Golf During The Coronavirus Pandemic: Everything to Know
The COVID-19 Pandemic And Golf
Today, the shadow of Novel Coronavirus (also known as COVID-19) looms over everyone, particularly in the United States. The pandemic significantly impacts golfers. Some states recently closed all golf courses. Others like Florida, permit golf, but with social distancing restrictions in place. The situation has created confusion in many locations. Nevada's governor recently shuttered golf courses in The Silver State, after too many people failed to adhere to important social distancing rules.
Protecting People Most at Risk
Why does COVID-19 concern so many health experts? Should golfers harbor concern about this disease? Unfortunately, scientists still have many unanswered questions about the virus. One issue almost everyone agrees about concerns the need to protect vulnerable people from this contagious illness. COVID-19 produces variable symptoms. While some individuals contract the virus and display very few (if any) symptoms of illness, others suffer life-threatening consequences. Some people with underlying health conditions, like diabetes or lung cancer, may suffer a high risk of damage from this disease. While inconvenient, taking precautions against this illness seems like a small price to pay to avoid infection. Many seniors enjoy golf as a healthy form of outdoor recreation. Older people face higher risks from COVID-19, according to the U.S. Centers For Disease Control And Prevention. All golfers (including young people) need to take this disease seriously. Adhering to basic safety precautions could help save lives.
Some Tips For Golfers
First, before you head out to the links, consider checking any advisories created by your golf course. Some courses have posted information online concerning guidelines to follow during the pandemic. For example, Sothern Hills Plantation Club has closed our clubhouse for onsite dining but our driving range and golf course remain open and you can still book tee times. Several states (at least 16 as of early April 2020) closed courses completely recently due to concerns about the spread of the Novel Coronavirus. It simply makes sense to double-check to ensure you can play golf during the pandemic at your preferred course. Consider following these useful tips to help prevent the spread of this pandemic on the greens:
Adhere to Social Distancing
If you can play golf this month, you'll still want to adhere to the "social distancing" rules in your state. Scientists continue to learn new information about the COVID-19 virus every day. Yet it appears this virus spreads in a manner similar to influenza or a cold. Tiny airborne respiratory droplets passing from person to person transmit the virus. If an infected person coughs, the virus may coat surfaces in the vicinity for some period of time. By keeping at least six feet apart from people who don't reside in your household, you may help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus.
Don't Golf When You Feel Unwell
Not every person who contracts Novel Coronavirus feels unwell. Possibly, some people can transmit the virus without feeling ill themselves. However, if you don't feel well, you should not go to a golf course and possibly risk infecting others. Stay home and contact your physician instead. Fully recover before playing golf.
Sanitize Your Equipment
Health authorities recommend using a bleach solution or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to clean your golf equipment. Take this step before you play golf. Repeat the process again afterward.
Carry Along Hand Sanitizer
Take your cleaning solution along with you to the golf course. Before touching anything on the links, sanitize the surface. Scientists still don't know how long the coronavirus can survive on some types of materials. If someone coughed on a tee before you use it, you might come into contact with the virus, for example. Remaining very cautious about controlling this epidemic might help protect vulnerable people from becoming infected with the coronavirus.
Avoid Unnecessary Clubhouse Trips
Most golfers enjoy the sport of golf because it offers a wonderful opportunity for social interaction and camaraderie. Unfortunately, in the short term, it proves necessary to adhere to social distancing guidelines. Don't visit the clubhouse locker room, the spa, the shower facilities, or the dining area unless it’s absolutely necessary. Spend your time outdoors on the greens (and keep your distance from other players).
One Person Per Golf Cart
Unless you play golf with someone currently residing in your household, don't share a golf cart with others. Traveling together in the same cart all too readily involves a violation of social distancing guidelines. By maintaining distance from other players at all times, you'll adhere to the spirit of these directives and help curb the spread of the pandemic.
Wear Face Masks if Appropriate
Have you already recovered from the Novel Coronavirus? In this situation, you may still have the capacity to transmit the virus to other people (even if you feel 100% better). Consider wearing a handmade face mask whenever you go out in public. You'll make it less likely for other people to accidentally contract the coronavirus if you adhere to this precaution. Scientists recently learned that even during casual conversations, tiny respiratory tract droplets sometimes become airborne. They may pass from a speaker to other people in the immediate vicinity. A face mask helps prevent this unintentional transmission.
Remain Considerate
Until scientists develop a vaccine for the COVID-19 virus, this contagious illness poses a significant health threat for some people. Perhaps one of the most important aspects of golfing safely during this challenging period involves considering the well being of others. No one wants to accidentally pass this virus to another person. By using good judgment and remaining very cautious, you can still enjoy golf without placing anyone at risk!