Here are the latest recommendations in an ever-changing landscape
Thousands of golf courses in the U.S. have suspended play as COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) continues to spread across the nation. But many health officials believe golf can be played during this difficult time – as long as precautions are taken. The Golf & Health Project, which is supported by the World Golf Foundation, has listed the following guidelines for golfers who have not been required to self-isolate and plan to tee up.
- Book online, so reducing contacts in and around the Clubhouse
- Change shoes in the car park and avoid the Clubhouse, or changing areas, whenever possible
- Use social distancing (2 metre rule - 6 feet rule) on the putting green
- Meet on the first tee with modified greetings at a distance
- Insist on social distancing (2 metres rule - 6 feet rule) on tees, greens and throughout the rounds
- Golf buggies should only be used by single individuals and cleaned afterwards
- Golfers should only pick their own ball up
- Handle your own scorecard only
- Do not use public drinking fonts and ball cleaners, bring own refreshments, towels and ball cleaners if needed.
- Leave the flag in place while putting
- Sort out the sand in the bunker with a club (or your own rake!)
- Do not use airlines for cleaning shoes or equipment following the round
- Players should use hand sanitizer on the way round and at the end
- No handshakes on 18th green (do not hand over money either??)
- Avoid the Clubhouse, whenever possible
- Finish and go home!
The project also has the following recommendations for golf clubs and management:
- Organize online booking to reduce congregation around the Clubhouse
- Allow shoes to be changed in the car park
- Follow general hygiene advice and e.g. make hand sanitizers available in the clubhouse
- Golf buggies should be used by single individuals and cleaned afterwards
- Take drinking fonts and ball cleaners out of play.
- Close air pressure cleaners for cleaning shoes following the round
Here you can find more information about the Golf & Health Project, which aims to study golf and provide information about the benefits of the game.