A practical guide to golf at

Stowmarket Golf Club

during Covid-19

We believe that allowing golfers to enjoy a game of golf in a safe environment provides the mental and physical health benefits to improve the wellbeing of our members and visitors.

This practical guide details the measures Stowmarket Golf Club will take to help safeguard our members and staff during the Covid-19 pandemic. For golfers, the measures cover each step of the journey from home to 1st tee and back home again. At the golf course, these measures are in place from dawn until dusk, seven days a week.

We now know that golf is one of the first participative sports which has benefited from the lifting of restrictive sanctions by the government and as such will come under close public and media scrutiny. It is therefore absolutely imperative that all members not only follow this guide but also the spirit of responsible social distancing.

Our measures and procedures are under constant review and will be updated as advice from the government, health authorities and governing bodies evolves in line with the gradual lifting of social restrictions.

Safe every step of the way

1. Course access 2. Booking and arrivals 3. Check-in and Pro Shop protocol 4. Clubhouse facilities 5. To the first tee 6. On the course 7. Getting home safely

1. Course Access

In the initial period following the club’s re-opening, access to the course is limited to our staff and club members. Non-members will be welcomed back to the course in due time, in line with the easing of government restrictions.

To access the course a player must:

o Be an active member o Not have been out of the country within the last 14 days o Not be in self-isolation and not required to shield o Not be displaying Covid-19 symptoms o Have a pre-reserved tee time

2. Booking and Arrival

Booking a tee time in advance is compulsory – via the website, app or phone.

When restrictions are eased, visitors will be required to pre-book by telephone or using our on-line booking system via the website.

We will require all players to provide a phone number and email address to enable contact tracing.

Golfers should travel to the club alone, or with a member of the same household.

Ample car parking spaces are available to ensure social distancing.

Arrival at the course no more than 20 minutes prior to the reserved tee time.

If you are late for your tee time you will forfeit your round.

Observe social distancing always and resist the temptation to mingle.

The clubhouse will be closed apart from the reception area and the disabled toilet.

Arrange golf attire and change footwear at the car.

Report straight to the Pro-Shop (when open) or tee marshal upon arrival to check-in.

PLAY SAFE STAY SAFE

3. Check-in and Pro Shop protocol when open

It is mandatory for all golfers to check-in at the Pro Shop (when open) or with tee marshal

Two-metre queue markers at a single Pro Shop entry point.

Only one person at a time is permitted inside the Pro Shop.

A two-metre exclusion zone at the service desk.

Essential golfing items will be available to purchase, gathered by staff on request.

Food and beverage items will be limited to confectionery bars and drinks.

Card payment only, no cash will be accepted at the till.

Social golf only – there will be no competitive golf.

Sanitised trolleys and buggies will be available for hire, single person use only.

4. Clubhouse facilities

Clubhouse access is limited to the reception area and the disabled toilet for both male and female use

The restaurant and bar will remain closed.

Players are to arrive in golf attire and change shoes at the car.

Access to the changing rooms will not be permitted

Hand sanitisers are available in the toilet and in reception and should be used if entering the building

PLAY SAFE STAY SAFE

5. To the first tee

Groups will be restricted to 2-balls at 10-minute intervals, equating to 12 golfers per hour.

Practice putting and chipping greens, academy course, and area between 17th and 18th will be open, limited to 4 players in each area, players practicing must observe social distancing.

Arrive at the 1st tee no more than 5 minutes prior to the reserved tee time and after the previous game is clear of the tee

A “social distancing marshal” will patrol the car park, first tee and practice green to ensure player adherence to protocol and help avoid group gatherings.

Social spacing signage identifies the 1st tee waiting areas.

Tee off times will be strictly observed to ensure minimum 10-minute group spacing.

Any player(s) not following directions will be asked to leave the course.

PLAY SAFE STAY SAFE

6. On the course

Social distancing must be observed throughout, particularly on tees and greens.

Rubbish bins and divot bins have all be removed.

Ball washers have been removed or covered over.

Bunker rakes have been removed. Players may smooth sand with feet prior to their shot and pick and place the ball.

Flag sticks to remain in the hole and must not be touched.

Hole cups are inverted for simple, contact-free ball retrieval.

Once a hole is completed, the group in front must have exited the tee box before players can progress to the next hole.

Do not double back again if a ball is lost, unplayable, or in a penalty area.

Slow play must be avoided and if needed, please allow faster games to play through.

Equipment, food and drink must not be exchanged between players.

Players must not pick up another player’s equipment or golf ball.

Players must refrain from handshakes and high fives, or any other physical contact.

The halfway house toilet facilities will be available but please use the sanitiser products provided before and after use, and only one person at a time.

PLAY SAFE STAY SAFE

7. Getting home safely

Post round, players must return straight to their cars observing personal distancing with anyone waiting to tee.

The restaurant and bars will remain closed.

Lockers cannot be accessed to store belongings.

We recommend that clubs and equipment are cleaned thoroughly after use.

Players are requested to log their round in the HSE Covid-19 contact tracing app when it becomes available.

Players must call or email the golf club with any post-round health issues or Covid-19 related queries at the earliest possible opportunity.

PLAY SAFE STAY SAFE

Ensuring the safety of our staff

Pro Shop Team

Our extensive measures will ensure the teams’ safety, along with club members, guests and visitors.

o One member of staff will be present in the Pro Shop at any one time. o Staff will be provided with PPE, masks and gloves to wear on-site. o Staff are comprehensively trained in the importance of hand hygiene and cough etiquette. o Hand sanitiser and cleaning solutions will be provided at the service desk. o Staff will always remain at least two metres away from customers. o All work areas and contact points are cleaned and sanitised regularly.

Greens Team

Green keepers are isolated on the course for much of the time, with steps taken to minimise the risk of cross-contamination during their shift.

o Staggered start and break times to avoid social gathering. o Hand sanitisers provided for regular use. o Disposable protective gloves are always worn. o Face masks used as required. o Utility vehicles limited to single person use. o Staff to avoid gathering in the rest room. o Machinery will be fully washed after use, including the disinfecting of controls.

Office Team

Office duties are undertaken by a team working remotely, off-premises. The team communicates via email and conference calls to complete tasks. They may visit the course occasionally but will observe personal distancing at all times.