Golf Course Safety Inspection

Golf course safety inspections identify hazardous conditions that lead to lightning strikes, cart accidents, and drownings. This checklist addresses USGA course management standards, PGA of America facility safety guidelines, and golf cart safety regulations for safe course operations.

Industry: Sports and Recreation
Frequency: Daily and after weather events
Estimated Time: 60-90 minutes
Role: Golf Course Superintendent / Director of Golf
Total Items: 28

Fairways, Greens, and Playing Surface

Assess playing surface conditions across all holes.

No standing water on fairways or greens creating unsafe conditions?
Fairways free of dangerous ruts, holes, or equipment left overnight?
Bunkers raked and free of foreign objects or drainage issues?
All hole flags and pin positions set and visible from fairways?
Hazard stakes (red, yellow, white) in correct position across course?
No dangerous wildlife hazards (alligators, wasps nests) near playing areas?
Course conditions and local rules posted in pro shop or starter house?

Cart Paths, Bridges, and Water Features

Inspect cart paths and water crossing safety.

Cart paths free of cracks, holes, erosion, or surface failure?
Cart paths draining with no standing water or ice hazard?
Cart bridges structurally sound with no broken boards or weakened supports?
Bridge guardrails present and securely attached on all cart bridges?
Water hazard banks stable with no significant erosion or steep drop-offs?
Cart crossing signs present where paths cross fairways?
Cart path only or 90-degree rule signs posted where applicable?

Lightning Safety and Emergency Shelters

Verify lightning safety infrastructure.

Lightning shelters located at required intervals across course?
All lightning shelters structurally sound, clean, and doors functioning?
Lightning safety signs posted at shelters and pro shop?
Lightning detection system operational or weather monitoring procedure in place?
Lightning warning horn or siren system functional and audible across course?
Lightning suspension policy posted and staff trained on enforcement?
AED accessible in pro shop or clubhouse for emergency response?

Golf Carts and Equipment

Inspect golf cart fleet and equipment safety.

Golf carts with functioning brakes verified before fleet release?
Cart seat bars or restraints functioning on all rental carts?
Electric cart batteries fully charged with no loose terminals?
Maximum passenger and bag weight limits posted in all rental carts?
Driving range ball picker operated only when range is cleared?
Turf maintenance equipment stored safely when not in use?
Daily course inspection log completed?

Related Sports Recreation Checklists

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Why Use This Golf Course Safety Inspection?

This golf course safety inspection helps sports and recreation teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for golf course superintendent / director of golf professionals, this checklist covers 28 critical inspection points across 4 sections. Recommended frequency: daily and after weather events.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Golf Course Safety Inspection cover?

This checklist covers 28 inspection items across 4 sections: Fairways, Greens, and Playing Surface, Cart Paths, Bridges, and Water Features, Lightning Safety and Emergency Shelters, Golf Carts and Equipment. It is designed for sports and recreation operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed daily and after weather events. Each completion takes approximately 60-90 minutes.

Who should use this Golf Course Safety Inspection?

This checklist is designed for Golf Course Superintendent / Director of Golf professionals in the sports and recreation industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.