Harper Lin
Golf is an outdoor, non-contact sport, which makes it ideal for social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic. However, golf courses are sports facilities, and many states have closed them to avoid crowds. While some believe that playing golf is safe during the pandemic, others disagree. Golf courses have implemented extensive safety measures to ensure the safety of customers and staff, including removing bunker rakes, banning handshakes, and encouraging digital payments. Golfers can also take precautions like carrying hand sanitizers, avoiding touching their faces, and not sharing clubs. Ultimately, the decision to play golf during the pandemic depends on an individual's comfort level with risk and their ability to follow safety guidelines.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is golf safe during the coronavirus pandemic? | Experts say golf is one of the safest activities during the pandemic if players follow guidelines. |
| Is golf considered a non-essential business operation? | Yes, golf courses have been deemed non-essential and closed in some states and countries. |
| What safety measures are recommended for playing golf during the pandemic? | No handshakes or high-fives, one person per golf cart, no sharing of equipment, sanitise hands frequently, avoid touching your face, maintain social distancing, avoid mingling, etc. |
| Are golf courses open during the pandemic? | Some golf courses are open with safety measures in place, while others are closed due to government restrictions. |
Explore related products
![Norton 360 Deluxe 2026 Ready, Antivirus software for 5 Devices with Auto-Renewal – Includes Advanced AI Scam Protection, VPN, Dark Web Monitoring & PC Cloud Backup [Key Card]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71EgtBunTjL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
![Malwarebytes Premium Software | 5 Device 1 Year (Windows, Mac OS, Android, Apple iOS, Chrome) [software_key_card]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71Twsrs0ITL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
- Golf is a non-contact sport, played outdoors, with small groups of people
- Social distancing is crucial while golfing
- Golf courses are implementing safety measures, such as removing rakes and ball washers
- Golfers should carry hand sanitiser and avoid touching their faces
- Golf clubs should prioritise online services and implement contactless catering
Golf is a non-contact sport, played outdoors, with small groups of people
Golf is a non-contact sport, played outdoors, usually with small groups of people. This means that, compared to other sports, it is generally considered safe to play during the pandemic.
Golf courses are open-air spaces, and the sport does not require players to share equipment. However, it is still important to follow safety guidelines to minimise the risk of infection. Social distancing is crucial, and golfers should avoid coming within 6 feet of each other. Golfers should also avoid sharing golf carts, and it is recommended to walk instead.
Golf's three professional bodies—The Professional Golfers' Association (PGA), Golf Club Managers' Association (GCMA), and British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA)—have issued guidance on how to play safely during the pandemic. This includes prioritising online services for entries, bookings, and scoring, and removing rakes and other items that multiple golfers may touch.
It is also important to avoid touching your face, and to sanitise your hands regularly, especially after handling equipment. Golfers should also avoid sharing clubs or balls, and it is recommended to bring your own set of clubs. Additionally, golfers should avoid handshakes and high fives, and instead greet each other with a wave or a smile.
By following these measures, golfers can help to reduce the risk of infection and safely enjoy their sport during the pandemic.
Golfing: An Expensive Hobby or a Smart Investment?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Norton 360 Premium, 2026 Ready Antivirus software for 10 Devices with Auto-Renewal – Includes Advanced AI Scam Protection, VPN, Dark Web Monitoring & PC Cloud Backup [Key Card]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71zyM-0FAQL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
![Trend Micro Titanium Internet Security 2011 - 3 User [Old Version]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71liaAM1neL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
![Bitdefender Internet Security 2012 Value M2 3Pc/2 Years [Old Version]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71Kw+bKkzeL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Social distancing is crucial while golfing
Golf is a controversial sport during the coronavirus pandemic. While it is an individual sport played outdoors, it can still pose a risk if social distancing is not maintained.
Golf courses are sports facilities, and a growing number of states have closed them to avoid crowds. However, golf is considered a safe sport during the pandemic if players follow guidelines and maintain social distancing. Experts agree that golfing has a low risk of COVID-19 transmission among recreational activities because it is played outdoors, is a non-contact sport, and usually involves small groups of people.
