Best practices for golfers during COVID-19

Gov. Sisolak Guidance: Directive 016 – Best Practices for Golf Courses
April 29, 2020

Understanding Governor Sisolak’s Directive as it applies to best practices for Nevada Golf Facilities Directive 016, issued on April 29, 2020, has relaxed some restrictions on leisure activities that had previously been paused. One of those activities in particular, was the shuttering of golf courses and driving ranges. All golf courses and driving ranges can now reopen, both public and private, but they can only do so if they follow and maintain best practices. Below are some general guidelines on what those are and how it applies to these facilities. Please note that these are not entirely exhaustive; they are the minimum mandatory requirements, and golf course should still work with their associations, both locally and nationally, to put additional necessary safeguards in place.

What are the mandatory minimums of safety that golf courses should follow?

Golf Carts and Equipment:

• Only one (1) person per golf cart except for those who reside in the same household.
• Carts must be wiped down with disinfectant spray or wipes BEFORE and AFTER each round. This includes steering wheels, cart seats, arm rests, cart dashes, cup holders, gear shifts and cart keys.
• Pull carts and push carts must also be wiped down with disinfectant BEFORE and AFTER each round.
• Tees, towels, cart coolers, and bottled waters should be removed from carts.
• Sand bottles or scoops should be removed and golf course maintenance staff will need to address filling divots until further notice.

General Operations:

• Bag room areas will be cleaned and disinfected regularly.
•  Pro Shops and clubhouses should be closed and locked. If pro shop is open for check-in there should not be any merchandise sales, and social distancing measures must be observed.
• Only take out food and beverages can be served – no in person dining.
• Players using driving range hitting stations should be at least six (6) feet apart from each other.

Is this all we have to do to reopen?: No, as mentioned before, this list is far from exhaustive. These are the minimum requirements. Every effort should be made by those courses that are reopening to protect both their players and their employees.

When resuming operations, golf facilities still need to operate in a manner that maintains social distancing, limits gatherings of 10 or more, and puts into place as many cleaning measures as possible to limiting the spread of COVID-19.

As a general rule, employees and patrons who aren’t feeling well should stay home. Golf courses should also check in frequently with their associations and the CDC for any updated guidance that is issued.

Golf is a great way to get exercise and can facilitate social distancing if done properly; the ultimate goal is to keep everyone safe while they’re playing and to stop the spread of COIVD-19.