Trentham Golf Club has developed a heat policy designed to ensure safe playing conditions for members, competition participants and visitors, in order to minimise the risk of injury, illness or possible death in circumstances of extremely hot weather.

The Match Committee, as the competition organiser, has a duty of care to monitor the environmental conditions and to take action to minimise the risk of heat stress to players.

In extremely hot weather, where the predicted maximum Melbourne temperature is 40°C or greater, competition start times will be restricted to between 7.30 and 9.00 am in order for players to finish their golf before the hottest time of the day. There will be no starts available at the usual times of 10.00 to 12.30.

Members or visitors who elect to play on days of extreme heat do so at their own risk, and are advised to take appropriate actions to prevent heat stress (see below).

The golf course will be closed for all play on days where the CFA declares a Code Red (Catastrophic) fire danger rating for the Victorian Central Fire District.

Guidelines to avoid heat stress

• Wear light-coloured and loose fitting clothing.
• Wear a hat that is wide brimmed and well vented.
• Use an SPF50+ sunscreen on all exposed skin.
• Utilise naturally-shaded areas and/or carry an umbrella.
• Drink cooled water or a sports drink before your round and at regular intervals during your round.
• Take a minimum of 2 litres of cooled water or sports drink onto the course, as well as using the on-course water supply. You should drink at least a litre of water every 6-9 holes.
• Following competition, drink enough cooled water or sports drink to fully re-hydrate.
• Do not consume excessive quantities of fluid low in sodium (e.g. water) as this can lead to dangerously low blood sodium levels (hyponatraemia).