As indicated in the August E-news, Board and management have been reviewing the Clubs practices for storing and charging member owned batteries on site.
As many members will be aware, the storage of electric push buggy batteries has been a significant discussion point throughout the golf industry following several destructive lithium fueled fires at Clubs on the east coast in recent years.
Following further investigations and based on advice from Golf Australia and the Club’s insurers, the Board has agreed that the risks associated with the ongoing storage and charging of electric push buggy batteries by members are real and too significant to ignore. As a result of this determination there will be no member storage of the batteries or chargers associated with electric push buggies allowed at the Club from close of business on December 31st, 2024. Members will need to take these batteries home after golf.
Many other golf clubs in Perth have already mandated the removal of push buggy batteries and chargers for the same reasons. These Clubs include; Royal Fremantle Golf Club, Royal Perth Golf Club, Lake Karrinyup, Mount Lawley, and others.
The storage area closest to the pro shop will only be for push buggies with no powered storage options available. The lower buggy shed near the course maintenance facility will continue to store ride-on carts and push buggies, however all electric push buggy batteries and chargers must be removed by December 31st 2024.
Small and large ride on battery charging will remain in place in the lower buggy shed and the Pat Mac Buggy Shed as the risks associated with ride-on carts and these physically separate buidings are deemed to be a significantly lower risk.
What do I need to do if I have an electric push buggy battery and charger at the Club?
If you have an electric push buggy battery and charger in storage at the Club you will need to remove them by the close of business on the 31st December 2024 at the latest. If you can remove them prior to this date, we encourage you to do so as soon as practical. Any push buggy batteries/chargers that remain in the storage sheds after this date will be removed and members advised accordingly.
Your 2025 invoice will be automatically updated to show the lesser charge for push buggy storage only, your bay allocation will not change.
Whilst we understand the importance and convenience of the storage of members equipment, we also appreciate the understanding and cooperation of the Members who may be impacted by this decision and thank you in advance. If you have any questions regarding this, please do not hesitate to contact me about the policy change.
Matt Espie
General Manager
