resources for GOLF COURSES/FACILITIES and individual golfers

The following guidance has been established by the Governor’s Administration so that golf could safely resume in Massachusetts on May 7, 2020. The information below serves as the strict baseline for play to resume and further restriction may be considered and implemented by courses as they see fit. During extraordinary times, such as the current global pandemic, we all will be guided in decision making with the information provided by public health and government authorities.

*This page will be updated frequently as we move through the phased approach towards golf being played with minimal restrictions in the future.

(Last Updated July 3, 2020)

QUICKLINKS: GUIDELINES FOR GOLFERS AND COURSES | GUIDANCE FOR RULES OF GOLF AND HANDICAPPING | MASS GOLF EVENTS

PHASE III GUIDELINES FOR GOLF

The Governor’s Administration has provided advanced notice that the golf industry has been included in the formal Phase III Re-Opening plan. The updated guidelines pertaining to golf will go into effect once Phase III begins on Monday, July 6. Please read the full guidelines below.

“These workplace safety standards for Golf Facilities are posted in advance of the Governor’s initiation of Phase 3 to allow Golf Facilities time to prepare to operate in compliance with these mandatory health and safety standards. Golf Facilities may not expand operations beyond what is currently permitted in Phase 2 until specifically authorized to do so in Phase 3 of the Commonwealth’s Workplace Re-Opening Plan. The Governor will initiate Phase 3 of the Re-Opening Plan, which will commence on July 6, by formal Executive Order following a careful review of public health data.”

These Phase 3 standards are issued for golf activities conducted outdoors and the associated facilities (e.g., pro shop, clubhouse). Indoor golf activities such as indoor driving ranges should follow Indoor Recreation guidance, available on the Reopening Plan website.

FULL DETAILS ON UPDATED GOLF GUIDANCE (MASS.GOV)

UPDATED GUIDELINES FOR THE GOLF INDUSTRY IN MASSACHUSETTS BEGINNING IN PHASE III (DISTRIBUTED ON 7/3/20)

Updated Guidance for Golf from the Recreation & Outdoor Business’s Update on Mass.gov: FULL DETAILS ON UPDATED GOLF GUIDANCE

Protocol Summary for Golf Facilities: AVAILABLE HERE
Golf Facilities Checklist: AVAILABLE HERE
Workplace Safety Standards for Golf Facilities: AVAILABLE HERE

Highlights of Phase III Guidance:

New Guidance
- Ensure a sufficient gap between group tee times to allow for social distancing; no minimum
- Caddies and bag handlers are allowed, provided social distancing is maintained, cloth face coverings and gloves are worn, and hand
  sanitizer is used. Encourage caddies and bag handles to wipe down clubs and other equipment after each use
- Tournaments and other events (such as “shotgun style” events) must follow EEA guidance for tournaments, available on the EEA Reopening Site (click here for PDF)
- All shared and rental equipment, such as clubs, must be cleaned and disinfected after each use
- Use single-use scorecards and pencils
- Golfers may remove face coverings where they can easily, continuously, and measurably maintain at least 6 feet of distance from
  players and other persons present; instruct players that they must wear face coverings when they are unable to remain a distance of
  6 feet from others
Carried Over From Phase II
- Require customers to reserve tee times in advance
- Notify golfers that flag sticks must remain in the hole. Hole liners must be raised or otherwise adjusted so that players do not reach
  into the hole to retrieve a ball
- Encourage golfers to walk or use a push cart, but allow golf carts to be used only if each cart is used by and contains only a single
  rider or a group of golfers living in the same house. Golf carts and push carts must be cleaned and sanitized after each use
- Use of driving range, putting green and other practice facilities must follow social distancing protocols and must require use of
  masks or face coverings
Other Guidance
- Restaurants: Must follow the latest restaurant guidance
- Bars: Must remain closed until Phase 4
- Gyms/Locker rooms: Must follow the latest health club and fitness center guidance
- Pro shops: Must follow the latest retail guidance

Updated Guidance for Businesses and Other Entities Providing Outdoor Adult Sports, Supervised Youth Sports Leagues and Summer Sports Camps on Mass.gov: FULL GUIDANCE

fAQ GUIDANCE FROM MASS.GOV WEBSITE

“Golf courses are not essential businesses and cannot have employees working on-premise. Notwithstanding this restriction, essential services, such as groundskeeping to avoid hazardous conditions and security, provided by employees, contractors, or vendors are permitted. Private operator of courses may permit individuals access to the property so long as there are no gatherings of any kind, appropriate social distancing of six feet between individuals is strictly followed, and the business operator and golfers abide by the specific guidelines for golf courses.

Restaurants located on the premises of golf courses may offer no-contact take-out of food to be consumed off premises, but like all other restaurants, they may not allow any form of dine-in or outdoor, on-premises service. Outside seating and tables should be removed from locations near to any take-out service.

Municipalities may decide to open municipal courses under these guidelines, if they so choose.”

For more information please CLICK HERE to visit the Mass.gov website.

GUIDANCE for RULES OF GOLF AND HANDICAPPING

The USGA has provided detailed guidance for golfers and golf courses in relation to the Rules of Handicapping and Rules of Golf during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important to note that during this time, the USGA is temporarily allowing scores to be posted while golf courses make modifications that would not normally comply with Rules of Golf or Rules of Handicapping.

Golfers should post their score immediately following their round either on the GHIN Mobile App on their personal device or on GHIN.com using their personal computer at home. No scores should be posted using a Score Posting Kiosk at a course. If you are in need of your GHIN number, please email Mike Wice (mwice@massgolf.org) or reach out to your home club.

Read the full statement from the USGA by CLICKING HERE.
Read the guidance form the USGA by CLICK HERE.

Mass golf events in 2020

Check for Mass Golf Event Status Updates by CLICKING HERE.

Future Events

Click any of the links below to learn more about Mass Golf events being held this season.

State	Golf Carts	Tee Time Interval	Residence Requirement	Full Details
Connecticut	2 Riders Allowed with Restrictions	At Least 10 Minutes	None	CSGA Details Page
Maine	1 Player Per Cart	12 Minutes	Must Be Maine Resident	MSGA Details Page
Massachusetts	1 Player Per Cart or 2 Family Members Living in Same House	Ensure Sufficient Gap	Travel Restriction in place. Must be from a lower risk state. Full Details	Mass Golf Details Page
New Hampshire	1 Player Per Cart	12 Minutes	Must Be NH Resident or Member of an NH Club	NHGA Details Page
New York	Available For Players With Disability or Medical Needs	N/A	None	NYSGA Details Page
Rhode Island	2 Riders Allowed with Restrictions	15 Minutes	Must Be RI Resident	RIGA Details Page
Vermont	1 Player Per Cart	15 Minutes	Cross State Travel Restrictions	VGA Details Page

SOCIAL MEDIA
For the latest updates on all Mass Golf events, visit MassGolf.org or follow Mass Golf on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @PlayMassGolf.