Q: How do I interpret the
government guidelines
that have been issued?
These guidelines are framed up as “Guidance on Health and Safety for the Golf Course Sector during COVID-19” in the government document. As such, these are guidelines and best practices and while there is room for some interpretation, the underlying principles of practicing social distancing (staying 2 metres away from others), proper hand hygiene, keeping surfaces and objects clean, and preventing contact with potentially infected people are what is critical for all facilities to focus on. The rest of the government document is laid out as Best Practices and options for your protection and should be followed wherever possible. These government documents are linked here:
In addition, Ontario's We Are Golf has also issued a similar set of protocols. While the government document should be considered the default document, the Ontario We are Golf Document is supplemental and provides some good guidance as well.
In the end, every facility is slightly different, and the goal for everyone should be to put health and safety first in everything that you do and make choices that ensure your golfers and your staff can operate in a safe environment. Better safe than sorry is probably the way to approach any challenging decisions you face.
Q: What are the recommended
Flagstick/Cup
rules?
The guidance is to ensure that processes are in place to eliminate the need for players to contact the pin or cup. Given this, the flagstick should stay in place at all times and additional measures should be put in place to ensure that players do not need to contact the pin or cup.
As reference, the
government guidance
is as follows: “
To eliminate transmission via surfaces such as flag poles and cups, leave the flag in place and elevate the cup at each hole so that the ball does not drop into the hole. Play is concluded when the ball makes contact with the cup.
1”
While this calls out raising the cup, the footnote references the Saskatchewan document which says “
Flags must remain in place and measures must be taken to prevent the ball from dropping in the hole, eliminating the need for players to contact the pin or cup. This may include such measures as leveling the cup, elevating the cup or installing a touch-free ball removal mechanism
”.
Q: What are the recommended
Cart
rules?
The
government guidance
calls for courses to “
Limit golf cart use to one cart per golfer’
. This is smart guidance and virtually all clubs that we have spoken with are mandating this.
**NOTE: We have reached out to the Ontario government today for clarification, but as of right now we are unable to confirm if the only exception to this is if 2 golfers from the same household (with photo ID proof) arrive together, they then may ride in the same cart; which is the case in most other provinces.
Q: What are the recommended
Tee Time
rules?
The
government guidance
states that you should ‘Stagger tee times to avoid congestion’. This leaves the decision for intervals in the hands of the golf course operator. It is suggested to increase your tee time intervals vs. your normal spacing to ensure the rules of social distancing are easily followed, or to include “starter tee times” throughout the day to relieve pressure on the first tee. The key here is to not allow golfers to congregate on the first tee, or anywhere else on the course. The other recommended guideline here is limit how early a golfer may arrive before their tee time.
Q: Can the
Range and Practice Facilities
Open?
Yes, they can. On both the range and practice facilities, procedures must be in place to avoid congestion and to ensure that all players and staff can remain at least 2 metres away from one another.
“Close putting green or place alignment sticks, or stakes on the putting green as targets, and/or turn the cups upside down and leave in the hole. Remove all flags and institute a “bring your own practice balls policy.” Limit the use of the putting green if open to 4 people maximum, this may need to be reduced depending on size of the area or can be increased as well”
For additional reference, here are the ClubLink SOP rules:
Practice Facilities (Member Clubs)
- Practice facilities (driving range, putting green and short game areas) are open to golfers with booked tee times 20 minutes prior to their tee time.
- Driving Range:
- Driving range stations will be spread out at least 4 meters apart with distinct separation between stations.
- All non-essential items such as bag stands or den caddies shall be removed.
- Golf balls shall be stacked in pyramids to minimize touch points.
- All range-balls shall be cleaned, with water and soap, after every pick-up prior to making them available for golfers.
- Putting Green/Short Game:
- Golfers must use their own golf balls.
- Pins shall be modified with a nail or spike. No holes shall be cut in putting green.
- All bunker rakes shall be removed.
Q: Can
club storage
be offered?
While there is no specific recommendation from the government around club storage, we believe the best practice here is to NOT allow for club storage at this time
. This increases potential touch points dramatically, and should be avoided.
Q: Can
club rentals
be offered?
While there is no specific recommendation from the government around club rentals, we believe the best practice here is to NOT allow for club rentals at this time
. This increases potential touch points dramatically, and should be avoided.
Q: Am I allowed to offer ‘
Beverage Cart’
service
Again, while there is no specific recommendation from the government around beverage cart, any sit down food and beverage service is prohibited. If beverage cart service is provided, this service must be provided to avoid unnecessary gathering, and the facility must ensure that the staff member is safe, willing and continuing to adhere to social distancing practices.
As noted above, here is the government document specifically geared to restaurant and food service:
Restaurants
.
We will continue to send you updates if more information becomes available. Thank you and do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
Respectfully,
