Jackson Reid
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many states in the US closed golf courses as part of their response to the crisis. However, some states allowed golf courses to remain open, including South Carolina, Connecticut, and Florida. In these states, golf courses implemented new safety measures to protect players and staff, such as social distancing, limiting the use of carts, and restricting access to clubhouses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| States that allowed golf during the pandemic | Delaware, Florida, Massachusetts, Washington |
| States that did not allow golf during the pandemic | Pennsylvania, New Jersey |
| General safety measures | Social distancing, wearing masks, using hand sanitizers, avoiding touching surfaces, avoiding large gatherings, no caddies, no golf carts, online payments |
| Golf-specific safety measures | No raking bunkers, no washing balls on the course, no removing flags, changing shoes before entering the course |
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What You'll Learn
Golf courses in Pennsylvania and New Jersey closed during the pandemic
Golf courses in Pennsylvania and New Jersey were closed in March 2020 when the states declared a shutdown of all non-essential businesses amid the coronavirus pandemic. Despite state orders, some golfers were seen playing rounds on local courses.
In response to the shutdown, a coalition of golfing organizations petitioned Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy to allow their courses to reopen. The governors denied these requests, and golf industry associations did not plan to fight these rulings. Mark Peterson, executive director for the Golf Association of Philadelphia, stated:
> "We're looking forward to the day we can reopen our courses. But for now, we all need to make sure we stay safe for ourselves, our family, and for the people who are maintaining the golf courses during this pandemic."
Golf courses in both states eventually reopened, with Pennsylvania lifting restrictions on May 1, 2020. However, golf courses across the United States faced closures and restrictions during the pandemic, with varying policies depending on the state and local authorities.
While golf is considered a low-risk sport in terms of COVID-19 transmission due to its outdoor nature and limited group size, precautions and strict guidelines have been implemented at golf courses to ensure safety. These include social distancing, the use of masks and sanitizers, and avoiding touching surfaces. Some courses have also removed rakes from bunkers, with golfers advised to use their shoes or purchase mini rakes.
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Delaware allowed golf with social distancing
During the pandemic, Delaware was the only state in its area where golf courses remained open, but with restrictions. Golfers were required to adhere to social distancing guidelines and safety precautions. Under a recent directive, anyone entering Delaware from another state had to self-quarantine for 14 days, so only Delaware residents were allowed to play golf in the state.
Golf is considered a low-risk sport in the context of the coronavirus. As a result, golf courses around the world began to reopen with strict precautionary measures and guidelines in place.
In Delaware, golf courses implemented social distancing rules and safety precautions to ensure the safety of their patrons and staff. These measures included encouraging online bookings and familiarization with COVID-19 protocols before arriving at the course. Golfers were advised to bring masks, hand sanitizers, antibacterial wet wipes, and sprays. They were also instructed to change into their golf shoes before entering the course and avoid touching any surfaces.
In addition to these measures, golf courses in Delaware likely followed general pandemic guidelines on the course. For example, golfers were advised to take the tee box one by one and wait until the golfer in front of them had stepped off due to the limited space around the tee boxes and greens, even though fairways provided ample space for social distancing.
The ability to play golf during the pandemic provided a sense of normalcy for many people, and the sport's compatibility with social distancing guidelines made it a popular choice for outdoor recreation.
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Massachusetts reopened golf courses with restrictions
During the COVID-19 pandemic, golf courses around the world started reopening with strict precautionary measures and guidelines. In the United States, some states allowed golf courses to reopen as part of the first phase of reopening after coronavirus lockdowns.
In Massachusetts, golf courses were allowed to reopen with a set of restrictions in place. Governor Charlie Baker announced that golf courses could reopen under specific guidelines. These included avoiding large gatherings, following social distancing protocols, and requiring online and remote payment options. Golfers were not permitted to use golf carts, bunker rakes, or caddies. Driving ranges and chipping areas were to remain closed, and hand sanitizer had to be readily available.
