Nina Caldwell
Golf is a sport that has been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, with golf courses closed since the early days of lockdown. However, as a sport that lends itself to social distancing, golf is well-placed to resume safely under certain conditions. In 2025, the PGA Tour season is set to restart, marking a reboot of professional golf, with stars like Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth returning to the game. Even before this, there were plans for a return to golf, with governing bodies issuing guidance for clubs on reopening and implementing safety measures. The restart of golf, whether at the professional or recreational level, is welcomed as good news, signalling a return to normalcy and offering a much-needed boost to the sporting world.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | January 28, 2025 |
| Location | Pebble Beach |
| Participants | Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth, Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, and more |
| Status of Golf Courses | Closed since March 24 due to lockdown measures |
| Reopening Plans | Social distancing, removal of rakes and ball-retrievers, covering ball washers, introducing booking systems, etc. |
| Impact of Restart | A positive sign, a "chink of light" |
| Golf Season | Varies by location; year-round in some places, April/May to October/November in others |
| Returning to Golf | Focus on mental preparation, grip, pre-shot routine, and emotion management |
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What You'll Learn
Golf courses closed due to the coronavirus pandemic
Golf courses were among the many sports facilities that had to close their doors when the coronavirus pandemic struck. The sport was one of the last left for people to play in public before the lockdown measures began. In the UK, golf courses closed on 24 March 2020, the day the government's lockdown measures came into force.
A survey by Golf Inc. Magazine revealed that 42% of golf courses closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Almost 300 courses reported reduced rounds, with half of those losing 500 rounds or more. Only 6.8% of courses were operating normally, and nearly 400 had stopped serving food and beverages entirely.
Golf clubs and courses have been preparing for their restart, with operational guidance being given about reopening once the coronavirus lockdown restrictions are eased. The R&A and the USGA, which govern the sport worldwide, have issued guidance on five key areas to help golf resume in the UK. Temporary provisions will be introduced to ensure safety, such as removing rakes and ball-retrievers, covering up ball washers and drinking fountains, and removing access to benches and bins. Flagsticks can remain, but golfers should not touch them.
Golf courses will also have to introduce a booking system to restrict numbers and ensure social distancing. Practice areas will have to be closed unless safe sanitising practices can be guaranteed. It is recommended that non-competition play is used during the initial period of golf's return, and that stroke play competitions involving different groups are avoided.
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Social distancing measures for golfers
Golf is a sport that lends itself well to social distancing. It is played outdoors, and players have their own equipment, making it inherently safe. During the COVID-19 pandemic, golf courses implemented various measures to ensure social distancing and safety.
Golf clubs and courses introduced operational guidance and temporary provisions to ensure social distancing and safety. These included:
- Encouraging golfers to walk instead of riding in carts, and if they did ride, to do so alone.
- Removing all rakes and ball-retrievers from courses and asking golfers to smooth out sand with their feet.
- Covering up ball washers and drinking fountains, and removing water coolers.
- Removing access to benches and bins.
- Advising golfers to avoid touching flagsticks, and instead, use their feet to smooth out the sand.
- Closing practice areas unless safe sanitising practices could be guaranteed.
- Implementing a booking system to restrict numbers and ensure a minimum of 10-minute intervals between tee times.
- Encouraging non-competition play and avoiding stroke play competitions with players in different groups.
Golf was one of the first outdoor sports to reopen after the initial lockdown in March 2020, and its return, along with the nature of the sport, provided an opportunity for people to socialise and enjoy the outdoors safely.
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The return of professional golf
Golf courses in many countries were closed during the pandemic, and the return of the sport will be welcomed by enthusiasts worldwide. The nature of golf means social distancing is easier to enforce, and extensive measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of players and staff. These include removing rakes and ball-retrievers, covering ball washers and drinking fountains, and introducing a booking system to control numbers and ensure safe intervals between tee times.
Professional golfers are also eager to get back to competition, and some have expressed their excitement about the restart of the PGA Tour. Golfers have been preparing for the return of the sport, and the mental aspect of the game will be crucial for players returning after a long break. The return of professional golf will be a highly anticipated event, with fans and players alike eager to get back to the sport they love.
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Golf clubs reopening after lockdown
Golf clubs are preparing to reopen after lockdown, with operational guidance being provided to clubs on how to reopen safely once coronavirus lockdown restrictions are eased.
The R&A, which governs the sport worldwide, has issued guidance that covers five key areas, including social distancing, sanitisation, and limiting the number of players. Golfers will be required to comply with social distancing rules, and clubs will need to implement measures to ensure safety, such as removing rakes and ball-retrievers, covering ball washers and drinking fountains, and removing access to benches and bins. Flagsticks can remain, but with a sign stating they should not be touched. Practice areas should be closed unless safe sanitising practices can be guaranteed.
Golf clubs will also need to introduce a booking system to restrict numbers and ensure there are intervals between tee times. It is recommended that non-competition play is used initially, and that stroke play competitions involving different groups are avoided.
Some golf clubs have had to close temporarily after reopening due to positive COVID-19 cases among members or staff. However, with the right precautions in place, golf is considered a sport that can be played safely while adhering to social distancing guidelines. The physical, mental, and financial benefits of reopening golf courses are considered to outweigh the risks.
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Golf season start and end dates
Golf is preparing for a restart after competitions were put on hold due to the coronavirus outbreak. The sport was one of the last to remain in action for the public during the lockdown. However, golf courses were closed on March 24, 2020, when strict lockdown measures were implemented.
The R&A and the USGA, who govern the sport worldwide, have issued guidance for golf clubs on reopening once coronavirus lockdown restrictions are eased. The guidance covers five key areas, including social distancing, removing rakes and ball-retrievers, covering up ball washers and drinking fountains, and removing access to benches and bins. Flagsticks can remain, but golfers are advised not to touch them.
Regarding the golf season, the length varies depending on the location and climate. In the United States, states with warmer climates, such as Florida, California, and Arizona, offer year-round golfing. In contrast, the golf season in northern states is typically shorter, usually stretching from April to October or November. For instance, in New York, the golf season runs from April 15 to October 31.
In Europe, the golf season generally extends from March to October, with the best months for playing considered to be from May to September. However, there are variations within Europe; Spain has favourable weather conditions that allow for year-round golfing, while Finland has a shorter season from May to September.
In Canada, the golf season officially runs from April 1 to November 30. Meanwhile, in Australia and New Zealand, year-round golfing is also possible due to their milder climates.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, golf is restarting. Golf courses had been closed since the start of the government's lockdown measures. Plans are in place for a return, with guidance covering five key areas. Golf clubs will be among the first avenues of leisure to get the go-ahead.
Golfers will be required to comply with social distancing rules. Temporary provisions will be introduced, such as removing all rakes and ball-retrievers, covering up ball washers and drinking fountains, and removing access to benches and bins. Flagsticks can be retained but are not to be touched. Practice areas are to be closed unless safe sanitising practices can be guaranteed.
Golf is a mental game, so it's important to prepare yourself mentally by reading about the mental side of the game. Develop a pre-shot routine to help calm your nerves and hit better shots under pressure. Learn to trust your swing by practising sound mechanics. Work on perfecting your grip by watching players and trying to match their grip pressure points for specific shots.
