Health & Fitness

Massachusetts Golf Courses Allowed To Reopen With Guidelines

Golf courses remain nonessential businesses, but have been given the green light to resume operation with limitations.

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Massachusetts golf courses can open immediately after being closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Massachusetts golf courses can open immediately after being closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. (Mike Carraggi/Patch)

Golf courses in Massachusetts will be allowed to reopen in limited fashion effective immediately, according to the state website. An official announcement from Gov. Charlie Baker is expected Thursday.

Golf courses remain nonessential businesses and cannot have employees working on the premises, unless they are providing "essential services such as groundskeeping to avoid hazardous conditions and security, provided by employees, contractors, or vendors."

There can be "no gatherings of any kind" — groups can play in no more than four at a time — and social distancing guidelines must be adhered to. Facilities like the clubhouse, pro shop and bathrooms will be closed. No golf carts or caddies will be allowed.

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Additional guidelines are below.

The news comes a day after more than 200 new deaths and more than 1,700 new cases of coronavirus were reported. Baker said Wednesday certain businesses could reopen with limitations May 18 if health data continued to trend in the right direction.

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New Hampshire was set to reopen golf courses Monday, leaving Massachusetts as the only state in the country to not announce the reopening of golf courses.

  • 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
  • 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

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