San Benito County, California – May 1, 2020: The San Benito County Public Health Officer Dr. David Ghilarducci, MD, FACEP has released local guidance for Golf Courses in reference to Governor Newsom’s Stay-at-Home order after the local Public Health Order expires on Sunday, May 3rd.
Attached is the guidance for Golf Courses in San Benito County.
Please contact the Public Information Officer, David Westrick at 831-636-4168 if you have any questions or concerns.
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Golf Course Guidance
As we continue to adhere to the Governor’s Stay at Home Order, we have created some guidance for Golf Courses. We ask that you adhere to social distancing protocol provided in
Appendix A as well.
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Measures to Protect Golfer Health in Practice Areas
- Remove all flagsticks from the practice area or install cover cups, or create a barrier, so the ball cannot be holed.
- A driving range may remain open if stalls are spaced at least six feet apart and golf balls are sanitized after they are collected and before they are returned to circulation.
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Measures to Protect Golfer Health on the Course
- No tournament style events, private lessons or group instruction or clinics allowed
- Golfers may play in groups of up to four players and are required to maintain social distancing throughout the round. In addition, multiple marshals shall be on the course at all times to enforce social distancing and the Golf Safety Protocol.
- Tee times will be expanded to allow additional time in between tee times. This will result in increased spacing between golfing groups and players.
- Discontinue all golf club rentals, push and pull cart rentals.
- Pre-position carts near the first tee.
- Motorized carts are allowed under the following conditions:
- Sanitize all touch surfaces (steering wheel, seats, handles, straps etc) prior to each use.
- Affix a scorecard and new pencil to the steering wheel of each sanitized cart before use.
- Sharing carts with other golfers not from the same household is prohibited.
- Instruct golfers to not touch flagsticks or remove flagsticks or install cover cups, or create a barrier, so the ball cannot be holed.
- Bunker rakes, sand buckets/bottles, and ball washers will be removed or rendered inoperable.
- Remove any water dispensers that require contact. Instruct golfers to bring their own water or provide bottled water.
- Encourage gimmies to reduce crowding near the hole.
- Trash cans should be touchless. Remove lids if present and not operable by foot.
- Course restrooms can remain open provided they are cleaned hourly and the door is propped open.
- Two beverage carts may be provided on the courses and shall be operated similar to takeout service at a restaurant and have a valid health permit to operate.
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Measures to Increase Sanitization
- Ensure disinfecting wipes, that are effective against COVID-19, are available to sanitize carts and frequently touched surfaces.
- Employee(s) are assigned to disinfect carts, including rental pull carts, after completion of each use.
- Hand sanitizer, soap and water, or effective disinfectant is available to golfers at or near the entrance of the facility, dining area, and anywhere else where people have direct interactions.
- Disinfecting all payment portals, pens, and styluses after each use.
- Disinfect all high-contact surfaces frequently.
Approved by Dr. David Ghilarducci 05-01-2020
