08/04/2020
COVID-19: 5 TIPS ON HOW TO STAY SAFE AT THE GOLF COURSE.
During this period, the average avid golfer is torn between 2 worries: boredom at home, and fear of the virus outside. In such a scenario it could be quite confusing whether to play or not.
So whether you're hitting the range or playing a few holes, here are five tips to keep you safe, if you decide to play.
1. NO MORE HANDSHAKES
It’s customary at the end of a round of golf to shake hands with your playing partners and, in some cases, even share a hug. For the foreseeable future, that’s a complete ‘no no’. Instead, just give an appreciative nod and a smile and, if you really must go further, try an ‘elbow bump’ or tap clubs instead.
2. PUTT WITH THE PIN IN
On January 1 last year, the R&A and USGA changed their rules to make it permissible to putt with the flagstick in. Under Rule 13.2a(2), “There will no longer be a penalty if a ball played from the putting green hits a flagstick left in the hole.” Plenty of players at all levels of the game have already adopted this practice. Now, it’s time for everybody to do so.
3. HANDLE ONLY YOUR OWN GEAR
No more picking up your playing partners’ ball or markers. Forget carrying their clubs or sharing tees. So long as you only handle your own equipment, you will be significantly reducing the chance of transferring germs. And as for random balls you might find whilst looking for your own in the rough, leave them where they are. You don’t know where they’ve been or who’s been handling them.
4. AVOID THE CLUBHOUSE & BAR
There's currently an ongoing Government lockdown in the state. This prevents gatherings at public places including bars, restaurants and clubs for the time being. As a result, it is in your best interests to forego that victory beer. Try to limit the amount of time you spend in the clubhouse, even changing your shoes in the car park, if need be. Some people won’t like that, but too bad – we’re dealing with unprecedented times and, sadly, ‘proper etiquette’ will need to adapt to these extenuating circumstances.
5. KEEP YOUR DISTANCE
It is recommended that people try to stay a minimum of six feet from one another in order to restrict the spread of the virus. So, stand on the other side of the tee box when your playing partner is teeing off, keep a healthy distance when you’re walking down the fairway and, whatever you do, forget about hiring a buggy.
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