UPDATED GUIDELINES FOR THE GOLF INDUSTRY IN MASSACHUSETTS BEGINNING IN PHASE II (DISTRIBUTED ON 6/3/20)

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

Golf Facilities Checklist: AVAILABLE HERE

Highlights:

• Clubhouse, pro shop, and other common areas will reopen
• Require at least 12 minutes between group tee times
• Driving Ranges and Practice Areas
• Use of driving range, putting green and other practice facilities must follow social distancing protocols and must require use of masks or face coverings
• Modify driving range hitting areas to ensure a minimum 6-feet of separation between players
• Hole liners must be raised or otherwise adjusted so that players do not reach into the hole to retrieve a ball
• Pro shops: must follow sector-specific standards for retail stores (click here)
• Restaurants: follow Phase 2 sector-specific standards (click here)

UPDATED GUIDELINE FOR ADA GOLF CART USAGE (as of 5/10/20)

Updated Guideline for ADA Cart Usage from the Non-Essential Business FAQ Update on Mass.gov :

No golf carts allowed, except as outlined below:

• The use of a motorized cart may be permitted for any individual with a disability who is seeking a reasonable accommodation to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A golfer who wants to use a cart should provide documentation or otherwise certify in writing to the golf course that he or she has a disability that requires the use of the cart.
• Any carts used must be cleaned and sanitized after each use. The course operator may not use non-essential employees to handle the renting and/or cleaning of the carts. Only security and groundskeeping personnel are permitted on the premises.

GOLF GUIDELINES FOR SAFE PLAY IN MASSACHUSETTS DURING COVID-19 ERA (as of 5/7/20)

Non-Essential Business FAQ Update from Mass.gov 

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.

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

Guidelines:

• Security personnel can be delineated by each club (ex. A pro and the head starter) and will be present to enforce social distancing. There can be no other employees working at the recreational component of the golf operation.
• All staff must wear face coverings while on property.
• Course facilities including but not limited to the clubhouse, golf shop, restaurant, bag room and locker room must remain closed.
• No caddies allowed. 
• No golf carts allowed.
• 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.