Golf

If you or another member of your leadership team is running the activity at an external venue/location, follow these extra steps:

• Arrange for a home contact. Leave any route or other relevant details with your home contact and complete a home contact agreement form. Let them know about any changes to your plans.
• Tell your commissioner.
• Get a copy of the public liability insurance of the activity provider before you book.
• Check you hold the relevant qualification (if one is needed) to run the activity and let your commissioner know you plan to run it yourself. If you aren't sure, speak to your local adviser to check.
• Check with the venue that they have the correct equipment and, if needed, specialist clothing that will meet the needs of your group.
• Get any specialist equipment or clothing needed to run the activity not provided by the venue, and make sure this is in good condition and fit for purpose.
• Check that any equipment is suitably insured by the provider and agree what happens to the equipment if it gets damaged.
• Ask for a copy of the venue's safety guidelines and risk assessment (if relevant).
• Make sure you have the correct ratio of participants (girls, leaders and volunteers) to qualified adults (those running the activity if a qualification is needed). This is different to the ratio of leaders to girls.
• Consider the ability and experience of the participants and any disabilities, access needs or health conditions and plan the session accordingly.

Some venues might ask for a disclaimer or waiver to be signed for each person taking part in the activity. This is something which parents or carers must sign on behalf of their child. You can do this along with the consent form. Parents or carers should be given sufficient information from the provider along with the waiver so they can make an informed decision to sign it or not. Leaders can only sign disclaimers and waivers for their own personal participation. 

If you're working with an external provider or external instructors to run this activity outside the unit meeting space, follow these extra steps. 

• Arrange for a home contact. Leave any route or other relevant details with your home contact and complete a home contact agreement form. Let them know if you make any changes to your plans.
• Tell your local commissioner.
• Tell the activity provider about the ability and experience of the participants and any disabilities, access needs or health conditions that need to be considered when running the activity.
• Choose a reputable and licensed activity provider (where applicable).
• Check the qualified adults hold the correct qualification to be able to run the activity (see the information below).
• Get copies of the instructor qualifications and public liability insurance of the activity provider before you book.
• Ask for evidence that the external provider has their own risk assessment for the activity they are running for you.
• Make sure you have the correct ratio of participants (girls and volunteers) to qualified adults (those running the activity). This is different to the ratio of leaders to girls.
• Check with the venue that they have the correct equipment and, if needed, specialist clothing that will meet the requirements for your group.
• Source any specialist equipment or clothing needed to run the activity not provided by the venue, and make sure this is in good condition and fit for purpose.
• Check that any equipment is suitably insured by the provider and agree what happens to the equipment if it gets damaged.

Some venues might ask for a disclaimer or waiver to be signed for each person taking part in the activity. This is something which parents/carers must sign on behalf of their child. You can do this along with the consent form. Parents and carers should be given sufficient information from the provider along with the waiver so they can make an informed decision to sign it or not. Leaders can only sign disclaimers and waivers for their own personal participation.

There are no formal qualifications needed if leaders plan on running this activity themselves, though they should have experience of playing golf and be knowledgeable of the golf course.  

If planning on using an external instructor, consider what qualifications and experience they have. We recommend they have completed the Community Golf Instructor Course.  

If you're not sure, or if alternative qualifications are held, please contact the adventure team ([email protected]).  

The activity leader must also: 

• Ensure equipment is regularly checked and maintained.
• Check clubs and balls are suitable for girls’ size and strength.  
• Designate a safe area where girls can swing a club. Girls shouldn’t swing clubs outside of this. 
• Give a safety briefing to the girls about where they can go and golf course etiquette, including the meaning of someone shouting 'fore'. 

Ensure girls wear weather-appropriate clothing and either golf shoes or trainers. Consider hats and sunscreen for warmer weather. 

The ratios below are given as a maximum, and ratios must be considered as part of the risk assessment. This may lessen due to any medical conditions or other factors. 

Leadership team ratio 

As this activity will take place outside of your usual meeting place, the leadership team adult to girl ratio is mandatory. 

• Rainbows: not suitable for Rainbows (see mini golf).
• Brownies: 1:8
• Guides: 1:12
• Rangers: 1 leader, with a recommended second adult

Qualified adult to participant ratio 

There are no specific qualifications for running this activity.