To ensure social distancing while golfing, it is recommended to avoid sharing golf carts and maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from other players. Golfers should also avoid handshakes and physical contact, and it is advised to raise cups an inch so golfers don't have to reach into the hole. Additionally, golfers should use hand sanitiser throughout the game, including on their gloves, and avoid renting or sharing equipment. It is also recommended to walk instead of using a cart and to spend as little time as possible in the clubhouse.
Golf courses and clubs have implemented measures to support social distancing, such as removing rakes from bunkers, banning handshakes, and encouraging online services for entries, bookings, and scoring. These precautions aim to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission while allowing golfers to enjoy their sport.
By following these guidelines and maintaining social distancing, golfers can help minimise the risk of COVID-19 transmission and enjoy a safe golfing experience during the pandemic.
Rockwood Park Golf: How Far is Too Far?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Norton Antivirus 2010 1-User [OLD VERSION]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81uyMRbImIL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
![Norton 360 Deluxe 2026 Ready, Antivirus software for 3 Devices with Auto-Renewal – Includes Advanced AI Scam Protection, VPN, Dark Web Monitoring & PC Cloud Backup [Download]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71oWrgFZDbL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Golf courses are implementing safety measures, such as removing rakes and ball washers
Golf courses are implementing a variety of safety measures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission and ensure the health and safety of golfers and staff. One notable measure is the removal of rakes and ball washers from the course. Bunker rakes and ball washers are commonly shared equipment on golf courses, and their removal helps to prevent the spread of the virus through surface contact. Golfers are advised to use their own towels to wipe their golf balls and equipment.
In addition to removing shared equipment, golf courses are also implementing social distancing measures. This includes staggering tee times, with intervals extended to 16 minutes, and limiting the number of golfers per group, typically to two players per group. Golfers are also encouraged to maintain a physical distance of at least 2 meters from staff, other players, and visitors at all times. Golf carts are restricted to single riders unless the players are from the same household.
Some golf courses have implemented additional hygiene and sanitization practices. This includes providing hand sanitiser stations at various points across the course and clubhouse, and encouraging golfers to wash and sanitise their hands before and after play. Golfers are also advised to avoid touching or removing flagsticks and pins, and some courses have raised the cups by an inch to prevent golfers from reaching into the hole.
Furthermore, golf courses are prioritising online services for bookings, scoring, and payments to minimise in-person interactions. Catering services have also been adjusted to reduce physical contact, with increased spacing between seating in clubhouses, the use of disposable plates and cups, and regular cleaning of surfaces. These measures aim to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission and create a safer environment for golfers and staff.
Golf GPS Apps: Legal on the Green?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Norton 360 Premium 2026 Ready, Antivirus software for 10 Devices with Auto-Renewal – Includes Advanced AI Scam Protection, VPN, Dark Web Monitoring & PC Cloud Backup [Download]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71lk4MMsY2L._AC_UL320_.jpg)
![Norton 360 for Gamers 2026 Ready, Multiple layers of protection for up to 3 Devices – Includes Game Optimizer, Gamer tag monitoring, Secure VPN and PC Cloud Backup [Download]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71+kyiAJQ5L._AC_UL320_.jpg)
![Norton 360 Standard 2026 Ready, Antivirus software for 1 Device with Auto-Renewal – Includes Advanced AI Scam Protection, VPN, Dark Web Monitoring & PC Cloud Backup [Download]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71KEmJTcXCL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Golfers should carry hand sanitiser and avoid touching their faces
Golf is a non-contact sport played outdoors, making it a relatively safe activity during the pandemic. However, it is still important to follow safety guidelines to minimise the risk of infection. One of the key recommendations is for golfers to carry hand sanitiser and avoid touching their faces.
Golf courses and clubs have implemented various measures to ensure the safety of their customers and staff. These include removing rakes from bunkers, banning handshakes, and increasing access to hand sanitiser. Golfers are also encouraged to follow these safety protocols to reduce the risk of infection.
Carrying hand sanitiser and using it frequently is an effective way to reduce the spread of the virus. Golfers should sanitise their hands after touching any equipment or surfaces that may be contaminated. This includes sanitising or washing their hands after every hole, as recommended by Golf.com, or at least after every nine holes, as suggested by another source.
