After receiving numerous complaints, pleas, and even petitions to reopen the golf courses here in Massachusetts amid this Coronavirus pandemic, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker today made the call to immediately reopen golf courses throughout the state. Golf courses are still considered "non-essential" businesses by the state, however the state is allowing employees that conduct essential services to the course such as grounds-keeping, to be able to work at the courses. Mass Golf and the state came together to work on guidelines to make the reopening possible. There will be safety guidelines and precautions for both the courses as well as the players to follow.
Guidelines for Individual Players Include:
- Golf carts and caddies are prohibited
- Push carts may be used. Players must either carry their own bag or use a push cart.
- All golfers must maintain proper social distancing of at least 6 feet at all times.
- Groups of players are restricted to no more than 4 players at one time.
- Tee Time Policy must be 15 minutes between groups.
- Golfers must stay in their car until 15 minutes before their tee time and must return to their car immediately following play.
- All golfers must use their own golf clubs. Sharing golf clubs or rental golf clubs is not allowed.
Guidelines for the Golf Courses:
- Course facilities including but not limited to the clubhouse, golf shop, restaurant, bag room and locker room must remain closed.
- Personnel will be present to enforce social distancing. No other employees will be allowed to work at the recreational component of the golf operation.
- All staff must wear face coverings while on property.
- Members-only clubs can allow guests as determined by the security personnel on the golf course.
- Private clubs that allow non-members to make reservations can do so at their discretion.
- Maintenance personnel are permitted to work on the golf course.
- Online and remote payment options must be utilized.
- Flagsticks must remain in the hole. Hole liners must be raised so picking a ball out of the hole doesn’t occur.
- Bunker rakes must be removed, and ball washers must be removed or covered.
- Practice putting green, driving range, and chipping areas must be closed.
- Facilities must have readily accessible hand sanitizer.
Most are happy in the state that golf courses are open today period but some are not happy about the guidelines and take aim with the way the courses are open. As part of the guidelines, no carts, caddies, or driving ranges are allowed. Some take the belief that it's all or nothing, are you one of those people? We also ask this question...vote in our poll:
-Producer Lightning