BY AAGD STAFF

April 25, 2020 — According to the belief of many medical experts, one of the safest activities that you can participate in during the COVID-19 pandemic is golf, as long as you take proper precautions.   Staying safe while playing golf involves social distancing with other golfers while at the course and among your group. 

Another precaution while playing is not sharing a golf cart, that is unless it is with an immediate family member you live with.  Another precaution is to not shake hands, and not engage in ‘high fives’, or ‘fist bumps’ —because you do not want to physically touch another individual since the coronavirus can live on both skin and clothing.  Perhaps the most shattering of the cautionary practices is no socializing at the clubhouse following your round.  

Many countries around the world have been impacted by the Coronavirus and the pandemic is continuing to spread.  However, there are still many countries where the population has not been told to fully self-isolate, and for them, golf is still a viable, low-risk activity safe for social interaction. 

Below are measures that can be taken to play safe during COVID-19:

Any players with any symptoms of COVID-19, should not play.

Any players from a household with someone with any symptoms of COVID-19 should not play,

Any players without symptoms of COVID-19 is currently free to play following these measures, in order to reduce the risk of transferring the virus to others:

• Book online, so reducing contacts in and around the Clubhouse
• Change shoes in the car park and avoid the Clubhouse, or changing areas, whenever possible
• Use social distancing (6-foot rule) on the putting green
• Meet on the first tee with modified greetings at a distance
• Insist on social distancing (6-foot rule) on tees, greens and throughout the rounds
• Golf carts should only be used by single individuals and cleaned afterward
• Golfers should only pick their own ball up
• Golfers should handle their own scorecard only
• Do not use public drinking fountains and ball cleaners, bring own refreshments, towels, and ball cleaners if needed.
• Leave the flag in place while putting, do not touch or pull it out of the hole
• Sort out the sand in the bunker with a club, your foot, (or with your own rake!)
• Do not use course machines for cleaning shoes or equipment following the round
• Players should use hand sanitizer at the start and finish of the round
• No handshakes, ‘fist bumps’ or ‘high five’s, on 18th green (do not hand over/exchange money, as paper carries germs)
• Avoid visiting the Clubhouse, whenever possible
• Finish up your round and go home!
• Remember to wipe down your golf clubs, bag, and shoes before you take them into your home or garage

If you are self-isolating as a result of being in contact with an infected person, or you are living with a family who is self-isolating, it would not be wise to visit a golf course and play at this time.  However, you may consider hitting or putting balls in your own backyard or in another area of your home.

RELATED: COVID-19 Resources Updated Daily at NBC Sports’ Digital Golf Businesses

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Up to date information can be received from:

World Health Organization, Rolling updates on coronavirus disease (COVID-19) – who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/events-as-they-happen

US ADVICE:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html