Compiled by the New England PGA & Its Dedicated Membership

Compiled by the New England PGA & its dedicated Membership The New England Professional Golfers’ Association has been making the game of golf better for over WHAT’S INSIDE 100 years. As a non-profit association, the New England PGA is dedicated to promoting the game of Jump to: golf, and is one of the 41 sections that comprise the PGA of America. • WHERE WE ARE • OBJECTIVES The New England PGA consists of over 900 PGA Class- A Golf Professionals and over 130 PGA Associates at • PHASES OVERVIEW over 450 golf facilities across five states – Rhode Island, • PHASE ONE Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine. These facilities include public, private, and resort • PHASE TWO facilities that provide golf course, teaching center, and • PHASE THREE driving range access to golfers throughout the region.

• GOLF EMPLOYEE BEST PRACTICES The mission of the New England Professional Golfers’ • MAINTENANCE DEPT. BEST PRACTICES Association is to promote the enjoyment and involvement in the game of golf and the golf • TOURNAMENT BEST PRACTICES industry. The NEPGA will accomplish this mission by enhancing the skills of its Professionals and the opportunities for amateurs, employers, manufacturers, employees and the general public. WHERE WE ARE As of April 18, 2020:

• 48 states have some kind of Stay-at-Home order in Most golf courses average place for residents. 150 acres of open space. A fully utilized golf course • 38 states currently allow golf under their Executive (with one group on a tee Order. and one group on the In the last week, four states have reversed their putting green on all 18 • decision and now allow golf, including Wisconsin holes) provides over an and Minnesota. acre of space per golfer. • In all cases in which an Executive Order did not allow play, facilities were permitted to continue limited maintenance operations to ensure upkeep and care of the courses, which was vital to having them ready to reopen. WHERE WE ARE

State Is Golf Is Course Social Distance Transactions Tee Times Carts Clubhouse/Pro Practice Facilities Allowed? Maintenance Shop Allowed?

MA No Yes

ME No Yes

NH No Yes

RI Yes Yes 6 Feet Online 15-Minute Intervals. No Carts Allowed, Closed Closed recommended. Groups of 4 or less own push carts only Park & Play rules VT No Yes WHERE WE ARE Economic Impact Insights: Benefits of the Game: In Massachusetts alone, the golf facility • Outdoor recreation operations generated over $790 million dollars • Physical Fitness & Exercise of revenue based on a 2012 study conducted by • Stress Reduction SRI International. In total the golf industry was • Increase in Mental Alertness responsible for $2.7 billion in economic impact, • Improvement in Sleep including 25,000 jobs totaling nearly $800 million in total wage income. • Economic Impact According to the same study, Golf facilities alone were responsible for over 14,000 jobs, more than $1.1 billion in total impact and $355 million in wages in 2012.

Based on a 2016 survey done by Statista, golf facility economic impact in the US had grown by 14% since 2011. Playing Through COVID-19

Objective - To work towards building a comprehensive and medically approved plan that advocates for the tremendous inherent benefits golf offers as one of the first-mover, social distancing compatible recreational activities in the United States as we recover from COVID-19.

Key Strategies:

1. Develop the operational underpinnings of the plan off of the White House and CDC “Guidelines to Opening Up America Again” including a specific, three-phased approach to golf that aligns with the broader plan to re-open the economy

2. Secure medical endorsement of the plan from CDC or NIAID to build trust and acceptance across the country

3. Promote the attributes of the game and its safety on a grass-roots and regional level to inspire existing golfers and invite new golfers to the game. HOW Playing Through COVID-19 WORKS

Step 1 – Develop Medically Endorsed Operational Protocols

1. Social Distancing – What are best practices for the casual golfer and at the facilities that will welcome them?

2. Physical Facilities & Sanitation – What is needed in these re-open scenarios, (i.e.…bathrooms, sanitation, golf carts, running water, etc.) How does ADA apply and what potential effects exist?

3. Staff Safety - What is recommended and how to manage the stay at home vs returning to work. How does the practice facility and actual course transition opening operate? Lastly, how do golf courses police these internal (i.e.…Staff) and external (i.e.. Guests) efforts and follow the CDC requirements? HOW Playing Through COVID-19 WORKS

Step 2. Grassroots Engagement & Communications

• How do our state & local organizations, private & public golf facilities and PGA Professionals message "Playing Through COVID-19" on a market-by-market basis?

• How do we market approved safety and health guidelines?

Having specific messaging for each phase of Playing Through COVID-19 is critical from our perspective to protect the health and safety of all involved and to avoid conflicting messages in what will no doubt be a confusing environment across the northeast and country based on local conditions and authorities. HOW Playing Through COVID-19 WORKS

Step 3. Inspirational Marketing and Promotion

Recommendation is to focus on two core themes: a. Accentuate the recreation and health benefits of safely playing golf in a phased approach

b. As a sport that prides itself on playing by the rules, following the rules of social distancing in golf are the most important rules today PROPOSED PHASE APPROACH

• Based on up-to-date data & readiness

• Mitigates risk of resurgence

• Protects the most vulnerable

• Implementable on a state-wide or county by county basis at Governor’s discretion

• Consistent approach with “Opening Up America Again”, understandable for all stakeholders as well as local and statewide legislators. OVERRIDING PHASE POLICIES for Individuals

CONTINUE TO PRACTICE GOOD HYGIENE • Wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer, especially after touching frequently used items or surfaces. • Avoid touching your face. • Sneeze or cough into a tissue, or the inside of your elbow. • Disinfect frequently used items and surfaces as much as possible. • Strongly consider using face coverings while in public, and particularly when using mass transit.

