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By: Brian Neufeld, GolfTourney.com Contributor
As the calendar flips to May, many golf courses are opening back up, and some lucky few never even closed. Most courses have adopted new procedures for handling business. Many pro shops have closed and are checking golfers in outdoors, and most bars and dining areas are closed off to members. Despite these changes, there are still risks involved with going out and today we will look at ways golfers can take additional measures to not endanger themselves and others.
The best way to stay safe at the golf course is to avoid contact with anything or anybody. Try to stay out of the buildings, avoiding doors and frequently touched surfaces. While not necessary on the course during play, wearing a mask while talking to pro shop staff, bartenders, or other golfers before or after your round is advised.
Most courses are limiting carts to one person and disinfecting between uses, but walking remains the safest way to play. Courses are mostly understaffed so saving them some cart clean up can go a long way. While playing on course, giving yourself a two-putt after hitting the green and skipping the putts is your best bet. A number of courses have implemented measures to make play on the greens safer like stoppers to keep your ball from falling all the way to the bottom of the cup to entirely removing cups and just having a flagstick for a target. Flagsticks are probably the most touched item during a round and avoiding contact with them is in everyone’s best interest.
These recommendations hold true after your round as well. Skip drinks in the bar and try to limit grouping up on the property with your playing partners. Any bets can be settled electronically to avoid swapping cash between players. Trash talking can be settled electronically just as easily. Storing your clubs at the course is discouraged as well, and taking them home is recommended. If you read our golf club care blog you’ll know not to leave them in your truck and take them inside.
Most of these are common sense, but it is important to be cognizant of the number of surfaces we come in contact with even at places such as golf courses. High-fiving your playing partner might be frowned upon in the current times but there’s still plenty of enjoyment to be found on the links. Keep these tips in mind as you head out to your next tee time and stay safe out there.
About the Author: Brian Neufeld
Brian Neufeld’s background includes more than 15 years of experience in golf course management, specializing in agronomy. Brian uses his knowledge of the game and best practices in turf sustention to create informative pieces for GolfTourney.com’s readers.
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