Keeping Golf Open Responsibly
Keeping Golf Open Responsibly update has been reviewed by our medical experts and reflects the learnings and feedback that so many of you have provided since the Playbook was first rolled out last spring. The goal of this update is very simple – provide operators with an updated playbook that can continue to help keep golf facilities open based on medically endorsed best practices and the socially distanced opportunities our sport provides. From the beginning, the Playbook was designed to help facilities move forward or step backward depending on the severity of the COVID-19 virus in states and counties across the country.
While the general three-phased framework of the Playbook remains the same in version 5.0, there are FOUR significant changes we’d like to point out:
1. Size of Gatherings – based on feedback from operators across the country, we have removed the concept of limitations on the specific size of group gatherings. The rationale is that various local authorities are implementing very different standards based on local conditions. To avoid confusion in this area, we are now simply referring you directly to your State/County/Local guidelines regarding the size of gatherings. Prescribed gathering guidance has been removed from the Guidelines for Play, Practice Facilities, Fitness classes, Golf events and Youth Activities.
2. Golf Carts – use of carts is another area where local authorities are getting very specific regarding what is permissible. Instead of trying to outline cart usage by phase, we are instead focusing on best practices that have been used for the health and well-being of customers.
3. Competitions- We have removed the phasing and provided general recommendations related to competitions.
4. Practice Facilities- Instead of trying to outline range usage by phase, we are instead focusing on best practices that have been used for the health and well-being of customers as directed by state and local health authorities.
Back2Golf Operations Playbook 5.0
Liability Protection
Please read the latest from Allied Communication Group about Liability Protection
Liability Protection
Liability Poster
Back2Golf Operations Playbook
Golf’s national allied associations have continued collaborating on new information for facilities and just released Version 4.0 of their Back2Golf Operations Playbook which includes new guidance for certain topics including payment methods, shotguns, club storage and use of bunker rakes and flagsticks. Below is a link to the updated Back2Golf Operational Handbook:
Back2Golf Operations Playbook
Social Distancing Requirements for Golf Carts
After ongoing discussions with State officials, we have received additional guidance related to social distancing requirements for golf carts. We have been advised by the State that golf facilities may now allow two individuals to ride together in a cart, regardless of whether those individuals are occupants of the same household or residence. However, the State recommends that golfers ride in a cart by themselves or that face masks are worn when two people ride together.
Given this new guidance, we strongly encourage facilities to consider all of the following actions to offer a safer environment for golfers to enjoy the game while also helping to prevent the spread of COVID-19:
- Provide golfers with the option to take a cart by themselves, especially anyone that is at higher risk according to publicly available guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- Offer face masks to anyone choosing to ride in a cart with another individual.
- Install a temporary partition or shield between individuals riding in cart and communicate that the same individual should drive the cart throughout the round. Disinfect the partition/shield along with the rest of cart after each use. These partitions and shields are currently available for purchase through golf cart manufacturers and other sources.
Regarding restaurants and dining services, the State has informed us that facilities are highly encouraged to allow parties of up to 10 at the same table only if the entire party is from the same household or residence, but this is not a requirement.
Note: We are providing the information above for informational purposes and encourage golf facilities to follow up with their respective legal counsel for confirmation and additional needs related to the interpretation of existing Executive Orders.
Georgia PGA 2020 season
Our 2020 Georgia PGA Season is in play! Please check out our tournament schedule for updated events.
Golf Emergency Relief Fund
In response to the severe challenges impacting golf communities nationwide, the Golf Emergency Relief Fund has been established to provide short-term financial assistance to workers in the golf industry who are the backbone of our sport and face significant financial hardship, including those suffering as a result of COVID-19.
Learn more about the Golf Emergency Relief Fund, further details around eligibility are forthcoming, with applications being accepted Thursday, April 16 at 2 p.m. ET.
Golf Emergency Relief Fund FAQ’s
Helping You Navigate Coronavirus (COVID-19)
It is paramount that you stay current with CDC and state and local health officials’ guidance in real time. Click here for state health department information about the coronavirus.
Coronavirus Resources
Federal Resources For You
Best Practices For Golf
PGA Member Specific Programs
Articles & Resources
Timeline of Events
(4/1/2020) Updated …
A message from the Georgia Allied Golf Group…
Click here
3/30/2020
Notice from Georgia PGA
Dear PGA Colleagues:
It was a difficult choice for us all, but was made in the best interests of our staff’s and section member’s health
and well-being. Relative to the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the last two weeks has shown
little to no improvement in our state and country. As such, following the recent
recommendations of the Federal Government, the Board of Directors has made the decision to
continue the suspension of all activities for a period of one additional month, ending on
Thursday, April 30th. Prior to that date, the Board will meet again to reassess conditions
accordingly and provide further information at that time.
On behalf of your Section Officers: Brandon Stooksbury, PGA; Brian Conley, PGA & John Godwin, PGA
Helping You Navigate Coronavirus (COVID-19)
It is paramount that you stay current with CDC and state and local health officials’ guidance in real time. Click here for state health department information about the coronavirus.
