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Updated 6 July - Relevant as of Monday 19 July 2021
– Changes to previous version are in blue This framework forms a part of our ‘Play Safe, Stay Safe’ support and guidance for golfers, clubs and counties. All frameworks can be accessed through our website – click here Any guidance may be re-issued, subject to future announcements of government measures to combat COVID-19. Please refer to the government website for the most up-to-date guidance and laws on COVID-19 related social restrictions: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus.
A FRAMEWORK FOR PLAYING GOLF
Further to the Prime Minister’s announcement on Monday 5 July stating that almost all Coronavirus rules and restrictions would be lifted from Monday 19 July, please find below a detailed breakdown of what this means for golf club operations.
1. Course Set-up On-Course Items • All golf course furniture may be returned for normal use, including the removal of flagsticks, standard hole cups, bunker rakes and ball-washers. • We recommend that clubs provide hand sanitiser stations on the golf course to ensure that golfers can regularly clean their hands. Practice Areas and Lessons • Practice areas, including driving ranges, practice nets and indoor facilities, may operate without any restrictions on the number of users. • We recommend that clubs provide access to hand sanitiser around practice facilities.
2. Before the Round Bookings • The process of providing access to the golf course is at the discretion of individual clubs. • We recommend that clubs consider keeping a form of tee booking or player registration system in place. For a guidance document regarding the benefits and examples of how hybrid tee booking options can be designed and utilised, please click here. • Pro shops, changing facilities and other indoor areas may revert to prepandemic operations. 6 July 2021
3. During the Round General • The government’s removal of rules and guidance around social distancing and congregation numbers mean that there are no restrictions on the golf course with regards to course furniture, sharing equipment, touching golf balls or the size of groups, beyond those set by the club.
4. After the Round Hospitality Areas • Clubhouses and hospitality areas may revert to pre-pandemic operations.
5. Competitions and Rules of Golf Competitions and Scoring • Competition and scoring for handicap functions, including the registration process, handling and submitting of scorecards, and administration may revert to pre-pandemic operations. Rules of Golf and Handicap Provisions • Coronavirus-related changes to the rules of golf and all handicapping provisions that enabled the game to be played competitively during the period in which restrictions have been set are to be removed.
Many Thanks
Simon Lynn
Written by: Simon Lynn
Published by: Greenway Hall