what CoronaVirus precautions are your club taking?

willabur · 09-03-2020 5:18pm #1

Haven't seen or heard anything from my club with regards the outbreak.
Given that golf is a sport where you spend most of the time apart from your playing partners I would guess it would be a low risk (provided you skip the traditional post match handshake and agree to leave the pin in on all holes, etc)
and so could stay open. People working on the course should in theory be okay as they are outside, I would say that club houses etc would be more complicated

have any of your clubs done anything about it? Thoughts on what they should or shouldn't do?

prawnsambo · 09-03-2020 5:59pm

Our club has hand sanitiser and dispensers ordered and will be installed around the club house before the weekend. But as you say (outside of the club house) it's probably one of the safer sports from that point of view.

Rikand · 09-03-2020 7:48pm

Club dont need to do anything. The irish weather always arriving on the weekends is covering everything

Seve OB · 09-03-2020 8:59pm

prawnsambo wrote: »

Our club has hand sanitiser and dispensers ordered and will be installed around the club house before the weekend. But as you say (outside of the club house) it's probably one of the safer sports from that point of view.

i doubt that. hand sanitiser has been impossible to get for weeks now. unless you have them ordered for weeks?

prawnsambo · 09-03-2020 9:57pm

Seve OB wrote: »

i doubt that. hand sanitiser has been impossible to get for weeks now. unless you have them ordered for weeks?

Well I'll call the pro and tell him you said he was lying when he sent out the email saying it was ordered and arriving this week. That should sort him.

Seve OB · 09-03-2020 10:44pm

I’m wasn’t trying to be smart.
No need for you to be.

If they do get some I would be interested to know who and where they are getting them because as I say I’ve been trying to get some for the job for a few weeks now and it is proving impossible.

TXPTGR1 · 09-03-2020 11:56pm

Seve OB wrote: »

I’m wasn’t trying to be smart.
No need for you to be.

If they do get some I would be interested to know who and where they are getting them because as I say I’ve been trying to get some for the job for a few weeks now and it is proving impossible.

Outside the clubhouse Flags are surely the biggest risk? Think I’ll be leaving it in
End handshake a no obviously
My golf club will be going under if this hits the over 60s as hard as it’s supposed to

GreeBo · 10-03-2020 10:27am

We have all just agreed to not play in Portmarnock

PARlance · 10-03-2020 2:17pm

A long as you throw the flagstick on the green quick enough, you should be fine.

Eek eyes.

pakman · 10-03-2020 2:58pm

We did elbow knocks at the end of our round on Saturday. There should really be more done considering the age profile of many golfers.

downthemiddle · 10-03-2020 8:04pm

Soap, hot water, paper towels and some common sense.

billy3sheets · 10-03-2020 9:57pm

Our club has banned spitting in the hole.

prawnsambo · 10-03-2020 10:44pm

billy3sheets wrote: »

Our club has banned spitting in the hole.

Is this a thing? :eek:

Seve OB · 10-03-2020 11:57pm

prawnsambo wrote: »

Is this a thing? :eek:

Sergio is a member there

Golfhead65 · 11-03-2020 12:10am

It's funny how all the experts are saying to wash your hands, I would have thought people would do that anyhow..it's after you wash your hands is the problem,what do you do ....put your hand on a filthy door handle....Carbolic soap is your only man and vinyl gloves after to open the door and bin them outside..a bit off topic I know but that's my tuppence worth

GolfNut33 · 11-03-2020 12:10am

billy3sheets wrote: »

Our club has banned spitting in the hole.

Some kinky stuff going on in your place Billy?

TXPTGR1 · 11-03-2020 12:23am

This is going to put a few clubs under if it gets worse I fear, between loss of revenue when Americans stop travelling to main membership demographics for many clubs being the main at risk cohort

willabur · 11-03-2020 12:39am

You'd hope financial ins, creditors etc will be obliged to give debtors some kind of amnesty

mike12 · 11-03-2020 7:35am

willabur wrote: »

You'd hope financial ins, creditors etc will be obliged to give debtors some kind of amnesty

It benefits no one a course closing I reckon it will have very little effect in the end

FixdePitchmark · 11-03-2020 12:47pm

Worried about holding a flag has got to be hysterical level ?

