How Phase 2 of reopening will affect the GUI and Irish golfers

Illustration of a SARS-CoV-2 virion. CDC/ Alissa Eckert, MS; Dan Higgins, MAM

COVID-19 has taken over the entire world and has made a huge impact on our lives. For a few months now, we have had to adjust to a completely new lifestyle and give up some of our favourite activities. All non-essential businesses were closed for weeks, including restaurants, malls, casinos, and, of course, golf clubs as well.

Some industries simply didn’t have the opportunity of moving to the digital sphere, which is why a lot of them are now on the verge of an economic crisis, but others managed to use this time to their advantage and not only survive the global pandemic but grow as a business as well. 

Because of the fact that while at home, there is only so much one can do, a lot of people took to the digital scene to find some sort of entertainment. And online casinos were the perfect solution to this problem. Playing slots online and betting on esports gave them the opportunity to not only relax and feel excited but also have fun with their family and friends, which was very well needed.

But now, after a long time of living under the lockdown regime, businesses have started to reopen and this is exactly what the Golf Union of Ireland has been waiting for. They have been working on what the reopening process would look like while making sure that the safety of their clients’ health is still the number one priority. They have already released protocols to hold on for all the Irish golfers as part of Phase 2 of Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society.

With clubs back open for the last 2 weeks now, the GUI is waiting for Government approval for a further lifting of restrictions, which is due on Monday, June 8th. And after that, they hope to be able to reintroduce four-balls at 14-minute intervals and competition golf. And to make sure that all the customers stay safe, all the clubs have been issued guidance on running competitions and events amidst the new coronavirus pandemic. 

There are a lot of rules that the members of the staff and the visitors of golf clubs have to follow. For example, daily time shifts are restricted to a minimum of 10, 12, or 14 minutes and the clubs may only choose one interval each day. If the club chooses a 10+ minute interval, play is restricted to 2 golfers at a time. If clubs choose 12+ minute intervals, then up to 3 golfers may play per start time. And if a 14+ minute interval is chosen, then 4 golfers may play at the same time. Bars and restaurants will remain closed but toilets will reopen. And the players won’t be allowed to touch the flags or the flagsticks. Caddies also will be unavailable unless the group of golfers and the caddies are from the same household.

According to the GUI, the task of administering and running these competitions, performed by volunteer committee members may be more labour-intensive in the current state. Golfers will probably have to wait for additional time for finalizing results and updating handicaps. Another aspect included in the Protocol is outdoor group activities and they are also planning on reintroducing junior activities as well.

While all of this is happening golf clubs realize that it remains their responsibility to ensure that this sport is conducted in a safe and responsible manner. It will be absolutely essential to fully adhere to the provisions of the Protocol because the GUI understands just how privileged golf is compared to other sports. Golf is one of the very first sports given the opportunity to reopen mainly due to the fact that they have proven that golf can be played in a safe, socially distant manner and that it will not present a new health hazard to society.