Golfing During The Covid-19 Pandemic: How To Stay Safe

With spring well underway in many parts of the nation, and summer looming just around the corner, many people have started dreaming about hitting the golf course. The COVID-19 pandemic is introducing quite an obstacle to teeing off, and more places around the country are starting to realize that golfing during this crisis is a whole different beast. Obviously, there are many questions that golfers may have as they prepare to hit the links. Some may be wondering how to stay safe from this virus while they're golfing, while others may be curious about what golf courses are doing to help keep everyone healthy and safe. Below, you will find some tips on what you can do to protect yourself while on the course, as well as what golf courses around the country are doing to minimize the risk to everyone.

Tips on How You Can Stay Safe While Playing Golf

It is true that, in some areas of the country, golf courses are not able to open yet because of shelter-at-home orders. However, Florida has been spared from such closures and many courses, including Stonegate Golf Club, are still booking tee times. With progress being made toward fighting this disease, there is optimism that many other businesses will be able to open at some point in the near future. It is important to remember that just because golf courses, and other businesses, are opening, doesn't mean that the threat of COVID-19 is gone. Folks who choose to golf will still need to remain vigilant and follow the appropriate guidelines to give themselves the best opportunity of staying safe and healthy. Some of these tips include:

Keep Practicing Social Distancing

The Centers for Disease Control has recommended that people stay a distance of six feet away from each other in social settings and that they limit large gatherings. While there may be lots of folks hitting the links, especially after a long time sheltering at home, maintaining social distance has been proven to slow the spread of the disease and could protect you from getting it from someone who may be infected and not know it. It is probably also best to golf with folks who know and respect your social distancing boundaries.

Avoid Shaking Hands

While this is an extension of the first rule, it must be stated. Golf is a sport full of traditions, and one of them is the customary handshake after a round. Find a different way to show appreciation, gratitude, and sportsmanship to other competitors, like touching clubs.

Respect the Rules of the Course

Many courses will have social distancing rules and other practices when reopening. Respect them and help keep yourself, and everyone around you, safe.

Wash Your Hands and Bring Hand Sanitizer

One of the most frequent ways this disease is spread is when someone touches a surface that has the virus on it and then touches their face. Make sure to wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer when you can't.

Don't Golf if You Are Sick

Are you feeling a little under the weather? Do you not feel 100%? If this is the case, stay home. While getting sick this time of year doesn't mean you necessarily have COVID-19, out of respect for everyone, you should stay home. Even if you don't have the coronavirus, it probably isn't in your best interest to be out on a golf course when you aren't feeling well.

Have Fun, Stay Safe

Golf is a fun game that can be relaxing and a good source of exercise. Get out and play when you can, but make sure to exercise caution and take the necessary steps to protect yourself, and others, from the spread of this virus.