OVERVIEW
As part of an industry-wide collaboration to lead the responsible return of golf in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, the game’s allied organizations have established “Back2Golf,” a plan outlining operational guidelines for the golf’s 16,000-plus golf facilities which adhere to nationally established protocols and best practices.
Three-Phased Approach
Gatherings of no more than 10 people
Strict social distancing
Walking the course or single-cart riders
Restricted golf course set-up
Clubhouses, golf shops and other amenities
Gatherings of no more than 50 people
Social distancing maintained
Normal groups of golfers may play together
Restricted golf course set-up maintained
Clubhouse operations are limited
Restrictions on leagues, events and youth activities
Unrestricted gatherings
Comprehensive sanitation procedures
Normal golf operations
Normal golf course maintenance
Full Clubhouse operations and events
Unrestricted leagues and youth activities
We have developed the Back2Golf Social Distancing Guidelines in poster formats that can be printed out and used at facilities to help inform members and guests along with staff. These can be displayed in the golf shop, locker room, first tee, clubhouse, golf car sign or wherever appropriate at the facility. We hope these will be helpful to you as we work together to get people back on the golf course in a responsible and healthy way. Reminder to always follow your state, county and local health authorities for updates to your local mandates.
The guidelines emphasize social distancing and other preventative measures in alignment with the plan established by the Federal Government and CDC. Golf is a terrific recreational outlet that offers a number of physical and mental health benefits. – Dr. Bradley Connor, Weill Cornell Medical College and New York Presbyterian Hospital-Cornell
Back2Golf Guidelines
Phase 1
Restricted
VULNERABLE INDIVIDUALS should continue to shelter in place. Members of households with vulnerable residents should be aware that by returning to work or other environments where distancing is not practical, they could carry the virus back home. Precautions should be taken to isolate from vulnerable residents.
All individuals, WHEN PLAYING GOLF, should maximize physical distance from others. Social settings of more than 10 people, where appropriate physical distancing may not be practical, should be avoided unless precautionary measures are observed.
Avoid SOCIALIZING in groups more than 10 people in circumstances that do not readily allow for appropriate physical distancing (e.g., golf leagues, golf events, club meetings).
Phase 2
Restricted
VULNERABLE INDIVIDUALS should continue to shelter in place. Members of households with vulnerable residents should be aware that by returning to work or other environments where distancing is not practical, they could carry the virus back home. Precautions should be taken to isolate from vulnerable residents.
All individuals, WHEN PLAYING GOLF, should maximize physical distance from others. Social settings of more than 50 people, where appropriate physical distancing may not be practical, should be avoided unless precautionary measures are observed.
Phase 3
The New Normal
VULNERABLE INDIVIDUALS can resume public interactions, but should practice physical distancing, minimizing exposure to social settings where distancing may not be practical, unless precautionary measures are observed.
LOW-RISK POPULATIONS should consider minimizing time spent in crowded environments.
All GOLF OPERATIONS may resume as normal including UNRESTRICTED STAFFING of worksites.