At first glance, the job of providing security at golf clubs looks like an impossible task. The sheer amount of acreage that needs to be protected is daunting; moreover, that acreage is often spread out over a wide area that’s lined by expensive homes, roads and other easy access points.

Finally, the pro shops of many golf courses can be an inviting target for thieves, containing thousands of pounds worth of expensive equipment, along with more expensive trophies and paraphernalia for those courses that host elite events.

Despite those issues, though, it can be done.  Usually, elite companies are specifically geared for the task because of the depth and breadth of skill necessary to do it right. The keys are proper planning and security analysis, then using the right equipment and personnel. What follows is a rundown of some of the issues that commonly emerge.

Providing Golf Course Security – Covering the Grounds

First, consider the type of course. Providing security for a rural links course, for instance, is very different from protecting a public city venue that gets heavy traffic on a daily basis.

In general, though, the more spread out the course is, the more useful patrols will be in protecting and guarding the perimeter of the course.

Some of these patrols can be performed by vehicles if the course is lined by roads that provide free access, while golf carts can be used for hole-to-hole security.

The frequency of those patrols will be determined in part by the nature of the venue; at a rural course where the crime rate is low, they may be more infrequent. On busier or elite courses, though, patrols may need to be done hourly or at peak usage times by trained security people who have experience dealing with the public.

Securing the Buildings at your Golf Club

Protecting the buildings on the course is another matter entirely. Closed circuit cameras and alarms are obviously an important part of the security equation, but it’s crucial to know which ones to use and how and where to deploy them.

Covering all the entrances and exits is pivotal of course, but many courses have buildings that are configured in unconventional layouts (e.g., equipment sheds out by the 9th hole) and possible access to those buildings by outsiders via the course itself can’t be overlooked.

Fortunately, the range of camera possibilities has increased exponentially in the last half-decade or so. Almost all cameras these days have some sort of wifi transmission capability, and infrared cameras can be especially useful given the obvious issues with trying to cover a large amount of territory that can’t really be effectively illuminated. And for some elite courses, security companies will occasionally dig trenches and install cable to help further increase coverage capability.

Locker rooms present an entirely new set of issues, especially since many courses allow members to store belongings for the day or on an ongoing basis. This obviously rules out the use of cameras, demanding a different approach to security that’s closer to that taken in a corporate environment or a high-end gym or health club.

Guardian provides golf course security for clubs across Kent.  Fill out our form to get a free site survey to find out how we can help keep your golf club’s grounds and building secure.