On yanks not coming and paying 200/300 for a game , I'm sure the clubs at that level could cope for a single season. .

They could hold a few opens at maybe 100 , for GUI members

Seve OB · 11-03-2020 1:13pm

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

Worried about holding a flag has got to be hysterical level ?

I was wondering about this myself and was thinking it might need to be transferred on a living body and might not survive on synthetic surfaces so I looked it up.

Firstly my understanding is that there are 2 forces at play. SARS-CoV-2 is the proper name of the virus, which can lead to the disease COVID-19. So maybe it is possible to pick up the virus, but not the disease. Someone else might know more about this?

So SARS-CoV-2 can actually live on surfaces (such as flagsticks), below quote from WHO.

Even though the new coronavirus can stay on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days (depending on the type of surface), it is very unlikely that the virus will persist on a surface after being moved, travelled, and exposed to different conditions and temperatures. If you think a surface may be contaminated, use a disinfectant to clean it. After touching it, clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.

By washing your hands you eliminate viruses that may be on your hands and avoid infection that could occur by then touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.

Now this is where the scientists will educate us. I'm not sure if this means that if you get the virus on your hands you can kill it by washing it off quickly enough before you get the disease COVID-19.

And most of us wear gloves playing golf and we don't wash them!!!!

prawnsambo · 11-03-2020 8:16pm

Seve OB wrote: »

Now this is where the scientists will educate us. I'm not sure if this means that if you get the virus on your hands you can kill it by washing it off quickly enough before you get the disease COVID-19.

And most of us wear gloves playing golf and we don't wash them!!!!

What it means is that you are at risk of getting the virus if you get it on your hands and then touch your face (eyes, nose, mouth). On your skin, it is not going to infect you (unless you have an open wound that comes in contact with it). So washing your hands regularly and avoiding touching your face as much as possible is the best way of avoiding infection. And you must wash with hot water. Cold water is not as effective.

Edt: Some more info I've read lately. Virus can live up to three days on certain surfaces like stainless steel and plastics. The interesting thing is that the best method for breaking it down is with soap (and water obviously). Soap is even better than alcohol in this regard as it actually breaks up the building blocks of viruses more efficiently. What I said above about hot water is not necessary, just that you work the soap in everywhere (hence the 20 second wash) and then wash it off. Same for surfaces. Use a soapy cleaner. Disinfectants are not much use at all.

HighLine · 12-03-2020 10:02am

Basketball Ireland have suspended all matches until further notice. Obviously a more personal contact sport than golf, but considering the age demographic that play golf, you would wonder will the GUI/ILGU do something similar?

Kiith · 12-03-2020 10:20am

Can't see them closing any courses, but i suspect they'll issue guidelines to not shake hands at the end of the round, ensure personal hygiene etc...

It'll probably have an impact though, if only because people may not want to stick around in the clubhouse afterwards.

prawnsambo · 12-03-2020 10:42am

HighLine wrote: »

Basketball Ireland have suspended all matches until further notice. Obviously a more personal contact sport than golf, but considering the age demographic that play golf, you would wonder will the GUI/ILGU do something similar?

It's pretty much one of the few sports where transmission is least likely (outside the clubhouse - and that's very controllable). You'd be more at risk going to the supermarket.

Fann Linn · 12-03-2020 10:44am

prawnsambo wrote: »

It's pretty much one of the few sports where transmission is least likely (outside the clubhouse - and that's very controllable). You'd be more at risk going to the supermarket.

