[ad_1]
Golf is one of the more traditional activities of the sport, but as courses in England prepare for resumption, it will return as a somewhat different game, albeit perhaps better coordinated and with potential to grow in popularity.
Governing bodies worked closely together to formulate protocols to make golf safe amid coronavirus restrictions, and insiders appreciate the government’s relaxation of the restrictions, especially after one of the wettest winters in the registration caused the general closure of the courses.
For many areas of the golf industry, problems persist. While recreational gaming is reviving, overhead needs to be met with limited revenue streams, and professional golf still faces an uncertain future.
But golf is a game that lends itself to social distancing and this means that amateur hackers can re-familiarize themselves with their clubs and courses as early as this Wednesday, though not in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland where different restrictions.
Here’s how golf will be different as the battle against Covid-19 continues:
There are not four friendly balls
For now, the traditional friendly fourball is a thing of the past. Government rules say that the exercise can only be done with members of the same household or with another person from a different household. For golf, this means playing alone or with another person or within your family group.
Most venues will insist that tee times be reserved in advance and players should arrive shortly before starting, and depart as soon as rounds are completed.
Clubs will encourage social play rather than stroke play competition, and the usual practice of exchanging score cards is not allowed.
Do not touch the flag
When the 2019 updated version of the rules was released, steps were taken so that golfers could play with the flag still in the hole.
This was introduced to help speed up the game, but is now an essential component of the game.
No one should touch the flagpole to help prevent transmission of the virus. Putting in an empty mug is no longer an option.
Soft sand with your feet
Rakes located to smooth the tracks in the bunkers pose another risk and will be removed from the runs.
Players will be responsible for smoothing the sand with their feet, but some clubs will also allow the ball to be placed on a better lie to eliminate the injustice of landing on someone else’s nine-size dents.
The ball will not fall
The eternal problem for all golfers is that the ball refuses to fall into the hole.
This now becomes the absolute norm, even for the best putts, because courses will need to use hole-filling devices (such as a piece of foam) that prevent punctured putts from falling below the surface of the putting green.
This makes it easier to lift the ball without touching any other surface.
Your ball will get dirty
That is a fact of life in these times.
Ball washers, generally located next to exit locations, should be removed from use. The same applies to the benches and seats spread across the courses, which are now becoming an off-limits form.
And, traditionalists look the other way, changing in the parking lot is fine.
Many golf clubs are offended by the idea that a player would change his shoes anywhere other than in the locker room. But these facilities, including clubhouses, will remain closed even when courses are open.
That means shifting to your spikes in the parking lot is not only fine, but actively encouraged.
Greens staff must be kept safe
Keeping the greens staff safe and healthy is vital.
All greenkeepers must work within social distancing protocols, and many clubs are dividing teams into groups to try to ensure that a Covid-19 outbreak does not affect all green staff.
The laying surfaces must be cut regularly, otherwise they will be lost forever. Some course managers and staff are being trained on how to operate the mowers in case maintenance personnel become infected.
There is a coordinated approach.
The current emergency has sparked an unprecedented gathering of golf authorities.
Organizations such as the Association of Professional Golfers, England Golf, R&A, the Association of Golf Course Managers and the body representing British and international environmentalists have come together to advance the cause of golf.
Uniform security measures have been removed by these entities.
“The important thing is that they are working remarkably together,” said a club manager. “The level of communication has been very good.
“I wonder if this could be a great opportunity for golf because there are so many other things you can’t do in society yet.”
Golf finances continue to be affected
Although golfers will return to play, the economic challenges remain.
With clubhouses and professional stores closed, additional sources of income will be reduced. Clubs will give priority to their members and the number of starting slot machines will be limited by smaller playgroups and spaced tee times.
Clubs will need employees to prepare courses to play, but with limited income in return.
Some pay and play facilities may see an increase in interest, with golf being one of the few sports that can be played right now.
When will we see professionals in action?
The Korean LPGA resumes behind closed doors this week. Three of the top 10 players in the women’s world rankings – Sung Hyun Park, Sei Young Kim, and Jeongeun Lee6 – are slated to compete in the KLPGA Championship at Lakewood Country Club in Yangju.
On Sunday, Rory McIlroy partners with Dustin Johnson against Rickie Fowler and Matthew Wolff in a televised charity game at Seminole in Florida.
The PGA Tour will resume in Texas on June 11, with at least the first four events to be played without spectators. The European tour hopes to resume later in the summer.
There are strong rumors that the British Masters will start a week ahead of schedule on July 23 and will mark the start of four consecutive tournaments to be held in Britain.
Save a thought for Llanymynech Golf Club
Can it be played on the course where Masters winner Ian Woosnam learned the game?
It is located between Welshpool and Oswestry, on the border between Wales and England.
The fourth green is in England, as is the fifth and sixth holes, but the rest of the course is in Wales, where golf is still prohibited.
Club officials await guidance.