Coronavirus Resources
Federal Resources For You
Best Practices For Golf
PGA Member Specific Programs
Articles & Resources
Timeline of Events
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources for PGA Members
As operators, each of you are experiencing information overload. We, at the PGA of America, stand united with you and want to help you and your facility make responsible decisions regarding your operation, understanding that state and local regulations are changing by the hour.
The virus has not been contained and we must do our part to help stop the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). As you know, guidance from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and government restrictions are changing daily, and a number of facilities were required to close over the last week, based on mandates from state and/or local officials.
On Monday (March 16), President Trump reduced the size of groups and social gatherings to no more than 10 people.
We need to be prepared for golf to be a viable source of outdoor recreation for as long as possible.
PGA Professionals, Their Facilities and The Golf Industry
We also provided a set of common-sense recommendations for consideration by operators. We have committed to keeping PGA Professionals up-to-date. From an MSR and education perspective, please note the following:
- MSR Cycle – Extend the MSR cycle deadline from June 15, 2021 to June 15, 2022, for all Members. This is due to a number of MSR activity opportunities – meetings, education, tournaments, player development – that could be postponed or canceled. Additionally, this relieves pressure on Sections and Members to conduct or take part in these activities during this unprecedented time of uncertainty.
- Acceptable Progress – Extend the Acceptable Progress deadlines of all PGA Associates by one year. As travel to the PGA Education Center is currently curtailed, PGA Education staff is exploring online opportunities. With uncertainty of testing sites remaining open, this provides flexibility with regard to Associates meeting their deadlines.
- PGA Golf Management University Students – 14 of our 18 GMU’s have currently cancelled classes and have moved to online delivery. PGA Education Staff will work with the universities directly in regard to needed accommodations within the Criteria and Standards.
- PGA Associates – We have cancelled pending seminars at Port St. Lucie through April. 81 individuals were impacted and we are refunding everyone’s registration fee and charging them back at a discounted rate. The team is looking into online options that could be adopted in the future. Teaching & coaching and Executive Management is offered on a quarterly basis and therefore have not been impacted.
General Actions to Prevent the Spread of Covid-19
- Wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands! Don’t touch your face.
- Install hand sanitizer stations throughout the facility with member/guest activity (i.e. clubhouse, admin offices and locker rooms).
- Institute more frequent and thorough cleaning procedures for high touch areas (i.e. door knobs, light switches, tables, chairs, etc.).
- Educate members/guests and staff as to the protocol of social distance, hand washing and other best practice recommendations put forth by the CDC.
- Encourage facility members/guests and staff to recognize proper social distance of six feet or more from others to limit physical contact such as handshakes.
- Encourage members/guests and staff members who do not feel well to stay home.
- Bartenders, Golf Shop staff, cashiers must use hand sanitizer between transactions.
PGA Disaster Relief and PGA Member Assistance (PGA Members only)
The PGA of America is here to help those personally affected by the COVID-19 through PGA Disaster Relief and the PGA Member Assistance Program.
PGA Disaster Relief provides PGA Members reimbursement for out of pocket expenses incurred as the result of acute, serious illness, accidents, natural disasters and other emergencies not otherwise covered by insurance or other relief programs. This includes out of pocket medical expenses for serious situations, like hospitalizations, related to the COVID-19. To learn more about PGA Disaster Relief, please click here. To apply for PGA Disaster Relief, please click here.
PGA Members can also make contributions to the funds to assist those in need through the link above.
We are also aware that people are understandably concerned about their health, jobs and future during these unprecedented times. To help with this, the PGA Member Assistance Program provides confidential, professional counseling and online services for a wide array of personal and well-being concerns. We encourage you to remind your fellow Members they can seek help at resources.pga.org.
Additionally, new government programs have recently come out that we are researching and will continue to monitor to see how they can best benefit our membership including:
Please continue to visit PGA.org for the latest on these and additional programs as more information becomes available.
Coronavirus Resources
(3/13/2020) Notice from Georgia PGA
Dear PGA Colleagues:
The rapid spread and still-unknown threat of the Coronavirus and COVID-19 find us in the middle of uncertain and extraordinary times. Having considered all the available information and in following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and local/state health department officials, the Georgia Section is electing to act with an abundance of caution with three main goals driving our decisions:
- Caring for the health of our professionals, their staff and members
- Preventing the virus from infiltrating our facilities and gatherings
- Contributing to public health efforts to stem the spread of this virus throughout our golf and civic communities
In our view, these extraordinary circumstances call for extraordinary actions. Across the country announcements are being made of closures, cancellations, postponements, and other disruptions to plans and life. Each of these disruptions are bound to cause an array of frustrations, inconveniences and sacrifices, all in the name of helping to curb this public health crisis. We are fully aware that the Section’s own changes will have similar effects on our professionals and their families; we ask for your patience and understanding as we venture through this together.
The Georgia Section will postpone all section activities through March 31st. The Board of Directors will be continually evaluating the current circumstances and will provide regular updates. All office operations and services will continue as normal, and we will maintain consistent levels of service.
On behalf of your Section Officers: Brandon Stooksbury, PGA; Brian Conley, PGA & John Godwin, PGA