Playing Golf Safely During COVID-19

 

What should be on your checklist for playing golf safely during COVID-19?

1. Sanitize your hands
2. Wear a face mask
3. Maintain social distancing
4. Bring extra equipment
5. Bring your own snacks
6. Go home immediately

 

When it comes to playing golf, it’s still the same great experience during and before the pandemic, just played with new rules for your safety. As golf courses such as the Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club in Cagayan de Oro reopen, golfers can now enjoy the sport following the checklist for playing golf safely during COVID-19.

Businesses are reopening across the Philippines, as the local government lifts some COVID-19 restrictions. In the past, the country was banned from activities that were deemed by the government as non-essential. This included playing golf.

While it has taken quite some time for golf course operators to adjust their safety protocols during the new normal, little by little they are reopening with modified operations. In order to enjoy the greens and at the same time not worry about health and hygiene, you’ll need to follow some precautions.

 

Sanitize Your Hands

Sanitizing your hands regularly is the most effective way to avoid the spread of the Coronavirus. Most golf courses are likely to keep hand sanitizers by their lobbies and antibacterial soap in their washrooms so that they are accessible to everyone.

If you happen to be too far from the clubhouse wherein people wash their hands with soap and water, sanitizing wipes will also do the trick. However, it would also be wise to pack a small hand sanitizer bottle inside your bag prior to playing your round.

Rubbing sanitizer on your hands before, during and after a game is especially important if you are renting equipment like golf clubs and golf balls that are passed around from one player to another.

 

Wear A Face Mask

You might think that you wouldn’t need to wear your mask around the golf course, but this is far from true. While the virus is transmitted from people in close contact with one another, research suggests that it can also travel through stagnant air and stay suspended there for hours.

You can never be too careful when it comes to protecting your health. Wear the appropriate face mask and keep it on. Golf courses may also insist that you cover your face around the clubhouse. This is done to ensure the safety of the staff and the other golfers you interact with.

 

Maintain Social Distancing

We understand that you might want to high-five everyone once you hit that birdie shot. But it is still not practical to do so. Handshakes and fist-bumps are also among the list to avoid.

What’s true at other establishments applies to the golf course too. Maintain at least six feet of distance between you and other golfers. For now, friendly nods and claps will do when celebrating amazing shots.

It’s relatively easy to watch your distance, but it requires more effort when it comes to the tees. When playing with others, go one by one. Each player putts continuously until they’ve holed out. Don’t step up to the green until the other golfer before you leaves.

 

Bring Extra Equipment

Golf course operators are advised to adjust their staff shifts to limit the number of employees in the workplace. With that being said, golf carts and caddies patrolling to carry extra golf equipment may not be around just like before.

Grab extra items such as golf balls and golf tees before heading to the course. Avoid borrowing equipment from other players as the virus can stay on the surface for hours and even up to several days.

 

Bring Your Own Snacks

Several courses still offer food and drinks, but with limited options. Dining in may also not be allowed at the moment. Furthermore, golf course operators may also remove drinking stations to reduce contact with “high-touch” items. Due to these factors, consider bringing your own packed snacks and water instead.

 

Go Home Immediately

As much as you want to be able to have the same experiences before COVID-19, it simply isn’t possible at the moment. As you begin playing at the golf course, keep the “new normal” mentality. While it may be tempting to bond with your golfer friends after being locked up at home for a few months, it is best to go straight home after your round is over.

Everyone is in the same boat. Even golf courses are being regulated by the local city government to limit the number of players for the sake of maintaining social distancing. Help them follow mandated health protocols because after all, it is also for your own protection and well-being.

Balance the time between an enjoyable golfing experience and keeping you and everyone around you safe.

 

Key Takeaway

The checklist for playing golf safely during COVID-19 includes sanitizing your hands, wearing a face mask, maintaining social distancing, bringing extra equipment and snacks, and not lingering around the area.

The Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club is reopening and they are ready to ensure your safety. Our world-class amenities are waiting for your use. Enjoy your golfing experience at our 400-hectare township in Cagayan de Oro!
Develop your golfing skills and learn more about Pueblo De Oro Golf by clicking here!