Section 8: Safety Considerations
Weather and the Dangerous-Situation Rule
- The competition committee monitors weather, particularly lightning, throughout tournament week using on-site meteorology.
- When a dangerous situation exists, the committee sounds the immediate-suspension signal and players must stop play at once, even mid-hole. A separate signal is used for a normal suspension.
- Players, caddies, and officials move to designated shelter; the course is cleared of spectators as needed.
Heat and Course Conditions
- In extreme heat the committee and medical staff monitor conditions; hydration stations and shaded areas are provided around the course.
- Play may be suspended for unplayable conditions such as standing water or unsafe footing.
On-Site Medical and Player Welfare
- Tournaments provide on-site medical services and physiotherapy support for the field; an emergency response plan covers players, caddies, officials, and spectators.
- The Anti-Doping Program and the player-health framework protect both competitive integrity and player welfare.
Spectator and Venue Safety
- Gallery ropes, marshals, and crossing points keep spectators a safe distance from play.
- Grandstands and temporary structures are engineered and inspected; evacuation routes are planned for weather emergencies.
- Players are expected to alert spectators to errant shots (the traditional shout of "fore"), and marshals manage gallery movement around play.