The Coronavirus Pandemic has spread across a large number of countries, with a variety of guidelines having been put in place. In those countries where the population has not been told to fully self-isolate then golf can provide health enhancing physical activity and safe social interaction in a low risk environment.
Any players with any symptoms of COVID-19, should not play.
Any players from a household with someone with any symptoms of COVID-19 should not play,
Any players without symptoms of COVID-19 is currently free to play following these measures, in order to reduce the risk of transferring the virus to others:
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 (2metre rule) on the putting green
Meet on the first tee with modified greetings at a distance
Insist on social distancing (2 metres 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 sanitiser 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!
Of course, for all those who are self-isolating as a result of contact with an infected person or in families who are self-isolating, it would not be appropriate to visit a club and play golf at this time.
Nevertheless, playing shots in your own garden and putting in the living room will encourage people to reduce the sitting time which we know is an independent risk factor and needs addressing.
Message to Golf Clubs and Management
Organise 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 sanitisers 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
Message to Players
Book online so less congregation around the Clubhouse
Change shoes in the car park and avoid the Clubhouse, whenever possible
Meet on the first tee with modified greetings at a distance
Insist on social distancing (2 metres rule) on tees, greens and throughout the rounds
Golf buggies should be used by single individuals and cleaned afterwards
Golfers should only pick their own ball up
Handle your own scorecard only
Leave the flag in place while putting
Sort out the sand in the bunker with clubs or own rake
Do not use air pressure cleaners for cleaning shoes following the round
Hand sanitise on the way round and at the end
Avoid the Clubhouse, whenever possible
Finish and go home!
Message to Policy Makers
Golf is a health enhancing physical activity, especially in the older population
Golf facilities can provide a safe environment for players and staff
For more information in countries not listed above then more information will be available on your government’s own Coronavirus COVID-19 guideline websites.
Thank you to the Senior Public Health Advisors in the UK and Golf & Health Project Director, Dr Roger Hawkes, for their assistance in preparing this guidance.
