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 November 5, 2020)

UPDATED STATEWIDE FACE-COVERING MANDATE

(Updated on the Mass.gov website 11/5/20; Effective on 11/6/20)

The Governor’s Administration updated the state’s golf facility guidelines on the Mass.gov website at 8:00 PM ET on Thursday, November 5. It has been confirmed that face-coverings are required by anyone at the facility, even while playing.

Face Coverings Required While Practicing and Playing

“Require face coverings for all customers and workers, except where an individual is unable to wear a face covering due to a medical condition or disability.”

FULL DETAILS ON UPDATED FACE-COVERING MANDATE (MASS.GOV)

Early Closure Guidance

“In accordance with the COVID-19 Order No. 53, Requiring Early Closing for Certain Businesses and Activities Golf Facilities must close to the public by 9:30 pm and may not re-open to the public before 5:00 am the following day (“mandatory closing period”). During this daily mandatory closing period, Golf Facilities must not admit any customers, patrons, or members of the public. Golf Facilities may permit employees to stay on premises during the mandatory closing period.”

GOVERNOR’S ADMINISTRATION PRESS RELEASE FROM NOVEMBER 2

Highlights of updated Phase III Guidance:

Guidance that has been removed. Effective 10/5/20
- REMOVED: 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
  - It is at the discretion of the golf facility whether or not they would like to use hole liners.
  - It is at the discretion of the golf facility whether or not they will allow flag sticks to be removed.
  - NOTE: Please ask the golf facility prior to your round whether or not you can remove the flag stick from the hole.
- REMOVED: 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.
  - It is at the discretion of the golf facility whether or not they would like to allow use of double rider golf carts by individuals not living in the same household.
  - NOTE: Please ask the golf facility prior to your round whether or not they are allowing double rider golf carts to be used by individuals not living in the same household.
Continued 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
- Encourage golfers to walk or use a push cart. Golf carts and push carts must be cleaned and sanitized 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
- Require customers to reserve tee times in advance
- 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

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

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.