Golf at Huntercombe during COVID 19
Please read
A practical guide to golf at Huntercombe during COVID 19 – May 2020.
In line with the advice from the government and golf’s governing body the English Golf Union/R&A this document should be read and understood by the golfer and the staff and will act as the guide to how we enjoy golf at Huntercombe during the gradual lifting of social restrictions.
It is paramount that we stick to these guidelines in order for us to keep playing.
For golfers, these measures will cover each step of the journey from home to the golf course and back home again. At the course, these measures will be in place from dawn until dusk 7 days a week.
Our guidelines and procedures are under constant review, and updated as advice from the government, health authorities and governing bodies evolves.
Contents –
1. Course access
2. Booking & Arrival
3. Check in and pro shop
4. Clubhouse facilities
5. To the first tee
6. On the course
7. Dogs
8. Getting home safely
1. Course Access
In the initial period of the club’s re-opening access to the course will be limited to Members only. Members’ guests and visitors will be welcome at Huntercombe in due course when we feel that there is space to accommodate them safely without impacting on the members.
To access the course, a player must –
• Be an active Member
• Use the 1st tee only as a starting point
• If he or she is a Junior under 17 play with or be accompanied by an adult from the same household
• Not recently been out of the country for 21 days
• Not be in self isolation or received a letter suggesting them as vulnerable
• Not be displaying the symptoms of COVID 19
• Have a pre-reserved tee time
• All golfers will be limited to (at first whilst we monitor popularity and usage) 2 x tee times per week. Also, the weekend pre 10am will be reserved for those who are working in the week although they will be allowed to partner someone who is not
2. Booking & Arrival
• Booking a tee time to play is compulsory during this time – book online or by calling the club
• The tee sheet will be open for play from 8am until 8pm - 7 days a week
• All golfers will be made aware of these measures prior to their visit
• Golfers should travel alone to the club, or with a member of the same household
• Ample car parking spaces are available to ensure social distancing
• Please do not arrive at the club earlier than 10 minutes prior to your reserved time (the clubhouse range will be closed for anything other than teaching)
• Observe social distancing and always resist the temptation to mingle
• Arrange golf attire and change footwear at the car
• Report straight to the pro shop
3. Check in and pro shop protocol
• All golfers must check in before play
• Only one person permitted in the pro shop at one time (aside from the pro on duty)
• There will be a two metre exclusion zone at the service desk
• Essential golfing items will be available to purchase, gathered by the staff on request
• Card payment only, no cash accepted at the till
• Sanitised trollies and buggies available – single person uses only
• Scorecards for own use only
• Social golf only. No competitions until further notice
4. Clubhouse facilities
• Clubhouse access limited to the toilets and washrooms
Bar and dining rooms closed
• No more than 1 person at a time
• All doors will be propped open during opening hours
• Sanitiser and hand washing facilities available. Paper towels only
5. To the first tee
• Groups restricted to a single or two ball formats (excluding foursomes) at 10-minute tee off intervals – first tee only
• Putting greens are open but limited to four players. Golfers must observe social distancing
• Arrive at the first tee no more than 5 minutes ahead of your reserved tee time
• Tee times strictly observed
• Do not approach the tee until the group in front are clear of the tee
• The clubhouse practice ground will be closed.
6. On the course
• Social distancing (2m) to be practiced at all times
• Benches, rubbish bins and ball washers removed
• Rakes have been removed, preferred lies in bunkers
• Flagstick to remain in the holes and not to be touched
• Hole cups inverted for simple contact free removal
• Equipment, food or drink must not be exchanged between players
• Golfers must not pick up anyone else’s ball or equipment
• The toilet on the 13th will be open and cleaned. Please use the sanitiser after use
• Players must not shake hands, high five (heaven forbid) , fist bump or kiss!
• All golfers must leave the course 30 minutes prior to sunset
7. Dogs
• As there are no bins and no water fountains, golfers must dispose of their own dog’s mess and bring their own water for refreshment.
8. Getting home safely
• The shoe cleaner will be switched off/ covered and must not be used,
• On completing their round players must return straight to their cars although washing and toilet facilities may be used. Sadly, mingling on the terrace is not allowed
• Players must call or email the club with any post round health issues or COVID related queries at the earliest possible opportunity
• Our GM, Marcus Lovelock, has been assigned as the COVID 19 staff officer and will be responsible for managing issues and queries
FAQ
Question – I am over 70, can I still play?