PEOPLE WHO FEEL SICK SHOULD STAY HOME • Do not go to the golf course/ club. • Contact and follow the advice of your medical provider. OVERRIDING PHASE POLICIES for Facilities

Develop and implement appropriate policies, in accordance with Federal, State, and local regulations and guidance, and informed by industry best practices, regarding:

• Staff social distancing and protective equipment • Golf course set up • Temperature checks for staff • Check in policies and procedures • Testing, isolating, and contact tracing • Facility teaching and coaching programming • Sanitation of club operations, amenities, practice • Clubhouse operations and amenities facility, carts, buildings and public areas • Tournaments and events • Use and disinfection of common and high-traffic areas

Monitor workforce for indicative symptoms. Do not allow symptomatic people to physically return to work until cleared by a medical provider.

Develop and implement policies and procedures for workforce contact tracing following employee COVID positive test. PHASE ONE

FOR STATES & REGIONS SATISFYING THE GATING CRITERIA PHASE ONE - INDIVIDUALS

• ALL VULNERABLE INDIVIDUALS* should continue to shelter in place. Members of households with vulnerable residents should be aware that by returning to work or other environments where distancing is not practical, they could carry the virus back home. Precautions should be taken to isolate from vulnerable residents.

• All individuals, WHEN PLAYING GOLF, should maximize physical distance from others. Social settings of more than 10 people, where appropriate distancing may not be practical, should be avoided unless precautionary measures are observed.

• Avoid SOCIALIZING in groups of more than 10 people in circumstances that do not readily allow for appropriate physical distancing (e.g., golf leagues, golf events, club meetings). PHASE ONE - EMPLOYERS

• Continue to ENCOURAGE TELEWORK whenever possible and feasible with facility operations.

• If possible, RETURN TO WORK IN PHASES.

• Close COMMON AREAS where personnel are likely to congregate and interact, or enforce strict social distancing protocols (e.g., review time clock placement, associate policies and consider staggered work shifts).

• Temperature checks for staff working are encouraged.

• Strongly consider SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS for personnel who are members of a VULNERABLE POPULATION. PHASE ONE - GOLF FACILITIES

PARKING LOT • SOCIAL DISTANCING begins here. Players remain in their car until no more than 15 minutes to their tee time, at which time they check-in and proceed to starting tee. No gathering before or after play. GOLF SHOP/CHECK-IN AREAS • GOLF SHOPS remain closed including all indoors check-in and merchandising. • REMOTE CHECK-IN procedures should be utilized (internet or phone – no cash or paper receipts!) • GOLF BAGS should be brought by the player and not handled by anyone except the player. • COMMON ITEMS such as pencils, scorecards, divot tool, tees & ball markers should be unavailable. PRACTICE AREAS • PRACTICE FACILITIES should remain closed. ON-COURSE • GROUP PLAY of no more than four may be permitted with TEE TIMES spaced at least 10 minutes apart. • WALKING ENCOURAGED, however single riders in properly sanitized golf carts permitted. • PUSH CARTS allowed. If they are provided by the facility, they must be sanitized before and after use. • GOLF COURSE SET UP should be minimal (no bunker rakes, cups raised/flipped and no on course. amenities including beverage carts, water stations, ball washers, sand boxes, benches, etc.) • PERSONAL CLUBS must be used, no rental sets or sharing of clubs permitted. PHASE ONE - GOLF FACILITIES cont.

CLUBHOUSE FACILITIES • CLUBHOUSES should remain closed including function space, locker rooms, spas, lounge & common areas. • Standalone GYMS can be open if they adhere to strict physical distancing and sanitation protocols. FOOD & BEVERAGE • RESTAURANTS may provide take out food only. • HALFWAY HOUSES should remain closed. PROGRAMS & INSTRUCTION • GOLF INSTRUCTION should be performed virtually. • All LEAGUE, CLINIC, CAMPS AND ORGANIZED ACTIVITIES will remain suspended. • No YOUTH activities. • CADDIE programs should be suspended. COMMUNICATIONS • EMAIL, SOCIAL MEDIA & WEBSITE should be utilized to inform members of policies. • Increased SIGNAGE should be placed at all facility entrances & high traffic areas to remind of social distancing practices. • SANITATION policies & procedures should be clearly communicated. PHASE TWO

FOR STATES AND REGIONS WITH NO EVIDENCE OF A REBOUND AND THAT SATISFY THE GATING CRITERIA A SECOND TIME PHASE TWO- INDIVIDUALS

• ALL VULNERABLE INDIVIDUALS should continue to shelter in place. Members of households with vulnerable residents should be aware that by returning to work or other environments where distancing is not practical, they could carry the virus back home. Precautions should be taken to Isolate from vulnerable residents.

