The following is an FAQ update from the mass.gov 
website that provides guidelines established by the
Governor’s Administration so that golf courses can
provide access to golfers starting May 7. With this
consideration by Governor Baker and his team we
would like to remind everyone that keeping the golf
community safe is of the utmost importance right
now and we must all contribute to that end.  

The Alliance of Massachusetts Golf Organizations will
continue to work with the Governor's Administration
and communicate with our respective memberships as
updates are made available regarding the clarification
and/or any relaxing of guidelines. 

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GOLF GUIDELINES FOR SAFE PLAY IN
MASSACHUSETTS DURING COVID-19 ERA
Non-Essential Business FAQ Update from mass.gov                                         (as of as (as of 5/10/20)

Golf courses are not essential businesses and cannot
have employees working on-premise. Notwithstanding
this restriction, essential services, such as groundskeeping
to avoid hazardous conditions and security, provided by
employees, contractors, or vendors are permitted.  Private
operator of courses may permit individuals access to
the property so long as there are no gatherings of any
kind, appropriate social distancing of six feet between
individuals is strictly followed, and the business
operator and golfers abide by the specific guidelines
for golf courses.

Municipalities may decide to open municipal courses under
these guidelines, if they so choose.

Guidelines:

The specific guidelines for golf courses are:

• Security personnel can be delineated by each club
  (ex. a pro and the head starter) and will be present to
  enforce social distancing. There can be no other
  employees working at the recreational component
  of the golf operation.
• All staff must wear face coverings while on the
  property.
• Club facilities including but not limited to the club
  house, pro shop, restaurant, bag room and locker
  room must remain closed.
• No caddies allowed.
• No golf carts allowed, except as outlined below:
  The use of a motorized cart may be permitted for
  any individual with a disability who is seeking a
  reasonable accommodation to ensure compliance
  with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  A
  golfer who wants to use a cart should provide
  documentation or otherwise certify in writing to
  the golf course that he or she has a disability that
  requires the use of the cart. 
• Any carts used must be cleaned and sanitized after
  each use.  The course operator may not use
  non-essential employees to handle the renting
  and/or cleaning of the carts.  Only security and
  groundskeeping personnel are permitted on the
  premises.
• Push carts may be used. Players must either carry
  their own bag or use a push cart.
• All golfers must maintain proper social distancing of
  at least 6 feet at all times.
• Groups of players are restricted to no more than
  4 players at one time.
• Members-only clubs can allow guests as determined
  by the security personnel on the golf course.
• Private clubs that allow non-members to make
  reservations can do so at their discretion.
• Maintenance personnel are permitted to work on
  the golf course.
• Tee Time Policy must be 15 minutes between groups
• Golfers must stay in their car until 15 minutes before
  their tee time and must return to their car
  immediately following play.
• Online and remote payment options must be utilized.
• All golfers must use their own golf clubs. Sharing golf
  clubs or rental golf clubs is not allowed.
• Flag sticks must remain in the hole. Hole liners must
  be raised so picking a ball out of the hole doesn't
  occur.
• Bunker rakes must be removed, and ball washers
  must be removed or covered.
• Practice putting green, driving range, and chipping
  areas must be closed.
• Facilities must have readily accessible hand sanitizer

For additional information for course maintenance and
employee and player safety please view the attached
guidelines GCSAA Back2Golf.pdf from the Golf Course
Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).  

May 11, 2020
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