The decision to reopen golf courses in Massachusetts was made in collaboration with neighboring states, ensuring consistent safety measures across the region. The state's golf courses were among the last in the country to reopen after being closed due to the pandemic.
It is important to note that each golf club may have its own specific pandemic regulations in addition to the state-issued guidelines. Golfers are advised to familiarize themselves with the safety protocols before visiting a course, including the requirement to wear masks, use hand sanitizers, and maintain social distancing.
While golf is considered a low-risk sport in terms of virus transmission due to its outdoor nature and limited group size, it is still crucial for golfers to adhere to the established protocols to ensure their safety and that of others.
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Florida golf courses remained open during the pandemic
Golf is considered a low-risk sport when it comes to COVID-19. However, during the pandemic, many states closed golf courses as non-essential businesses. This included Pennsylvania and New Jersey, where some golfers continued to play despite the closures.
In Florida, golf courses remained open during the pandemic. Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a "stay at home" order effective April 3, 2020, but after the North Florida Section of the PGA of America sought a clarification, golf was deemed an "essential activity." Courses were allowed to stay open as long as federal social distancing guidelines were followed. The Villages, a senior community in Florida, kept its 12 championship courses, 41 nine-hole executive courses, an 18-hole walking-only pitch-and-putt course, and an 18-hole walking-only grass putting course open for residents, many of whom are regular golfers.
Other states that allowed golf courses to remain open during the pandemic include Ohio, Delaware, and Massachusetts. These states implemented various restrictions, such as social distancing, online payment options, and the removal of bunker rakes.
Golf courses in Triad, North Carolina, also remained open during the pandemic, with courses adopting practices to limit community spread, such as sanitizing golf carts and encouraging golfers not to touch flagsticks or bunker rakes.
While golf courses implemented safety measures, some golfers struggled to follow the rules. At Reynolds Park Golf Course in Greensboro, golfers were encouraged to ride separately in carts, but many continued to ride two to a cart.
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Golf is considered a low-risk sport during the pandemic
Golf is considered a low-risk sport during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the nature of the game, which allows for social distancing and is played outdoors. The general advice is to take the tee box one by one and wait until the golfer in front has moved off. Golf courses around the world started reopening with strict guidelines, including social distancing, enhanced hygiene standards, and the removal of potential touchpoints. For example, drinking stations have been removed, and food and beverage services are limited to outdoor seating or takeout only.
In the United States, the decision to reopen golf courses during the pandemic has varied by state and local regulations. Some states, like Pennsylvania and New Jersey, ordered the closure of golf courses along with other non-essential businesses. However, golfers in these states have been known to defy state orders and play anyway. On the other hand, states like Massachusetts and Delaware allowed golf courses to remain open with restrictions, including social distancing guidelines and the prohibition of large gatherings.
To ensure the safety of golfers and staff, golf clubs have implemented their own pandemic regulations in addition to state-issued guidelines. These regulations include requiring online bookings and payments, encouraging golfers to come prepared with masks, hand sanitizers, and their own golf balls and tees to minimize contact with shared surfaces and other people. While golfing is considered low risk, it is important to follow the recommended safety protocols to minimize the chances of virus transmission.
The continuous growth in the number of people interested in learning golf during the pandemic has resulted in some public golf courses being completely booked. Golf provides an opportunity for people to experience a sense of normalcy during these challenging times. However, with COVID-19 cases spiking in some states, golfers are advised to stay informed about the latest guidelines and restrictions in their local areas and to adhere to the protocols to ensure their safety and that of others.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, some states allowed golf during the pandemic. These included South Carolina, Connecticut, and Florida.
Yes, many courses implemented new safety measures and restrictions. These included social distancing, limiting the use of carts, and following specific club and facility requests.
No, there were varying degrees of closures and restrictions across the country. States like New York, Nevada, and Texas closed their golf courses.
Golf courses were considered non-essential businesses in many areas, and closures were implemented to limit the spread of the virus.
Yes, the pandemic caused a sharp decline in visitors to golf courses and associated centers, affecting tourism-related services. However, as regulations eased, golf became a preferred activity due to its natural social distancing benefits.
