Version – 1
Information correct as of 3rd June 2020

A Guide to Golf during COVID-19

Safe every step of the way
1) Course Access
2) Booking & Arrival
3) Check-in & Pro Shop Protocol
4) Clubhouse Facilities
5) To the First Tee
6) On the Course
7) Getting Home Safely

We believe allowing golfers to enjoy a game in a safe environment provides the mental and physical health benefits to improve the wellbeing of members, guests, and visitors.

This practical guide, prepared by our team in consultation with industry and medical experts, outlines the robust, monitored measures Alnmouth Golf Club has taken to safeguard our staff and customers during the COVID-19 pandemic. For golfers, the measures cover each step of the journey from home to 1st tee and back home again.

Our measures and procedures are under constant review, updated as advice from government, health authorities and governing bodies evolves in line with the gradual lifting of social restrictions.

Course Access
To access the course, a player must:
• Not have been out of the country for over 14 days
• Not be in self-isolation and not required to cocoon
• Not be displaying COVID-19 symptoms
• Have a pre-reserved tee time
The club reserves the right to check the temperature of any player before allowing access to the facility.

Booking & Arrival
• Booking a tee time in advance is compulsory – via website, app, or phone and both players names must be provided.
• When restrictions are eased, visitors will be encouraged to book and pre-pay online
• We require all players to provide a phone number and email address to enable contact tracing
• All golfers will be made aware of our measures prior to their visit
• Golf equipment should be washed before a player leaves home
• Golfers should travel to the club alone, or with a member of the same household
• Ample car parking spaces are available to ensure social distancing. Please use both members and visitor’s car parks.
• Arrival at the course no more than 20 minutes prior to reserved tee time
• Observe social distancing always and resist the temptation to mingle
• Arrange golf attire and change footwear at the car

Practice Area & Golf Studio are both open with social distancing restrictions in place.
 

Check-in
• All golfers arriving must check in at the first tee five minutes before their tee time
• Two-metre queue markers at a single Pro Shop entry point
• Sanitised trollies and buggies are available for hire, single person use only. Buggies will be £5 for members or £15.00 for visitors.
• Scorecards only available for download from the club’s website
• Social golf only. There will be no competitive golf including supplementary cards for the initial reopening

Clubhouse Facilities
• The clubhouse will be running a strict one-way system. Please enter through the main doors and follow any instructions
• Mandatory hand sanitising when entering the clubhouse
• Clubhouse access is limited to the toilets & lockers
• Lockers and Trolley Sheds will be open and sanitiser available before use however it is recommended golfers take equipment home
• Toilets will have open entrance doors and are cleaned regularly
• Hand dryers are disabled, with disposable paper towels provided
• Restaurant, function rooms and bar are closed
• Players to arrive in golf attire and change shoes at the car

To the First Tee
• Groups restricted to 2-balls at 9-minute intervals.
• Putting greens at 1st and 7th tee boxes are open, limited to 3 players. Players practicing must observe physical distancing
• Practice Nets at 1st hole are initially closed
• Arrive at the 1st tee no more than 5 minutes prior to the reserved tee time
• A ‘Social Distancing Marshall’ will patrol the first tee and practice
green to ensure player adherence to protocol and help avoid group gatherings
• The club reserves the right to check a person’s temperature before allowing them to play.
• Social spacing signage identifies the 1st tee waiting areas
• Any player(s) not following directions will be asked to leave the course
• Tee off times strictly observed to ensure minimum 10-minute group spacing

On the Course
• Two metre social distancing observed throughout, particularly on tees and greens
• Social spacing signage identifies waiting areas on tee box approaches
• Rubbish bins and divot bins all removed
• Ball washers removed or covered over
• Bunker rakes removed and will be regularly raked by our greenkeepers. Golfers must smooth bunkers with their feet or club after play.
• Flagsticks to remain in the hole and must not be touched
• Hole cups inverted for simple, contact-free ball retrieval
• Once a hole is completed, the group in front must have exited the tee box before players can progress to the next hole
• Do not double back to play again if a ball is lost, unplayable, or in a penalty area. Do not return to the tee box.
• Equipment, food, and drink must not be exchanged between players
• Players must not pick up another player’s equipment or golf ball
• Players must refrain from handshakes and high fives
• Please take all rubbish home with you. No bins will be provided on the course.
• Players should not interact with staff out on the golf course and all access to the greenkeeping facility is strictly prohibited.

Getting Home Safely
• Post-round, players must return straight to their cars
• Restaurant and bars will remain closed
• Hands may be washed and sanitised in the toilets
• Ensure clubs and equipment are cleaned thoroughly after use
• Players must call or email the golf club with any post-round health issues or
COVID-19 related queries, at the earliest possible opportunity

Ensuring the Safety of our Staff

Green Staff Team
Green Keepers are isolated on the course for much of the time, with steps taken to minimise the risk of cross-contamination during their shift.
• Staggered start and break times to avoid social gathering
• Morning briefings postponed, the Head Greenkeeper sends digital work lists
to team members
• Hand sanitisers provided for regular use
• Disposable protective gloves are always worn
• Face masks used as required, particularly during course set up
• Utility vehicles limited to single person use
• Staff to avoid gathering in the machinery compound and canteen
• Machinery fully washed after use, including the disinfecting of controls

Office Team
The office will be staffed by one or two members of administration staff per day and where possible working remotely off premises. The office hatch will be open for any members enquiries however there will be strictly no access inside of the office.