Answer – As long as you have not had a letter specifically requesting you to stay at home as a vulnerable person then we would love you to come and play.
Question - How is a tee sheet going to work, it is very un-Huntercombe?
Answer - During this time of social distancing a tee sheet is the only way of keeping large groups from turning up at one time. There will be no organised roll ups. Tee times will run from 8am until 8pm. All golfers will be limited to (at first, whilst we monitor popularity and usage) 2 x tee times per week. Also, the weekend pre 10am will be reserved for those who are working in the week, although they will be allowed to partner someone who is not.
You will be able to book up to a week in advance with the 8th day opening up daily.
Please be patient with us when we first open as we will have high demand.
You will be able to book tee times online through the Website (Club V1 hub) or phone the club/pro shop 01491 641241 between the hours of 8am and 6pm any day. If lines are busy, please try again.
Question – What about the practice grounds?
Answer – the practice ground on the 13th will be open and does not require booking. However, both practice areas will be subject to the same social distancing requirements of 2 metres. The clubhouse practice ground will be teaching only. If you want to turn up before your tee time and hit balls it will have to be on the 13th range. Balls will be available from the pro shop and all buckets, balls and tokens will be disinfected.
Question – I need a lesson. Will I be able to book time with the Pros?
Answer – certainly, Ian and his team will be teaching as normal with the exception that they will advise from 2m away. This will not diminish the experience and, as we all know, this is the perfect time to look at improving.
There will be no group lessons available.
Question - When can we use the clubhouse, catering and bar?
Answer – we will advise as soon as this becomes available. We are currently trying to find ways of being able to offer a safe, limited service.
----
First Aid kits will be in the office and the pro shop and we advise that you carry a mobile phone in case of emergency.
All of these measures are in place to try and ensure the safest environment for you to enjoy your golf – please observe these rules and stick to each guideline.
We are fortunate enough to be one of the first sports allowed to resume playing but members must understand that if these restrictions are not observed, the club may have to close again.
Let us – Play safe and stay safe.
The Board at Huntercombe May 2020
In line with the advice from the government and golf’s governing body the English Golf Union/R&A this document should be read and understood by the golfer and the staff and will act as the guide to how we enjoy golf at Huntercombe during the gradual lifting of social restrictions.
It is paramount that we stick to these guidelines in order for us to keep playing.
For golfers, these measures will cover each step of the journey from home to the golf course and back home again. At the course, these measures will be in place from dawn until dusk 7 days a week.
Our guidelines and procedures are under constant review, and updated as advice from the government, health authorities and governing bodies evolves.
Contents –
1. Course access
2. Booking & Arrival
3. Check in and pro shop
4. Clubhouse facilities
5. To the first tee
6. On the course
7. Dogs
8. Getting home safely
1. Course Access
In the initial period of the club’s re-opening access to the course will be limited to Members only. Members’ guests and visitors will be welcome at Huntercombe in due course when we feel that there is space to accommodate them safely without impacting on the members.
To access the course, a player must –
• Be an active Member
• Use the 1st tee only as a starting point
• If he or she is a Junior under 17 play with or be accompanied by an adult from the same household
• Not recently been out of the country for 21 days
• Not be in self isolation or received a letter suggesting them as vulnerable
• Not be displaying the symptoms of COVID 19
• Have a pre-reserved tee time
• All golfers will be limited to (at first whilst we monitor popularity and usage) 2 x tee times per week. Also, the weekend pre 10am will be reserved for those who are working in the week although they will be allowed to partner someone who is not
2. Booking & Arrival
• Booking a tee time to play is compulsory during this time – book online or by calling the club
• The tee sheet will be open for play from 8am until 8pm - 7 days a week
• All golfers will be made aware of these measures prior to their visit
• Golfers should travel alone to the club, or with a member of the same household
• Ample car parking spaces are available to ensure social distancing
• Please do not arrive at the club earlier than 10 minutes prior to your reserved time (the clubhouse range will be closed for anything other than teaching)
• Observe social distancing and always resist the temptation to mingle
• Arrange golf attire and change footwear at the car
• Report straight to the pro shop
3. Check in and pro shop protocol
• All golfers must check in before play
• Only one person permitted in the pro shop at one time (aside from the pro on duty)
• There will be a two metre exclusion zone at the service desk
• Essential golfing items will be available to purchase, gathered by the staff on request
• Card payment only, no cash accepted at the till
• Sanitised trollies and buggies available – single person uses only
• Scorecards for own use only
• Social golf only. No competitions until further notice
4. Clubhouse facilities
• Clubhouse access limited to the toilets and washrooms
Bar and dining rooms closed
• No more than 1 person at a time
• All doors will be propped open during opening hours
• Sanitiser and hand washing facilities available. Paper towels only
5. To the first tee
• Groups restricted to a single or two ball formats (excluding foursomes) at 10-minute tee off intervals – first tee only
• Putting greens are open but limited to four players. Golfers must observe social distancing
• Arrive at the first tee no more than 5 minutes ahead of your reserved tee time
• Tee times strictly observed
• Do not approach the tee until the group in front are clear of the tee
• The clubhouse practice ground will be closed.
