Adverse Weather Policy

Policy’s are in place to protect Alnwick Castle Golf Club and its staff, the members and their guest, visitor and other customers.

The Safety of all persons at Alnwick Castle Golf Club is at the forefront of our policy creation.

Lightning

In the event of lightning on the Links, golfers out on the courses are advised to cease playing. They should go to the nearest shelter or return to the clubhouse until the lightning has moved away. Then they may return to their places on the course and complete their round. If green fee-paying golfers decide to abandon their round, rather than wait for the lightning to cease, refunds will not apply. However If lightning strikes are detected close to the links and Golfers have chosen to carry on they may be asked to stop by a member of staff (these will be dealt with on an individual basis and a refund or voucher may be issued).

Golfers on the first tee will be advised of any lightning that is evident or imminent close to the Links but it is their decision whether or not to play. If they miss their tee-time as a result, reasonable endeavours will be made to reschedule either later that day or the following day depending on availability. In an organised event, the decision to suspend or stop play lies with the tournament organiser. In the case of Alnwick Castle Golf Club Competitions , the responsibility lies with the member of the Golf Steering Group or the reception running the tournamenthowever guidance from the managment will be given.

Fog or Sea Fret

In the event of fog or sea fret while on the golf courses, the decision to stop or continue play lies with the golfers, as it is recognised that conditions can change from minute to minute. Golfers on the first tee will be advised of the conditions before leaving the clubhouse. If golfers decide not to start, reasonable endeavours will be made to reschedule either later that day or the following day depending on availability. If golfers decide to play but do not complete 18 holes, refunds will not apply. In an extreme case the course may close and reasonable endeavours will be made to reschedule or vouchers may be issued. In the case of Alnwick Castle Golf Club Competitions , the responsibility lies with the member of the Golf Steering Group or the reception running the tournament, however guidance from the managment will be given.

Heavy Rain

When heavy rain is expected, the holes are moved to high ground where possible.

If it is impossible to putt out then the course will be temporarily closed by a member of our Golf Team, in the first instance play will be suspended, further inspection’s will take place every half hour updates will be given. Golfers on the course should take shelter or return to the clubhouse, if you return to the clubhouse NO guarantee of your position on the course will apply.

When it is possible to restart, the Golf Team will notify players, you should resume your game at your place on the course unless notified otherwise. If golfers decide to abandon their game, rather than wait for the rain to cease, refunds will not apply.

Golfers on the first tee will be advised that the course is temporarily closed, and reasonable endeavours will be made to re-schedule, but they may lose their starting time. If visiting golfer’s times cannot be re-scheduled, they will be offered a voucher or refund.  

Frost

With increased play during the winter season and increased traffic on the greens, there is significantly more damage to the greens when there is frost on the ground.  This damage makes the grass plant more susceptible to disease and with this in mind, the recommendation is:

On experiencing a heavy white frost – Pins will be put on winter greens prior to play until such point the frost has lifted.

On experiencing a hard frost: Pins are put on the winter greens until the day after the frost has fully thawed from the soil

On the start or restart of Golf if you decide to play, and commence your round refunds will not apply.

Course Policy Document

Our course policy document which can be found here gives further information on how we manage adverse weather.

Decisions on the above will be at the discretion of Rory Straker-Headgreenkeeper or a Senior Golf Team member of staff.