And the way me and my mates play we're never gonna be within 2 mtrs of each other apart from when the four of us are on the tee box!!

blue note · 12-03-2020 10:46am

I'm taking precautions where I can anyway. You can't avoid being near people on the green / tee boxes, but I can avoid fairways so that's what I'll do.

prawnsambo · 12-03-2020 10:49am

Fann Linn wrote: »

And the way me and my mates play we're never gonna be within 2 mtrs of each other apart from when the four of us are on the tee box!!

The only other area of concern that people may not have thought of is how to handle cards. Obviously the comp sec should handle them with disposable gloves, but the rest of us should just ensure we wash our hands thoroughly with soap and water after signing off.

Ah_go_on · 12-03-2020 10:52am

HighLine wrote: »

Basketball Ireland have suspended all matches until further notice. Obviously a more personal contact sport than golf, but considering the age demographic that play golf, you would wonder will the GUI/ILGU do something similar?

With this new US/EU travel ban I’m hoping there are no implications for Ryder Cup

downthemiddle · 12-03-2020 11:25am

HighLine wrote: »

Basketball Ireland have suspended all matches until further notice. Obviously a more personal contact sport than golf, but considering the age demographic that play golf, you would wonder will the GUI/ILGU do something similar?

There is an inevitability about where we are heading. Our figures will rise considerably over the next week and with that will come quite dramatic lifestyle changes. We all have to take personal responsibility for our actions and ensure we try to avoid a repeat of the situation in Italy.
We will look back at this years Cheltenham festival as a wanton act of recklessness.

Golfhead65 · 12-03-2020 11:51am

Our club have sent out a mail to say that The Captains Drive in is cancelled so as to stop Mass gatherings in convinced spaces, A ceremonial drive in will take place later in the year

GreeBo · 12-03-2020 12:14pm

There are lots of little things that could cause transmission though:
Signing in
Buying anything in the pro shop
Sharing divot tools, tees, markers
Throwing a ball back to someone
Shared bathrooms

Seve OB · 12-03-2020 12:46pm

yes
even buying jacks roll could be dangerous

prawnsambo · 12-03-2020 2:40pm

GreeBo wrote: »

There are lots of little things that could cause transmission though:
Signing in
Buying anything in the pro shop
Sharing divot tools, tees, markers
Throwing a ball back to someone
Shared bathrooms

Just be sensible. Wash your hands before signing in and again after. Don't touch your face between those two hand washings.

And don't do the other stuff. Handle only your own gear and don't share.

But the thing that you absolutely shouldn't do is cough or sneeze into the open air, cover your mouth (but not with your hand).

HighLine · 12-03-2020 3:28pm

https://twitter.com/GUIGolf/status/1238100253687111680?s=20

rickis tache · 12-03-2020 3:51pm

Installed sanitizer in clubhouse....... Video of person stealing it already on social media ðŸ€£

GolfNut33 · 12-03-2020 3:52pm

It wont affect actual golf but I'd imagine the club/bar/restaurant will suffer greatly.

HighLine · 12-03-2020 4:04pm

https://www.golfnet.ie/news/golfnet/4622/statement-on-covid-19-from-gui-and-ilgu

The Unions recognise the need for adherence to the revised guidelines as issued by the HSE today (12th March 2020) and encourage golf clubs to observe them fully.

The restrictions (from 6pm today until Sunday 29th March) do not prevent club competitions or casual rounds of golf taking place, however we need to be cogniscant of the social nature of our game and how this element of it is impacted.

Golf is a great sport for people generally to get out and about, exercise and enjoy fresh air. It is played in an outdoor setting where the risk of contracting COVID-19 is low.

All golf clubs should, at this time, aim to keep their members and staff safe and well.

As such, everyone should be keenly aware of the vulnerabilities golf clubs will face:

-The older age profile of golf club memberships than of the general population must be borne in mind

-Groups having close and prolonged contact should be avoided.

-The social aspect of golf clubs should be curtailed, including limiting the potential for the following types of social interaction in accordance with the guidelines as issued today.

