Brailsford Golf Course is committed to ensuring that all children and young people have a fun, safe, and positive experience when playing golf.
The aim of our junior policy is to give young golfers the opportunity to progress to their full potential while equipping them with skills that can be used and enjoyed for the rest of their lives. This policy outlines the supervisory requirements placed on junior golfers to ensure their safety and well-being while out on our 12-hole layout.
Core Safeguarding Principles
Definition of a Child: In accordance with England Golf regulations and UK law, a child is defined as anyone under the age of 18. Safeguarding duties of care apply to all players up to their 18th birthday.
Authority: The Club Welfare Officer (CWO) or an authorised Brailsford Golf Course representative retains the right to impose temporary supervisory conditions on any junior player based on their individual experience, safety awareness, and course etiquette.
Group Conditions (Applies to All Junior Play)
Maximum Group Size: The maximum group size under all circumstances is a 4-ball. This includes junior golfers, adult golfers, and non-playing accompanying adults.
The “Youngest Player” Rule: Any mixed-age group must strictly adhere to the supervision restrictions set out for the youngest golfer in that group.
Accompanying Adults: An accompanying adult’s primary responsibility is the safety, supervision, and care of the junior golfers. They must wear appropriate clothing/footwear and have a basic understanding of golf safety and etiquette.
Supervision Hierarchy by Age
Under 6s
Restriction: Permitted on the course only under direct, dedicated supervision.
Ratio: Strictly 1:1 (One non-playing adult per child). The adult cannot play golf.
Under 10s (Ages 6–9)
Restriction: Must be supervised by a non-playing adult whose sole focus is the care and safety of the juniors.
Ratio: Maximum 2:1 (Up to 2 children per 1 non-playing adult).
Under 12s (Ages 10–11)
Restriction: Must be accompanied by an adult, but the adult is permitted to play golf alongside them.
Ratio: Maximum 2:1 (Up to 2 children per 1 playing adult).
Under 16s (Ages 12–15)
Restriction: Experienced junior players who hold an active handicap/competency check may play unsupervised. Inexperienced players must be accompanied by at least one adult per group (who may play).
Under 18s (Ages 16–17)
Restriction: Unsupervised play is permitted. However, as legal minors, any behaviour or welfare concerns must be handled under the club’s formal Child Safeguarding Procedures and directed to the Club Welfare Officer.