• All individuals, WHEN PLAYING GOLF, should maximize physical distance from others. Social settings of more than 50 people, where appropriate distancing may not be practical, should be avoided unless precautionary measures are observed. PHASE TWO- EMPLOYERS

• Continue to ENCOURAGE TELEWORK, whenever possible and feasible with facility operations.

• Close COMMON AREAS where personnel are likely to congregate and interact, or enforce moderate social distancing protocols (e.g., review time clock placement, associate policies and consider staggered work shifts).

• Strongly consider SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS for personnel who are members of a VULNERABLE POPULATION. PHASE TWO- GOLF FACILITIES

PARKING LOT • SOCIAL DISTANCING begins here. Players should continue practice social distancing in all areas regardless of how far in advance of their tee time they arrive.

GOLF SHOP/CHECK-IN AREAS • Golf shops are allowed to open and should do so in a limited fashion including capacity limits, limited hours, reduction of staff inside golf shop at one time, limited merchandise, increased sanitizing etc. • REMOTE CHECK-IN procedures should be utilized (internet or phone – no cash or paper receipts!) • GOLF BAGS should be brought by the player and not handled by anyone except the player. • COMMON ITEMS such as pencils, scorecards, divot tool, tees & ball markers should be unavailable.

PRACTICE AREAS • PRACTICE FACILITIES may open under strict sanitation & social distancing guidelines including capacity restrictions on putting greens and minimum spacing distances between driving range hitting bays (no less than 8 feet), no bag stands, den caddies, ball retrieval devices, etc. PHASE TWO- GOLF FACILITIES cont. ON-COURSE • GROUP PLAY of no more than four may be permitted with TEE TIMES spaced at least 10 minutes apart. • WALKING ENCOURAGED, however single riders carts or family members living in the same house sharing a cart is permitted. All carts must be properly sanitized following use. • CART STAGING for daily or event play must accommodate social distancing guidelines. • PUSH CARTS allowed including club provided ones, so long as they are sanitized after every use. • GOLF COURSE SET UP continues to be minimal (no bunker rakes, cups raised/flipped and no on-course amenities including beverage carts, water stations, ball washers, sand boxes, benches, etc.) • PERSONAL CLUBS must be used, no rental sets or sharing of clubs permitted. CLUBHOUSE FACILITIES • CLUBHOUSES can open but should operate at limited capacity as to adhere to social distancing policies. • Other AMENITIES such as pool, locker room, spa, salon services, etc. should remain closed. • Standalone GYMS can continue to be open if they adhere to strict physical distancing and sanitation protocols. FOOD & BEVERAGE • RESTAURANTS AND BARS may operate with diminished standing-room occupancy, where applicable and appropriate. • HALFWAY HOUSES may open with strict social distancing precautions in place such as no cash payments, no self service food & beverage, etc. PHASE TWO- GOLF FACILITIES cont.

PROGRAMS & INSTRUCTION • INSTRUCTION may be resumed with adherence to strict social distancing guidelines. Small Group clinics may be resumed based upon the practice facility space available to abide by the social distancing guidelines. • All LEAGUE, CLINIC, CAMPS AND ORGANIZED ACTIVITIES can resume with strict social distancing guidelines and kept under 50 people. • YOUTH activities may be resumed with strict adherence to gathering restrictions and social distancing. Activities must include family members of the youth activities in the counts for gathering restrictions. • CADDIE programs should continue to be suspended.

COMMUNICATIONS • EMAIL, SOCIAL MEDIA & WEBSITE should continue to be utilized to inform members of policies while on property • Increased SIGNAGE should continue to be displayed at all facility entrances & high traffic areas to remind of social distancing practices. • SANITATION policies & procedures should continue to be clearly communicated. PHASE THREE

FOR STATES AND REGIONS WITH NO EVIDENCE OF A REBOUND AND THAT SATISFY THE GATING CRITERIA A THIRD TIME PHASE THREE - INDIVIDUALS & EMPLOYERS

• VULNERABLE INDIVIDUALS can resume public interactions, but should practice physical distancing, minimizing exposure to social settings where distancing may not be practical, unless precautionary measures are observed.

• LOW-RISK POPULATIONS should consider minimizing time spent in crowded environments.

• All GOLF OPERATIONS may resume as normal including UNRESTRICTED STAFFING of worksites. PHASE THREE - GOLF FACILITIES

• Golf courses and clubs may return to NORMAL OPERATIONS while still practicing standard sanitation protocols.

• CLUBHOUSES, RESTAURANTS AND BARS may operate with increased standing room occupancy, where applicable.

• LARGE GATHERINGS (e.g., sit-down dining, charity events, etc.) can operate under limited physical distancing protocols.

Other Resources

NEPGA COVID-19 Resource Page

Jani-King Reducing Risk in Your Facility

GCSAA COVID-19 Resource Page

NGF COVID-19 Resource Page

National Club Association Club Preparedness

Center for Disease Control

World Health Organization