6. On the course
• Social distancing (2m) to be practiced at all times
• Benches, rubbish bins and ball washers removed
• Rakes have been removed, preferred lies in bunkers
• Flagstick to remain in the holes and not to be touched
• Hole cups inverted for simple contact free removal
• Equipment, food or drink must not be exchanged between players
• Golfers must not pick up anyone else’s ball or equipment
• The toilet on the 13th will be open and cleaned. Please use the sanitiser after use
• Players must not shake hands, high five (heaven forbid) , fist bump or kiss!
• All golfers must leave the course 30 minutes prior to sunset
7. Dogs
• As there are no bins and no water fountains, golfers must dispose of their own dog’s mess and bring their own water for refreshment.
8. Getting home safely
• The shoe cleaner will be switched off/ covered and must not be used,
• On completing their round players must return straight to their cars although washing and toilet facilities may be used. Sadly, mingling on the terrace is not allowed
• Players must call or email the club with any post round health issues or COVID related queries at the earliest possible opportunity
• Our GM, Marcus Lovelock, has been assigned as the COVID 19 staff officer and will be responsible for managing issues and queries
FAQ
Question – I am over 70, can I still play?
Answer – As long as you have not had a letter specifically requesting you to stay at home as a vulnerable person then we would love you to come and play.
Question - How is a tee sheet going to work, it is very un-Huntercombe?
Answer - During this time of social distancing a tee sheet is the only way of keeping large groups from turning up at one time. There will be no organised roll ups. Tee times will run from 8am until 8pm. All golfers will be limited to (at first, whilst we monitor popularity and usage) 2 x tee times per week. Also, the weekend pre 10am will be reserved for those who are working in the week, although they will be allowed to partner someone who is not.
You will be able to book up to a week in advance with the 8th day opening up daily.
Please be patient with us when we first open as we will have high demand.
You will be able to book tee times online through the Website (Club V1 hub) or phone the club/pro shop 01491 641241 between the hours of 8am and 6pm any day. If lines are busy, please try again.
Question – What about the practice grounds?
Answer – the practice ground on the 13th will be open and does not require booking. However, both practice areas will be subject to the same social distancing requirements of 2 metres. The clubhouse practice ground will be teaching only. If you want to turn up before your tee time and hit balls it will have to be on the 13th range. Balls will be available from the pro shop and all buckets, balls and tokens will be disinfected.
Question – I need a lesson. Will I be able to book time with the Pros?
Answer – certainly, Ian and his team will be teaching as normal with the exception that they will advise from 2m away. This will not diminish the experience and, as we all know, this is the perfect time to look at improving.
There will be no group lessons available.
Question - When can we use the clubhouse, catering and bar?
Answer – we will advise as soon as this becomes available. We are currently trying to find ways of being able to offer a safe, limited service.
----
First Aid kits will be in the office and the pro shop and we advise that you carry a mobile phone in case of emergency.
All of these measures are in place to try and ensure the safest environment for you to enjoy your golf – please observe these rules and stick to each guideline.
We are fortunate enough to be one of the first sports allowed to resume playing but members must understand that if these restrictions are not observed, the club may have to close again.
Let us – Play safe and stay safe.
The Board at Huntercombe May 2020