Golf clubs REMOVE RAKES and BAN FLAG CONTACT to combat coronavirus
Golf clubs around the country are doing all they can to limit the spread of coronavirus on course, as golfers look to stay busy during the isolation period.
With the UK government advising the public to limit social contact, golfers are still hopeful that their local courses will stay open and golf clubs around the country are doing all they can to limit physical contact and keep the course as hygenic as possible.
UK chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance recently told the public they can still continue to play golf during the coronavirus outbreak but only if they "keep a distance" and many golf clubs have closed their clubhouses to limit social contact around the course.
Golf clubs are doing as much as they can to make sure golfers don't come into contact with COVID-19 out on the course, by putting temporary rules and measurements in place, such as banning players from touching the flags and suggesting using your gloved hand when taking your ball out the hole.
The grounds team at St Annes Old Links came up with an excellent temporary concept where they have turned the hole cups upsdie down, raising the level of the cup and making it easier to pick your ball out the hole.
Superb idea from Greg and the team @stannesgreens as we strive to give as few contact points as possible whilst out on the golf course#safe #healthy #playgolf pic.twitter.com/5sOQ58lmPb
— Dan Webster (@DanWebsterGolf) March 17, 2020
Most clubs have also removed rakes from the bunkers and asked that you smooth them out using your feet.
Farleigh Golf Club in Surrey recently sent out an email to its members with an update on the current rules and regulations on the course and in the clubhouse.
The email read:
Dear Member,
In addition to the email you received yesterday, we have further evaluated our internal operations and would like to bring your attention to the following:
- Whilst this is inconvenient from a playability perspective, all bunker rakes will be removed from the golf course by the end of this week. Please do what you can to smooth the bunker after play using youor club or shoe.
- Please avoid using the ball washers on the golf course.
- All doors to toilets and locker rooms have been propped open to limit direct contact.
- Check in from the car park. Simply give the golf shop a call from the car par park so we know that you're here. No need to come into the clubhouse.
- Takeaway packed lunches, sandwiches and drinks are available.
The health and safety of our staff, members and guests remains our utmost priority. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and any further advice from the government and Public Health England. We will also continue to monitor and upgrade our internal policies to maintain a safe environment for all to enjoy.
