Coronavirus FAQs on the return of golf

Last updated:  Thursday 10 September (update on government ‘rule of six’ and effect on golf groupings, gatherings in clubhouse and society golf)  

England Golf has fielded a large number of calls, emails and messages via social media about the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on golf.

Our staff have been working hard to reply to each individual and club query and we thank you all for turning to us for advice and support in these unprecedented times. We appreciate your patience while we dealt with your questions.

Given the volume of enquiries, we felt it would be useful to compile a series of FAQs complete with answers, guidance and signposting to other relevant authorities. These are published below.

PLAYING THE GAME:

Q – What is the permitted format for groupings on golf’s return from 13 May?

A – Individual golfers or two-balls, three-balls or four-balls with players from same or different household

Q – What is the maximum group size permitted to gather?

A – Social gatherings of more than six people are illegal in England from Monday 14 September 2020. This applies both indoor and outdoor with a limited number of exceptions. Groups of six people may be made up of individuals from different household, both indoor and outdoor. Golf clubhouses are able to accommodate multiple social groups each containing up to six people, but these must not merge to form larger groups.

Q – Can over 70s play golf?

A – This decision is down to the individual golfer. The advice for clinically vulnerable groups remains the same. If you are in this group you are advised to stay at home as much as possible and, if you do go out, take particular care to minimise contact with others outside your household. 

If you are living in a household with a possible COVID-19 infection or if you are classified as extremely vulnerable on health grounds, the guidance is that you should remain at and exercise at home.

Q – How many rounds can an individual play in a week?

A – Under the unlimited exercise guidance from government, there is no ceiling on how many rounds an individual can play while following all the rules. 

Golf clubs may, however, in the interests of fairness, choose to limit the number of rounds an individual may play in a week. 

Q – Do golfers need to nominate designated individuals from outside their household to play golf with or can they play with different people each time they tee up?

A – Golfers may choose a different playing partner or partners every time they tee it up. Social distancing rules must be observed at all times and golfers should be mindful of the increased risk by widening the scope of their social contacts.

Three and fourball groupings involving golfers from different households and with social distancing taking place have been permitted since Monday June 1.

Q – What is the current advice for juniors playing the game at a time of restricted play?

A – We have developed safeguarding procedures for children and vulnerable adults during Covid 19, especially during the early phases, where social distancing will be heavily enforced.

Q – Can clubs run competitions?

A – Clubs may choose to run club and open competitions provided all social distancing and safety rules are strictly observed.

If competitive stroke play is played, a method of scoring needs to be used that does not require the exchanging of scorecards. Find the full guidance document here.

Q – Can society bookings still be taken by clubs?

A – Society bookings can still be taken and can still go ahead. However, both clubs/ facilities and society members must ensure that congregations are avoided and that no groupings larger than six are formed at any time from Monday 14 September.

Q- What rules are in place to deal with fixed flagsticks and play from bunkers that are not being raked?

A- During the period of COVID-19 restrictions, CONGU has provided clarity on the rules for the purposes of handicap qualifying competitions and supplementary scores. Find the details here

Q – How can foursomes golf be played safely?

A- Should you wish to play foursomes golf the following is recommended:

• Each partner should use their own golf ball, which is only handled by that player. For example the player teeing off from hole 1 is the only one that touches the ball from teeing off through to completion of the hole. The partner teeing off from hole 2 does likewise with their ball. Under the Rules of Golf a partner is permitted to drop the side’s ball in taking relief even if it is not his/her turn to play the next shot. It is also permissible to drop another ball when taking relief.
• When marking and replacing the ball on the putting green this should be conducted by the partner the ball belongs to. Under this situation (or any other where the ball must be replaced) the original ball must be used and must not be substituted by another ball.

Q – What happens to my handicap if I can’t supply three scores?

A – As England Golf are moving to the World Handicap System in November the requirement for 3 scores per year has been removed.

This will no longer be part of the new system moving forward, so please be assured that your handicap will remain active if you retain club membership and will be transferred into the New World Handicap System from November.

Q – What is the advice on the use of artificial fairway mats over the winter months?

A-  Golfers should avoid the sharing of fairway mats. Clubs may consider giving a mat to each member for individual use and offering mats to visitors which can then be sanitised on return. In social golf, clubs may wish to consider allowing the ball to be moved from fairway to the nearest area of semi-rough.

Q – Is insurance cover provided by England Golf to members of affiliated golf clubs valid?

A – As long as golf courses are legally open for play then current insurance cover remains valid.

Q – Following the return of club competitions, is it possible for Pro-Am events to take place?

A – For now, no. The PGA website contains guidance on professional events re-starting and an update on Pro-Ams.

Q – Is there any advice for blind golfers on the return to play?

A – Yes – the RNIB has published guidance on this subject which can be found here

PRACTICE FACILITIES/EQUIPMENT HIRE:

Q – Can outdoor practice areas, nets and putting greens remain open?

A – It is recommended practice areas, including practice nets, are closed unless safe sanitising practices can be guaranteed.

Clubs/facilities should consider procedures for the putting green to make it easy for social distancing rules to be followed. (i.e giving priority of use to the player/s in the next group due to tee off.)

Q – Can all driving ranges reopen?

A – After consultation with government on this matter it is not possible to provide a definitive answer. The variable nature of range construction and outdoor and indoor elements of their use means there cannot be a blanket response to this question.

Driving ranges contain a number of hard surfaces and remain a high risk area for the spread of COVID-19.

If you are considering opening your driving range, you should carry out a comprehensive risk assessment considering current government advice. You may also want to check specific queries with Environment Health and Trading Standards in your local area.

Full government guidance on opening outdoor facilities can be found here

Q – Can buggies and trollies be used?

A – It is a decision for facility managers whether or not they hire out equipment. Where they are hired, individuals can use trollies. These should not be shared.

Individuals or members of the same household/bubble can use buggies. Facilities should follow sensible precautions and clean equipment after every use