Avoiding touching one's face is crucial in preventing the spread of the virus. Golfers should make a conscious effort to refrain from touching their eyes, nose, and mouth during their game. This can be challenging, as we often touch our faces unconsciously. However, being mindful of this behaviour can help reduce the risk of infection.
In addition to carrying hand sanitiser and avoiding face-touching, golfers should also adhere to other safety guidelines. These include maintaining social distancing, avoiding sharing equipment, and following any protocols implemented by the golf course or club. By following these measures, golfers can help ensure that they and those around them remain safe while enjoying the game.
Understanding Golf Showdowns: Rules and Strategies
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Norton 360 for Amazon, Antivirus software for up to 5 Devices, Includes VPN, Dark Web Monitoring, and PC Cloud Backup, Activation Required [Subscription]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/710R2j7jEQL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
![Norton 360 Platinum 2026 Ready, Antivirus software for 20 Devices with Auto-Renewal – 3 Months FREE - Includes Advanced AI Scam Protection, VPN, Dark Web Monitoring & PC Cloud Backup [Download]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71OFYR9xzUL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
![Norton AntiVirus Plus 2026 Ready, Antivirus software for 1 Device with Auto-Renewal – Includes Advanced AI Scam Protection, Password Manager and PC Cloud Backup [Download]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71+FQ-+PUrL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
![Malwarebytes Premium | Amazon Exclusive | 18 Months, 2 Devices | Windows, Mac OS, Android, Apple iOS, Chrome [Online Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ar4vgTBCL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Golf clubs should prioritise online services and implement contactless catering
Golf has been a controversial sport during the coronavirus pandemic. While it is a non-contact sport played outdoors in small groups, the risk of infection increases when people mingle, share golf carts, and get too close to one another. Golf clubs have had to implement extensive safety measures and communicate these to customers and staff to ensure their safety and allay fears.
To reduce the risk of infection, golf clubs should prioritise online services and implement contactless catering. By offering online bookings and payments, golf clubs can minimise person-to-person contact during the check-in process. Golf clubs can also consider providing digital scorecards and leaderboards that golfers can access on their personal devices, reducing the need for shared surfaces and equipment.
Contactless catering options can also help reduce the risk of transmission. Golf clubs can encourage golfers to pre-order food and drinks online before their game, with designated pick-up areas or delivery to specific holes, eliminating the need for crowded dining areas. Golf clubs can also promote the use of cashless payments, reducing the risk of virus transmission through cash handling.
Implementing these measures can help golf clubs ensure the safety of their customers and staff while providing an enjoyable golfing experience. Prioritising online services and contactless catering options can help reduce person-to-person contact, minimise shared surfaces, and lower the risk of coronavirus transmission. By adapting to these new practices, golf clubs can play a crucial role in flattening the curve and slowing the spread of the virus.
Additionally, golf clubs can encourage social distancing by enforcing strict policies on their premises, such as limiting the number of golfers per group and ensuring adequate spacing between groups on the course. Proper signage and floor markings can help guide golfers on maintaining safe distances. Golf clubs should also provide hand sanitising stations at various points, including at the entrance, near high-touch surfaces, and at the exit, to reinforce good hygiene practices.
St Andrews: The Birthplace of Golf?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Golf is a non-contact sport played outdoors, so it is considered a relatively safe activity during the pandemic. However, it is important to follow safety guidelines, including social distancing, sanitization, and avoiding unnecessary touching of surfaces.
Here are some recommended safety measures:
- Use hand sanitizer frequently, especially after touching shared surfaces or equipment.
- Avoid sharing golf equipment, including clubs and golf carts.
- Follow social distancing guidelines and avoid handshakes or high-fives.
- Wear a face covering when indoors or when unable to maintain a safe distance from others.
- Prioritize online services for bookings, scoring, and payments.
- Remove rakes and other frequently touched items from the course.
Yes, many golf courses are taking measures to ensure the safety of their customers and staff. This includes implementing social distancing, enhancing sanitization procedures, and following guidelines provided by golf governing bodies and health authorities.
It is recommended to minimize time spent in indoor spaces, including clubhouses. If using the clubhouse, follow the safety guidelines provided by the facility, such as wearing face coverings, maintaining distance, and adhering to any capacity restrictions. It is also advised to avoid sharing food and drinks, and to use cashless payment methods whenever possible.
