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 April 27, 2021)

MASSACHUSETTS WILL RELAX FACE COVERINGS ORDER AND REMOVE GOLF FACILITY GUIDELINES

(Updated on the Mass.gov website 4/27/21; Effective on 4/30/21)

On Friday, April 30th, Massachusetts will permanently eliminate golf specific guidance and the Face Coverings Order will be relaxed for some outdoor settings, inclusive of golf activity.

To view the full press release on the Mass.gov website, CLICK HERE

There will no longer be specific “golf facility guidelines” that need to be followed. All courses, clubs, and golf facilities can implement any additional safety measures as they see fit.

• Face coverings will still be required at all times in indoor public places, with exceptions in the sector-specific rules (e.g., eating, in your own office).
• Face coverings will be required outside in public when it is not possible to socially distance, and at other times required by sector-specific guidance (e.g., at events or gatherings).
  • Masks will not be required out on the golf course or in practice areas (ranges, chipping, and putting areas) if social distancing can be maintained.

Other aspects of golf facility operations including clubhouse activities should be addressed through those sector-specific guidelines (i.e. restaurants, gyms, functions/gatherings, retail, etc.)

Phase 1 Guidance to be removed on April 30th:

• Industries with no previous capacity limits will follow general business guidance
• All others will follow sectors not otherwise addressed
• Phase 1 Industry Guidance to be removed:
  • Golf Facilities

  Please continue to check back frequently for any updates by the Governor’s Administration.

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  AMGO CREATES SUMMARY OF FREQUENTLY ASKED GUIDELINE QUESTIONS

  (Last Updated: March 1, 2021)

  The information in the link below was sourced from the Mass.gov website and presented in summary form by the Alliance of Massachusetts Golf Organizations (AMGO). The Governor’s Administration is responsible for the creation and updating of all guidelines and regulations. Please note that these guidelines and regulations can and will change. This document will be updated accordingly.

  Summary FAQ  *Statewide Golf Guidelines Removed on 4/30/21*

   

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  STATE moves to PHASE THREE, STEP two on march 1; phase four begins march 22

  (Updated on the Mass.gov website 2/25/21; Effective on 3/1/21)

  The Governor’s Administration Announced announced that Massachusetts would advance to Step 2 of Phase III of the state’s reopening plan on Monday, March 1, and also announced its plan to transition to Step 1 of Phase IV on Monday, March 22. To view the press release on the Mass.gov website, CLICK HERE

  “With public health metrics continuing to trend in a positive direction, including drops in average daily COVID cases and hospitalizations, and vaccination rates continuing to increase, the Administration is taking steps to continue to reopen the Commonwealth’s economy.”

  *Below are the areas in which the Massachusetts golf community will need to make adjustments to comply with state guidelines and restrictions.

  Phase Three, Step 2

  Beginning March 1, all communities will move back to Phase III, Step 2 of Massachusetts’ re-opening plan, including the following restrictions:

  • Indoor theaters and performance venues and higher contact indoor recreation businesses will be allowed to reopen at 50% capacity with no more than 500 persons
  • Restaurants will no longer have a percent capacity limit and will be permitted to host musical performances; six-foot social distancing, limits of six people per table and 90-minute limits remain in place

  NOTE: Indoor simulators/ranges are allowed to remain open but must comply with the golf facility capacity guidelines of 50%.

  Increased Capacity at Golf Facilities
  In all communities, capacity will be raised from 40% to 50% for golf facilities.
  NOTE: This capacity adjustment is for the indoor areas of a golf facility and not for the outdoor areas of a golf facility.

  Phase Four, Step 1

  Beginning March 22, provided public health metrics continue to improve, all communities in Massachusetts will move into Step 1 of Phase IV of the state’s reopening plan, with the following restrictions:

  • Outdoor gatherings at event venues will be limited to no more than 100 people indoors and 150 people outdoors
  • Dance floors will be permitted at weddings and other events only
  • Overnight summer camps will be allowed to operate this coming summer.

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  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.