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Golf’s return to the fairways on May 18 will be no-frills, with all beginner play limited to members, one, two, or three, but not four-ball, and courses limited to a maximum capacity of 55% anytime. , which is equivalent to a maximum of 60 players in the course.
The protocols, issued by the Irish Golf Union and the Irish Ladies Golf Union, relate only to clubs in the Republic of Ireland. For clubs in Northern Ireland, the roadmap to a future return, yet to be determined, will depend on a time frame that ties in with the decision-making of the Northern Ireland Assembly.
As anticipated, only members within 5 km of your affiliated golf club will be able to play in phase one of the reduction of government restrictions, but all game initially in clubs will only be informal and social in nature with no competition allowed. A smooth return to competition will be allowed in the second phase on June 8, at which time the travel limit will be extended to 20 km, while members will also be able to bring guests at that time.
The two unions have issued strict guidelines to clubs to facilitate the return of golf with the expectation that “golf demand may be high” and noting that “full compliance with current measures is essential.”
The joint GUI / ILGU statement to clubs in the Republic anticipates that demand will be high and that clubs should consider a number of coping strategies, including the possibility of limiting play to nine holes or, in some cases, put a limit (example given is three times a week) for members to play.
There is also a warning from the governing bodies that a reintroduction of blocking measures could apply if golfers do not comply with the protocols. “Members must be aware that these restrictions will not last forever, but must live within them and be patient while they are in place. . . This will be a gradual process and will depend on golf clubs and golfers observing this protocol. “
All tee times must be booked through the online reservation and, in addition, clubs are required to ensure presence on the field so that physical distance measurements are observed. With clubs closed and professional stores only open to facilitate club recovery from locker rooms, protocols request golfers:
- Do not touch the flag or flagpole
- Rakes are not in use, and players must smooth bunkers using their feet or a stick
- Rental cars must be disinfected before use.
- Carts are not allowed, with the exception of a group of golfers where the caddies are from the same home.
In phase one, daily hours are restricted to a minimum of 10, 12, or 14 minute intervals, and clubs can only select one for each day. So if clubs choose 10-minute intervals, play is restricted to one player per start. If clubs choose 12-minute intervals, they can play up to two players per start time. If clubs choose 14-minute intervals, they can play up to three players per start time.
Although many of the protocols are aimed at clubs, it is the player’s responsibility to follow strict instructions, including:
- If you are sick or have any symptoms, stay home
- Under no circumstances should you arrive at the club without booking in advance.
- Make sure you have a sufficient number of golf balls, markers, shirts, etc. to avoid having to exchange equipment with others and wash your hands and golf equipment before leaving home.
- Try to get to the clubhouse 15 minutes before playing and travel to the field on your own or with only members of your household.
- There are no restrictions for players over 70 or for youth, however youth must only play in their own family groups and include at least one adult.
The game in phase one will only feature informal golf, with closed club competitions allowed in phase two on June 8, while phase three on June 29 will see clubs authorized to hold open competitions. At this point, four balls will be allowed, instead of one, two or three balls.
The initial return to play phase will be no-frills golf, with players being asked to change into golf shoes in their cars and arrive at the tee box no earlier than five minutes before tee time. Club facilities, including restaurants, may reopen on June 29, while bars may reopen in phase five on August 10.
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