Summary of Frequently Asked Guideline Questions
The information below was sourced from the Mass.gov website and presented in summary form by the Alliance of Massachusetts Golf Organizations (AMGO). The Governor’s Administration is responsible for the creation and the updating of all guidelines and regulations. Please note that these guidelines and regulations can and will change. This document will be updated accordingly.
Last updated: April 27, 2021
Last updated: April 27, 2021
MASSACHUSETTS WILL RELAX FACE COVERINGS ORDER AND REMOVE GOLF FACILITY GUIDELINES
(Updated on the Mass.gov website 4/27/21; Effective on 4/30/21)
On Friday, April 30th, Massachusetts will permanently eliminate golf specific guidance and the Face Coverings Order will be relaxed for some outdoor settings, inclusive of golf activity.
To view the full press release on the Mass.gov website, CLICK HERE
There will no longer be specific “golf facility guidelines” that need to be followed. All courses, clubs, and golf facilities can implement any additional safety measures as they see fit.
Phase 1 Guidance to be removed on April 30th:
(Updated on the Mass.gov website 4/27/21; Effective on 4/30/21)
On Friday, April 30th, Massachusetts will permanently eliminate golf specific guidance and the Face Coverings Order will be relaxed for some outdoor settings, inclusive of golf activity.
To view the full press release on the Mass.gov website, CLICK HERE
There will no longer be specific “golf facility guidelines” that need to be followed. All courses, clubs, and golf facilities can implement any additional safety measures as they see fit.
- Face coverings will still be required at all times in indoor public places, with exceptions in the sector-specific rules (e.g., eating, in your own office).
- Face coverings will be required outside in public when it is not possible to socially distance, and at other times required by sector-specific guidance (e.g., at events or gatherings).
- Masks will not be required out on the golf course or in practice areas (ranges, chipping, and putting areas) if social distancing can be maintained.
Phase 1 Guidance to be removed on April 30th:
- Industries with no previous capacity limits will follow general business guidance
- All others will follow sectors not otherwise addressed
- Phase 1 Industry Guidance to be removed:
- Golf Facilities
The information below was sourced from the Mass.gov website and presented in summary form by the Alliance of Massachusetts Golf Organizations (AMGO). The Governor’s Administration is responsible for the creation and the updating of all guidelines and regulations.
Last updated: March 1, 2021
Face Coverings - Face-coverings are required by anyone at the facility, even while playing or practicing, except where an individual is unable to wear a face covering due to a medical condition or disability.
Golf Carts - Permitted for use for 1 or 2 riders (no additional restrictions); must be cleaned/sanitized after each use.
Push Carts – Permitted for use; must be cleaned/sanitized after each use.
Tee Times – Must be reserved/booked in advance.
Tee Time Intervals - Ensure a sufficient gap between group tee times to allow for social distancing.
Practice Areas - Face Coverings must be worn on all practice areas (driving range, putting green, etc.) and hitting stations on the driving range must be spread to allow at least six-feet between players.
Caddies - Caddies and bag handlers (including club storage) are allowed, provided social distancing is maintained, cloth face coverings and gloves are worn, and hand sanitizer is used. Encourage caddies and bag handlers to wipe down clubs and other equipment after each use.
Water Stations - Allow water fountains / coolers to be used as refill stations only, provided that social distancing can be maintained. Customers and workers should bring their own water bottles.
On-Course Items - Conduct frequent disinfecting of heavy transit areas, high-touch surfaces (e.g., doorknobs, railings, counters), shared equipment (e.g., *bunker rakes, ball washers), and practice equipment (e.g., range balls, baskets). It is at the discretion of the golf facility whether or not they would like to use these on-course items.
*Bunker Rakes – Permitted for use if frequently disinfected; It is at the discretion of the golf facility whether or not they would like to use Bunker Rakes in this fashion.
Flagsticks – May be removed. It is at the discretion of the golf facility whether or not they will allow flagsticks to be removed.
Hole Liners – Devices that limit the depth of the hole liner may be removed. It is at the discretion of the golf facility whether or not they would like to use these devices.
Shotguns/Tournaments – Permitted in Phase 3, Step 1. No limit on field size as long as social distancing practices are followed. No spectators are allowed for sports and activities played by individuals 21 years and older. Pre/post outing and tournament activities must follow appropriate guidance (restaurant, indoors vs outdoors, etc.)
Additional On-Site Services/Amenities:
Last updated: March 1, 2021
Face Coverings - Face-coverings are required by anyone at the facility, even while playing or practicing, except where an individual is unable to wear a face covering due to a medical condition or disability.
Golf Carts - Permitted for use for 1 or 2 riders (no additional restrictions); must be cleaned/sanitized after each use.
Push Carts – Permitted for use; must be cleaned/sanitized after each use.
Tee Times – Must be reserved/booked in advance.
Tee Time Intervals - Ensure a sufficient gap between group tee times to allow for social distancing.
Practice Areas - Face Coverings must be worn on all practice areas (driving range, putting green, etc.) and hitting stations on the driving range must be spread to allow at least six-feet between players.
Caddies - Caddies and bag handlers (including club storage) are allowed, provided social distancing is maintained, cloth face coverings and gloves are worn, and hand sanitizer is used. Encourage caddies and bag handlers to wipe down clubs and other equipment after each use.
Water Stations - Allow water fountains / coolers to be used as refill stations only, provided that social distancing can be maintained. Customers and workers should bring their own water bottles.
On-Course Items - Conduct frequent disinfecting of heavy transit areas, high-touch surfaces (e.g., doorknobs, railings, counters), shared equipment (e.g., *bunker rakes, ball washers), and practice equipment (e.g., range balls, baskets). It is at the discretion of the golf facility whether or not they would like to use these on-course items.
*Bunker Rakes – Permitted for use if frequently disinfected; It is at the discretion of the golf facility whether or not they would like to use Bunker Rakes in this fashion.
Flagsticks – May be removed. It is at the discretion of the golf facility whether or not they will allow flagsticks to be removed.
Hole Liners – Devices that limit the depth of the hole liner may be removed. It is at the discretion of the golf facility whether or not they would like to use these devices.
Shotguns/Tournaments – Permitted in Phase 3, Step 1. No limit on field size as long as social distancing practices are followed. No spectators are allowed for sports and activities played by individuals 21 years and older. Pre/post outing and tournament activities must follow appropriate guidance (restaurant, indoors vs outdoors, etc.)
Additional On-Site Services/Amenities:
- Restaurants: Must follow the latest restaurant guidance (updated 3/1/2021)
- Pools: Outdoor and indoor pools must follow the latest EEA guidance
- Gyms/Locker rooms: Must follow the latest health club and fitness center guidance
- Spas: Must follow sector-specific standards (e.g., massages must follow the latest close contact business guidance, saunas or steam rooms must remain closed until Phase 4)
- Pro shops: Must follow the latest retail guidance
- Private events: Must follow the latest indoor and outdoor event guidelines
- Bars: As part of restaurant/other food service area - Bar seating is permitted provided that either:
- There are no active work areas or working staff behind the bar at least 6 ft away; or
- There is a physical barrier (e.g. Plexi-glass) separating customers from the bar space that is at least 30 inches high and a gap/opening at the bottom of the barrier is allowed for food and drink service as long as the gap/opening is no more than 8 inches high.
- In addition, parties must be seated at bars (no standing customer service) and parties must be spaced at least 6 ft from other parties.
- Subject to any applicable building and fire code requirements, bar areas may be re- configured to accommodate table seating that complies with all spacing and other requirements in these COVID-19 safety standards. Tables must not be placed within 6 feet of the staffed bartending area.
