it appropriate
  • Monitoring conditions independently
  • Considering personal health factors when playing in heat, storms or wind

Safe shelter areas include:

  • Toilet between 4th green & 5th tee
  • Machinery shed
  • Fiddens Wharf Rd tunnel
  • Bush Bar
  • Lightning shelter at the 14th / 15th path

The Club’s role is to inform, not to enforce.

 

  1. Communication of Weather Warnings

The Club may issue weather warnings through:

  • SMS alerts
  • MiScore notifications
  • Siren blast
  • Verbal updates from Pro Shop or staff

These signals are advisories only.

 

  1. Staff & Contractors

Staff and contractors are subject to workplace safety requirements:

  • When extreme weather warnings are issued, they must follow all management directions regarding modified duties or temporary cessation of outdoor work.
  • Unlike golfers, staff must comply with safety instructions under WHS obligations.

 

  1. Review

These guidelines will be reviewed annually by the Board and Management, with the Match & Grounds Committee, and adjusted based on technology, experience, and best practice.