Over the course of this year to date, there has been an evident increase in the number of dog walkers making use of the Course.  Whilst there is absolutely no issue in this regard, i.e. non-members right to ‘cross over the course’ using appropriate paths only, the Club would simply like to remind walkers etc as regards their personal safety.  Whilst most dog walkers walk around the perimeter of the Course or through the adjoining woods, a number are now cutting across fairways with their dogs.

Bridge of Allan Golf Course has a number of holes where players are in effect playing over blind summits.  A protocol exists whereby those playing on such holes ring a warning bell that notifies those players following behind that it is now safe to play.  Dog walkers crossing a number of the fairways at Bridge of Allan are placing themselves at risk; such risks will only increase as we move to summer months and the number of golfers on the Course increases.  Walkers have a right of access to ‘cross-over’ as opposed to being ‘on the course’, Bridge of Allan Golf Club would simply ask that where possible dog walkers, access at appropriate points, e.g. don’t climb over fences/walls directly onto the fairways or approaches to the greens, but follow the Course perimeter and paths, being mindful of their personal safety when crossing over the Course.

In addition to the aforementioned safety concern dog walkers are asked to ensure that should their dog foul on the Course, such mess is removed.  Consistent with the increase in dog walkers on the Course it is evident that some owners, not all, are making no effort to remove their dog’s mess.

Stirling Council guidance provides that you should ‘bag your doggie’s do-dos and you can put them in any bin, even your grey one at home. You can still put them in red dog poo bins, but we’ll be getting rid of them if there’s another litter bin nearby.’

A number of dog walkers have uplifted their dog’s mess and placed the bag and contents within various wire baskets located throughout the Course.   Unfortunately, despite the dog walker’s best intention these open baskets are not suitable receptacles for the depositing of dog mess: the baskets would now appear to be attracting local wildlife, baskets are being knocked over and contents scattered.

At present there are no ‘red dog poo bins’ located on the Course.  Dog walkers are politely asked not to deposit their dog’s mess within wire baskets located on the Course.  A large grey bin is located immediately opposite the Club’s machinery shed, walkers are at liberty to make use of this bin or retain such waste and deposit in any nearby household grey bin or red dog poo bin.

Members observing dog walkers on our Course are asked to tactfully and sensitively highlight the Club’s safety concern in the first instance and thereafter advise of the issues arising around dog fouling.  Assistance appreciated.

Greens Convenor