Jackson Reid
Golf is considered a low-risk sport when it comes to the coronavirus, and golf courses around the world started reopening with measures of precaution and strict guidelines. However, during the peak of the pandemic, many countries ordered the closure of golf courses. For instance, Golf Australia recommended that all golf courses in the country be closed until further notice, and the UK government also ordered the closure of golf clubs and golf courses in England. Nevertheless, as countries began to ease restrictions, some golfers were eager to return to the greens, but with safety measures in place. Golf clubs implemented various COVID-19 protocols, including the use of masks, hand sanitizers, and social distancing. Golf's professional bodies also issued new guidance on safe playing during the pandemic, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing online services and contactless payments. So, while golfing during the coronavirus pandemic is possible with precautions, it is essential to follow the latest guidelines and restrictions in your area to ensure safety for yourself and others.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Risk level | Low-risk |
| Precautions | Social distancing, hand sanitizers, anti-bacterial wet wipes, sprays, face masks, avoiding touching surfaces, flagsticks, rakes, carts, scorecards, and golf equipment |
| Regulations | Each golf club has its own pandemic regulations in addition to state-issued ones |
| Professional bodies' recommendations | The Professional Golfers' Association (PGA), Golf Club Managers' Association (GCMA), and British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) have issued new guidance on playing safely |
| Closure | Some countries like Australia recommended closing golf courses during the lockdown |
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What You'll Learn
Golf course safety measures
Golf is considered a low-risk sport when it comes to the coronavirus. However, golf courses have implemented safety measures in addition to state-issued regulations to ensure the health and safety of golfers, staff, and the community. Here are some general safety measures to expect before and during your visit to a golf course:
Before Your Visit
- Familiarize yourself with the golf course's COVID-19 protocols and guidelines.
- Make online bookings or use email or telephone for reservations and inquiries.
- Prepare masks, hand sanitizers, antibacterial wet wipes, and sprays.
During Your Visit
- Maintain physical distancing (2-meter distance) from staff, players, and visitors.
- Avoid touching surfaces, flagpoles, flagsticks, balls, and tees. If you do, use hand sanitizer afterward.
- Wash and dry your hands before and after playing.
- Bring your own golf equipment, including tees and balls, to avoid sharing with others.
- Follow guidelines for catering and dining, such as outdoor seating, takeout options, and limited menus.
In addition to these measures, golf courses have implemented staggered tee times, limited staff presence, contact tracing systems, and strict hygiene and sanitization practices. Golf tournaments and competitions are restricted or held without spectators to maintain social distancing.
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Precautions to take
Golf is considered a low-risk sport when it comes to the coronavirus, and golf courses have implemented precaution measures and strict guidelines. However, it is still important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you. Here are some detailed, direct, and instructive precautions to take if you plan on golfing during the coronavirus pandemic:
- Familiarize yourself with the safety measurements and regulations of the golf club you plan to visit. Each club has its own set of coronavirus pandemic regulations in addition to state-issued ones. Make sure you are aware of these before arriving at the golf course.
- Practice social distancing. While fairways typically provide ample space to maintain a safe distance from others, be cautious in areas like tee boxes and greens, which may be more limiting. When using the tee box, take turns and maintain a six-foot distance. When putting, wait for the golfer in front of you to move away from the hole before you approach. Remember to keep your distance from your golfing buddies as well.
- Avoid touching surfaces as much as possible. If you do touch any surfaces, such as flagpoles, balls, or tees, apply hand sanitizer immediately afterward.
- Bring your own golf equipment and avoid sharing with others. This includes tees, balls, and golf clubs.
- Avoid borrowing or lending golf equipment from other players, as this increases the risk of potential exposure to the coronavirus.
- Prioritize online services for bookings, scoring, and payments. Many golf clubs now offer online booking systems and contactless payment methods to reduce physical contact.
- Follow the guidelines for food and beverage services. Most golf courses limit dining to outdoor seating or takeout options. Bring your own water and snacks to reduce the need for frequent purchases.
- If you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, such as a cold, cough, or fever, refrain from golfing and follow the appropriate self-isolation protocols.
- Follow the guidelines and recommendations provided by golf's professional bodies, such as The Professional Golfers' Association (PGA), Golf Club Managers' Association (GCMA), and British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA). These organizations have issued guidance to help golfers and golf operators conduct games safely during the pandemic.
