Lightning

If lightning is forecast, all golfers will be advised by staff on arrival to our links. The decision to tee off lies with the golfer. If the golfer is not comfortable beginning a round with thunder and lightning forecast, reasonable endeavours will be made to re-arrange the tee time. Alternatively, a refund will be offered.

If lightning occurs whilst on the golf course, again the decision to play lies with the golfer. Dumbarnie Links will not sound a claxon or hooter to signify closure of the course.  If lightning is in the area, golfers should take shelter until the weather clears away, and then resume their position on the golf course once the weather has cleared. Golfers leaving the course will not be offered a refund, however, we will try to help them re-join the golf course.

Fog and Haar

Fog or Haar can be a common weather condition on a links course. To play golf safely in these conditions, golfers must be able to follow the flight of their golf shot to its completion, otherwise it is unsafe. On the first tee, if golfers cannot see the bridge, then golf will not commence. Once the fog clears to allow this, golf can begin.

If fog or haar appears during a round, players must pause if they cannot follow their golf shots to its finish position. As conditions can change very quickly, please stay in position until the fog or haar has cleared sufficiently to allow full vision of all golf shots. Golfers walking in from the golf course will not be offered a refund, however, we will try to help them re-join the golf course. 

Heavy Rain

Dumbarnie is a true links course and so drains very well, therefore, the chances of closure due to flooding are quite low. If heavy rain is forecast, care will be taken for the pin positions to be moved to higher points on each green. Prior to teeing off, if conditions are unplayable, golfers will be advised and their starting time delayed, until the course is playable.

If conditions become unplayable whilst the round is in progress, the golf course will be temporarily closed. Golfers must wait until the rain eases, and then re-join their position on the golf course. If any golfers decide to abandon their rounds rather than wait, refunds will not be offered, however, we will help golfers to re-join the golf course. 

Hail

This type of weather does not usually last for long, with the actual hail storm usually short and the effects of the hailstones clearing quickly also. Players on the first tee will be halted if a heavy hail shower is in progress, and will commence their round when over.

On the golf course, the effects of a hail shower will typically clear very quickly. Golfers are advised to stay in position until the storm and the effects of the storm have cleared. Golfers must stay in position and not leave the golf course. Please note that a refund will not be offered.

Frost

Frost can cause significant damage to a golf course, if not handled correctly.

The Course Manager will delay play until the situation allows for golf to be played without risk to the players or causing damage to the golf course. In some circumstances the practice facilities will also remain closed.

The tee sheet will be delayed until the golf course opens, with golfers tee times being moved back in line with the closure, rather than cancelled.