COVID-19: Massachusetts Courses Reopen

Posted by By Jess Smith
Massachussets golf courses open amid COVID-19

Golf courses in Massachusetts reopened last Thursday, however with the opening will be in strict compliance with the social distance practice due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Representatives from the state of Massachusetts, Micheal Soter of Bellingham and Norman Orrall of Lakeville, both confirmed the news on Facebook this Thursday morning. Golf courses all over Massachussets were reopened completely on Friday, but was met with a wave of controversy due to a specific guideline.

Governor Charlie Baker, banned the use of motorized golf carts which prevented disabled golf players in the area to resume golfing. However, when outcries of disability discrimination began, Governor Baker changed the golf cart restriction to allowing those who cannot walk long distances to be able to utilize golf carts.

Staff will be minimal or nonexistent during openings

MassGolf the state golf association, posted on their Twitter, ” Golf courses are not essential business and cannot have employees working on-premises.Notwithstanding these restrictions, essential services such as groundskeeping to avoid hazardous conditions and security, provided by contractors or vendors are permitted.”

Before now, two courses in central Massachusetts, Kettle Brook Golf club in Paxton and Wachusett Country Club in West Bolyston. Last week on Wednesday they told members that there can start booking tee times for Friday once COVID-19 golf course lockdowns were lifted.

MassGolf as pointed out that there will be a lot of big changes in play. Clubhouses, golf carts, restaurants, bag rooms, and locker rooms will all have to stay closed. Golfers are to stay in their car until 15 minutes before tee time and also return to their cars when the game is over. 

New COVID-19 guidelines for golf courses

Guidelines for golfers and courses as provided by MassGolf:

  • Tee times policy must be 15 minutes between groups.
  • No caddies allowed.
  • No golf cart allowed.
  • Players may either carry their bag or use a pushcart.
  • Sharing or rental golf club is not allowed.
  • There must be accessible hand sanitizers on the facility.
  • Face covering must be adhered by all staff while on property.
  • All golfers are to maintain social distance of at least 6 feet at all times.
  • Online and remote payment method must be utilized.
  • Groups of players are restricted to no more than four players.
  • Flagstick must remain in the hole.
  • Bunkers and ball washer must be removed or covered.

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