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Golfing with friends
Golf is considered a low-risk sport for coronavirus transmission, and golf courses have implemented strict guidelines and precautions to minimise the risk. These guidelines vary depending on the location and the golf club, so it is crucial to familiarise yourself with the specific regulations of the golf club you plan to visit. Some common measures include prioritising online services for bookings and payments, encouraging contactless interactions, and following hygiene protocols such as providing hand sanitising stations.
When golfing with friends, it is important to maintain social distancing as much as possible. This includes taking the tee box one by one and waiting until the golfer in front has moved on. It is also recommended to avoid touching surfaces, such as flagpoles, and to bring your own golf equipment to reduce the risk of exposure. If you need to borrow equipment, sanitise it before and after use.
Additionally, it is advised to avoid sharing golf balls or tossing them to your friends. Instead, use your own balls, and if you need to retrieve a ball from the hole, use a tool or pick it up before it drops. It is also recommended to bring your own food and beverages, as catering services may be limited or restricted to outdoor seating only.
By following these precautions and the specific regulations of the golf club, golfing with friends during the coronavirus pandemic can be a safe and enjoyable activity.
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Food and beverage services
During the pandemic, all food and beverage services should be suspended, except for pick-up or delivery. Golf clubs should encourage social distancing and discourage any large gatherings of people. This means that indoor dining areas, such as clubhouses, should be closed to the public, with only takeaway meals available. Golf clubs should also regularly sanitise washrooms in the clubhouse, with only one individual allowed to enter at a time.
Golf clubs should also encourage staff to bring their own food and drink for their breaks, which should be stored safely and separately. Staff should also be encouraged to wash their hands regularly and use hand sanitiser.
Golf clubs can also adjust their catering provisions to reduce physical contact by increasing space between seating in the clubhouse, using disposable plates and cups, and providing handwashing facilities on every table.
Golfers should be encouraged to avoid any cash transactions, instead using digital payment methods. Golfers should also be discouraged from touching anything unnecessarily and should wash their hands regularly, especially after touching surfaces.
These measures aim to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission while still allowing golf clubs to provide food and beverage services to their patrons.
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Golfing equipment
Golf is considered a low-risk sport in terms of the coronavirus, and golf courses around the world have reopened with strict guidelines and measures in place. However, it is important to follow general coronavirus safety measures and recommendations provided by golf clubs and governing bodies.
When preparing to go golfing, it is essential to bring the right equipment to ensure a safe experience. Firstly, golf clubs are a necessity, and each golfer is allowed to carry up to 14 clubs. It is important to choose the right set of clubs that suit your game and goals. In addition to clubs, golfers should bring their own golf balls, tees, and towels to wipe their balls. It is recommended to avoid borrowing or sharing equipment with others to minimise the risk of potential exposure to the coronavirus.
Hand sanitiser is also crucial golfing equipment during the pandemic. Golfers should apply hand sanitiser frequently, especially after touching any surfaces or objects such as flagpoles, balls, or tees. Bringing your own hand sanitiser ensures easy access whenever needed. Additionally, consider packing antibacterial wet wipes and sprays for extra protection.
While some golf courses may provide disposable face masks, it is advisable to bring your own mask to ensure a comfortable fit and adequate protection. Face masks should be worn as per the guidelines and recommendations of the golf club and local regulations.
Lastly, it is important to bring your own water and refreshments, as beverage carts may not be available on the course. Packing a small cooler with water and your favourite drinks can enhance your golfing experience and ensure hydration throughout the game.
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Frequently asked questions
Golf is considered a low-risk sport when it comes to the coronavirus, and golf courses around the globe started reopening with measures of precaution and strict guidelines. However, it is important to follow the general coronavirus pandemic measures and the specific regulations of the golf club.
The general advice is to take the tee box one by one and wait until the golfer in front of you has stepped off. When putting, each player continues until they have holed out. Touching and moving the flagstick is not allowed. Applying hand sanitizer after each interaction or after touching an object’s surface (flagpole, ball, tee) is also recommended.
Here are some things you should never do:
- Reach into the golf hole to retrieve your ball. Either leave it there or pick it up before it drops.
- Toss your partner their ball.
- Borrow tees and balls from a playing partner as that increases the risk of being potentially exposed to the coronavirus.
Before leaving your home, make sure that you have familiarized yourself with the COVID-19 protocols and prepared the necessary items such as masks, hand sanitizers, wet wipes, and sprays. Change into your golf shoes before entering the course and try to avoid touching any surfaces.
