Golf bodies come together for some Corona-virus do’s and don’ts

By Rahul Banerji

Restrictions are in place across almost every golf course, as much in India as around the world in the wake of the ever-growing spread of COVID-19, the Corona-virus.

Not only has competition at all levels been halted, but even casual players have had to severely curtail their routines and plans to cater for the widening fallout as the pandemic grips the planet.

Reacting to the situation, the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA, as opposed to the PGA TOUR), Golf Club Managers’ Association and the British and International Golf Greenkeepers’ Association have issued guidelines on how clubs can continue to allow golfers to play, even while observing some simple guidelines.

Meanwhile, since the last post, the course at the Hindan Sports Complex on the IAF base near Ghaziabad has been completely shut till March 31, a notification from the secretary said.

But back to the main point of order:

In the advisory, https://www.pga.info/media/2639/coronavirus-guidance-v2.pdf , the three organisations, supported by the R&A, have put up a list of dos and don’ts for clubs and players.

‘Wide circulation’

“They (the guidelines) are being circulated to… the wider golf club community in response to the escalation of the emergency,” the post said.

“The current restrictions do not prevent golf competitions or casual games taking place, but all golfers should follow some simple steps to maintain the low risk of infection. These measures should be agreed by the golf club following current health advice guidelines.

“Once agreed, these should be communicated to members and presented to the wider audience via the website, potential booking platforms and social media.

“Whilst ‘business’ as usual’ may not be the case, the game can undoubtedly send out a positive message that it offers one of the safest ways to take exercise and interact socially with minimal personal contact… ,” it added.

Below are some best practice ideas that other governing bodies or golf clubs are beginning to adopt.

Prior to the game

• Players with any colds or coughs or any symptoms of COVID19 should be asked not to play.

• Locker rooms should be closed to avoid players being near each other.

• Putting green closure should be considered for larger events.

• Golf buggies should be taken out of use or used by single individuals and cleaned afterwards

Advice for golfers on the course

• Insist on social distancing (2 metres rule) on tees, greens and throughout the rounds

• Always leave the flag in the hole. Ask golfers to carefully remove their golf ball from the hole, not with a golf club.

• No divot bags to be provided.

• Airlines for cleaning shoes following the round should be shut off.

• Golfers should only pick their own ball up

• Do not share any equipment, such as golf clubs or rangefinders

• Don’t shake hands before or after your game

• Have hand sanitisers available as golfers leave the golf course

After the game

• Handling of scorecards is a vulnerability, especially for those tasked with checking cards. Arrange for this to be done online where possible

• Adjust your catering provision to reduce physical contact through greater space between seating in the clubhouse if possible

• Use disposable plates and cups, have hand washing facilities available on every table

• Hand sanitisers should be made available throughout the clubhouse.

• Regular changing of towels in bathrooms (advice recommends every hour) would be required and regular cleaning of surfaces including door handles.

The three professional associations continue to be in constant dialogue and will each and collectively continue to issue advice practicable to their Members as this fluid situation develops.

A website resource is being developed and updated regularly. Golf clubs and golfers should go to www.pga.info/covid-19-resource-hub.

Also read: Corona-virus forces Hero Indian Open postponement