Sector Support: Guidance for Golf Course Operators

As companies across Alberta prepare to reopen their businesses safely, the Government of Alberta launched Alberta Biz Connect, a site the aggregates the supports being offered by the provincial government, as well as quick access to guidance on how to develop safe, comprehensive policies and practices to reopen businesses and adhere to the new operating guidelines.

In addition to the general guidelines for business owners, the Government of Alberta has put together specific guidance to support golf courses in reducing the risk of transmission of COVID-19 among golfers, workers and volunteers.

Clubhouse & Maintenance

Equipment rental:

• Power cart rentals must be used by one individual only, unless being shared by members of the same household.
• Power and pull carts must be cleaned and disinfected after each use.

Booking:

• It is strongly encouraged that tee-times be booked and paid for via online means as a means to ensure capacity control.

Golf Play

The number of golfers, workers and volunteers on the golf course at any one time should be limited to ensure physical distancing is maintained.

• Golfers should arrive at the golf course no earlier than 15 minutes before their tee time.
• After play, golfers should go directly to their carts and park them in designated areas.
• Ensure the facility has proper protocols in place in the event of lightning and frost delays so that there are no contraventions of physical distancing requirements.

Limit opportunities for surfaces to be touched by golfers including:

• Remove rakes from sand traps
• Institute a “pin stays in” rule
• Remove ball washing stands at tees
• Remove water stations
• Eliminate self-service to pencils and scorecards
• Remove or block off benches

Remove sharable items from golf courses and power carts (e.g., sand containers, coolers)

Workplace

Consider assigning a greeter or marshal to inform all golfers, workers and volunteers to follow all COVID-19 measures.

In addition to the cleaning and disinfecting guidance found in the Workplace Guidance for Business Owners:

• Ensure HVAC system filters are changed frequently. Schedule frequent cleaning of the HVAC system.
• Institute a log of daily cleaning, including an inventory of gloves, masks and supplies.
• Regularly clean and disinfect any surfaces and equipment touched by golfers, workers and volunteers.

If portable restrooms are used, they should include hand sanitizer or hand washing stations with soap, paper towel and foot-activated devices adjacent to the units.

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