Golf Ireland welcomes the Government’s decision today that golf courses can reopen from Tuesday next 1st December. This decision means that golf can resume subject to strict health protection protocols.
Golf Ireland CEO Mark Kennelly said: “The golf community is pleased that courses can reopen from Tuesday next. Golfers welcome the opportunity to resume play on a responsible and safe basis, as they did during the May to October period
Following the Irish Government’s announcement in relation to Level 3 restrictions due to COVID-19, golf clubs and golfers must adhere to the following:
- Golf courses can reopen from Tuesday 1st December, however golfers must not travel outside their county of residence to play golf. This also means that golfers in counties either side of the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland must adhere to the restrictions that apply in both jurisdictions. Further guidance for golfers and golf clubs is contained in the General Guidance document attached.
- From December 18th to January 6th golfers can travel to another county to play as restrictions are eased over the Christmas period.
- There should continue to be no organised social gatherings, of any size, at the facility. All golf activities should be organised on the basis of arrival-play-depart without delay. Shotgun starts are not compatible with this guidance as they create large gatherings.
- All retail, including pro shops, can reopen while adhering to strict physical distancing and hygiene guidelines (please consult www.gov.ie for details).
- Daily timesheets are restricted to 10 minute intervals and up to 4 golfers may play per start time.
- Tee times are booked in advance online or over the telephone. Clubs must ensure that players names (including members’ guests) are recorded on timesheets and timesheets must be kept for a period of at least 6 weeks to assist with contact tracing should the need arise.
- Golf activities at club level may be resumed, including those which are acceptable for handicapping purposes where such conditions can be met under the World Handicapping System. All participants must abide by the domestic travel restrictions at Level 3 (see first two points above).
In addition, golf clubs and golfers are asked to ensure the following:
- Members, visitors and staff with colds or any symptoms of COVID-19 must stay away from the golf course/clubhouse.
- Physical distancing rules are observed by all members and their guests at all times in the car park, clubhouse and on the course.Personnel are on hand to monitor adherence with physical distancing rules and the rules for golfers set out in this document.
- Those aged 70 years and over and the medically vulnerable should exercise judgement regarding the extent to which they engage with others and in activities outside home.
- Players are instructed not to touch the flag or flagstick.
- Rakes are removed from the course. Players are requested to smooth bunkers using their feet or a club. (See Appendix 2 as previously published for measures which can be taken in qualifying situations)
- Hire trolleys (electric and pull trolleys) must be sanitised prior to each use.
- Caddies are not permitted (exception: where the group of golfers and the caddies are from the same household).
Holes have been adapted to ensure ball is easily removed without touching flag or flagstick and rakes have been removed from bunkers.
Do not share or exchange equipment, food or drink.
Avoid slow play. It is imperative that each group maintains its position on the course to ensure no contact with other groups.
The Clubhouse including toilets and locker-rooms will remain closed to prevent risk of cross contamination. If necessary retrieve your clubs, shoes and other equipment from the locker room prior to play. The toilets will be open from mid June on.
After your round leave the course promptly. Do not store your equipment in the locker room.
Familiarise yourself with this Protocol and the underlying health guidance by regularly checking www.golfnet.ie
Our club has signed up to the protocols to enable us resume play, and we fully expect all members to fully adhere to them. In addition, Club Committee members will be monitoring play on the 1st tee/course and also the timesheet to ensure adherence. We do not want to risk the re introduction of restrictions which could see golf clubs closed again if the protocol is not followed.
We would stress again that play is restricted to paid up members and their guests..
Management Committee Kilkee Golf Club
28 Nov 2020