By Rahul Banerji
With the extended Covid-19 lockdown nearing its end, golf clubs and courses around the country are gearing up to play safe and hygienic hosts for their returning players.
The latest guidelines from the home ministry released just a while ago suggest that this will be sooner rather than later.
A growing number of clubs have begun to issue advisories for members and intending golfers advising them of the new normal that will come into effect once restrictions are lifted.
The Qutab Golf Course here in Delhi and the KGA in Bangalore are among the first to have posted guidelines for a post-corona scenario. Jaypee Greens and Jaypee Wishtown too are ready to open at a day’s notice.
However, as is the case with the other 230-odd courses around India, the final decision will be based on a nod from respective local or state authorities.
By and large, these rules follow the pattern set by the R&A in its advisory of early April, modified for local conditions. Most of them are actually restrictions that will be in place to minimise interaction for a safe reopening.
Among the key takeaways from a quick look at the new rules is the reduced number of rounds that will be on offer on a daily basis to ensure best new practices. Another is the need to pre-book tee times.
Consequently, for a significant number of establishments, there will be – at least to start with – a bar on walk-in rounds, that are for many the cash cow of the business.
Outlined are the salient points of the new QGC rules, which by and large are a reflection of what other courses around the country will adopt as and when they re-open.
Rules For Golfers
* Compulsory face mask Mask is mandatory to be worn by the golfer from entry to exit of the course. Mouth and nose is required to be covered properly.
* Pocket size hand sanitizer While playing golf, there are chances that a golfer may touch an infected area unknowingly. Thus a golfer must sanitise the clubs, bag, ball, ball marker etc as frequently as possible. Carry an extra hand towel as well.
* Sunglasses It is recommended to wear sunglasses not only to protect your eyes from the sun but also as a precautionary measure from possible covid- 19 particles
* One golfer per cart In order to maintain social distancing, only one golfer will be permitted per cart. No sharing is permitted.
* Putting will be done with the cup inverted. This will result in the ball resting in the cup at the level of the surface of the green and ease in retrieving the ball with minimum contact. No player is permitted to touch the flag stick. Putting to be done with the flag stick in the hole strictly
* Gap between tee offs There will be a mandatory gap of 10 minutes between two tee offs to assist in maintaining safe distance.
* Raking of bunkers All bunker rakes will be removed. Players to level the bunker with their shoes/clubs. Ball will then be dropped/placed to the nearest point from where it was picked up before levelling.
* Distance between players We strongly recommend that there should be a minimum of two metre distance between players and shaking of hands is not permitted.
* In order to check the temperature of golfers before start of the game, the starter will check the body temp of the golfer and record it in the register.
This is mandatory in the interest of the golfer and the golfing fraternity at large and only golfers within the permissible limits will be permitted to play. Members are requested to cooperate.
The guidelines add:
“On line booking It is compulsory for golfers with playing rights as well as pay and play golfers to book online for the playing slot. No walk in golfers, whether members or non members will be permitted to play unless they have booked online.
“Number of slots will reduce due to increase in gap of tee off timings. In case it is observed that there is an unexpected rush, management may restrict bookings with playing rights to a maximum of two bookings per week
“Booking will be checked at the entrance gate and only golfers who have booked on line will be permitted to enter the club premises 15 minutes before tee off time. Golfer whose name is not in the booking list will not be permitted to enter the course.
“Golfers are requested to cooperate and not get into any argument/altercation with the staff.”
Role of caddies
“Caddies will only carry the bag of the golfer in addition to repairing the pitch marks and divots. He shall not touch any equipment in the bag.
“Clubs /balls/markers /umbrellas etc will be handled by the golfer only including taking out and keeping back the material in the bag.
Caddie will only carry the bag up to the ball and then move away till the golfer takes the shot. He shall not clean the ball/clubs or handle them.
“No mulligan/re shot/ practice shot will be permitted anywhere on the course.
“No sharing of equipment will be permitted between players.
“In case the ball of golfers playing different holes is in common rough area, the golfer whose ball is in the forward hole will have the privilege to take the shot first. There should be a min 2 mtr distance between the 2 golfers.
“Golfers are requested to leave the golf premises immediately after the game. They should avoid socialising on the course.”
Actions By The Golf Course
* Only caddies with mask and gloves will be permitted. Each caddie will be checked with the thermal device for his body temperature. Only caddie with temperature within permissible limits will be permitted.
* Caddie master to ensure proper social distancing by caddies in the caddie hut area. He shall also brief the caddies every day regarding the new rules and their conduct.
* Minimum gap of 10 minutes between tee offs will be ensured by the starters. No golfer without online booking will be allowed to play irrespective of the traffic on the course.
* Change rooms will be open with only following conditions :– lockers – closed; Steam/Sauna – closed; Showers – closed; Handwash/ toilets – open.
* No change of dress/shoes will be permitted in the change rooms.
* Housekeeping to ensure that the club house is sanitised every day.
* Pro shop will be open during the play timings. Not more than two golfers are permitted in the pro shop at a time.
Also read: UK golf courses re-open on Wednesday; India must not fall too far behind
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