resources for GOLF COURSES/FACILITIES and individual golfers

The following guidance for when golf resumes on May 7, 2020 has been established by the Governor’s Administration so that golf can safely resume in Massachusetts. 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 May 25, 2020)

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

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.

Guidelines for Golfers AND COURSES

Security personnel can be delineated by each club (ex. a pro and the head starter) and will be present to enforce social distancing. Staffing must be limited to security and course maintenance/landscaping and the minimum workers necessary to service and clean carts. No other services may be provided.
All staff must wear face coverings while on property.
Course facilities including but not limited to the clubhouse, golf shop, bag room and locker room must remain closed.
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.
No caddies allowed.
Golf carts may be used only if each cart is used by and contains only a single rider, or a group of family members living in the same house. Any carts used must be cleaned and sanitized after each use.
Push carts may be used. Players must either carry their own bag or use a push cart.
All golfers must maintain proper social distancing of at least 6 feet at all times.
Groups of players are restricted to no more than 4 players at one time.
Members-only clubs can allow guests as determined by the security personnel on the golf course.
Private clubs that allow non-members to make reservations can do so at their discretion.
Maintenance personnel are permitted to work on the golf course.
Tee Time Policy must be 15 minutes between groups.
Golfers must stay in their car until 15 minutes before their tee time and must return to their car immediately following play.
Online and remote payment options must be utilized.
All golfers must use their own golf clubs. Sharing golf clubs or rental golf clubs is not allowed.
Flagsticks must remain in the hole. Hole liners must be raised so picking a ball out of the hole doesn’t occur.
Bunker rakes must be removed, and ball washers must be removed or covered.
Practice putting green, driving range, and chipping areas must be closed.
Facilities must have readily accessible hand sanitizer.

CLICK HERE to save an image of these guidelines to your phone.

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	1 Player Per Cart	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	15 Minutes	None	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	Available for Players With Disability or Medical Needs	15 Minutes	Must Be RI Resident	RIGA Details Page
Vermont	1 Player Per Cart	15 Minutes	Must Be VT Resident	VGA Details Page

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