-Siren starts with people congregating before and after are discouraged for the time being.

-Prolonged near contact as may happen during Bridge nights, Choir practices and other clubhouse-based activities is to be avoided.

-Visitors either require some form of screening or should be discouraged for the time being.

-Society bookings where food and social interaction is involved afterwards should be limited in accordance with the latest guidance

-Common courtesies – handshakes and other embraces associated with the etiquette of the game – should be avoided and participants may bump elbows or fists as an alternative.

-Social meals for groups in the clubhouse, including at inter-club matches, should be avoided

Golf Clubs should observe the need for the following:

-Increase social distancing through greater space between seating in the clubhouse

-Availability of hand sanitisers

-Regular changing of towels

-Ask members not to come into the clubhouse with colds or any symptoms of COVID-19

-Regular cleaning of surfaces including door handles – hourly in public places

All golf clubs should note, act upon and continually monitor the advice and guidance issued by the Health Service Executive (Republic of Ireland) and the National Health Service and Public Health (Northern Ireland) in relation to the current coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

It is important that we all work together, following the advice of experts, in controlling the spread of COVID-19 infection.

This is a very fluid situation and we ask clubs to monitor the latest advice regularly.

HSE: http://www.hse.ie

NHS: http://www.nhs.uk or PHS https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/

A further statement in relation to GUI & ILGU events and meetings will be issued in due course.

GreeBo · 12-03-2020 4:34pm

prawnsambo wrote: »

Just be sensible. Wash your hands before signing in and again after.

While sensible, I'm not sure how practical that is.

No harm to have some sanitiser next to the computer though...but then again you have door handles, fridges, cards...

Back to the practice ground for me for the next 2 weeks so!

youcancallmeal · 12-03-2020 4:38pm

TXPTGR1 wrote: »

This is going to put a few clubs under if it gets worse I fear, between loss of revenue when Americans stop travelling to main membership demographics for many clubs being the main at risk cohort

Americans will generally have booked and paid for their golf trips long in advance so the likes of Old Head, Adare, Lahinch will be grand through this summer. You can be sure refunds won't be given anyway, maybe offers of rescheduling which won't be much use to the tourists. Depending on how long this pandemic goes on for and the inevitable recession there could be longer term affects though.

prawnsambo · 12-03-2020 5:03pm

GreeBo wrote: »

While sensible, I'm not sure how practical that is.

No harm to have some sanitiser next to the computer though...but then again you have door handles, fridges, cards...

Back to the practice ground for me for the next 2 weeks so!

Believe it or not, soap and water is the best way to break these bugs down and remove them. Alcohol is not as good and as a minimum needs to be 70% volume. Soap breaks the bond between the three parts of a virus and renders it inert. The water then washes that away. But you do have to get the soap in everywhere, hence the 20 second wash. Disinfectants are pretty ineffective, but a dilute bleach solution is good for surface cleaning.

Seve OB · 12-03-2020 6:00pm

for years now we do not sign in to the computer at my club.
they guys in the pro shop do it and have the cards all ready to go when we get there. small thing, but always makes it nice and quick, but now probably a good idea other clubs could adopt with just one person using the computer.
we do have a separate computer int he locker room of course for entering scores afterwards.

although, all irrelevant for us at the moment as we are only on 14 holes and we don't sign in for them (even though we should IMO)

dan_ep82 · 12-03-2020 7:09pm

It would cut down on the amount of contact by making it casual rounds only. I'm sure most just want to play golf considering the shutdown all other sectors are showing.

Seve OB · 12-03-2020 9:23pm

dan_ep82 wrote: »

It would cut down on the amount of contact by making it casual rounds only. I'm sure most just want to play golf considering the shutdown all other sectors are showing.

I think most of us play golf for the competition

dan_ep82 · 12-03-2020 9:55pm

Seve OB wrote: »

I think most of us play golf for the competition

I prefer competitions aswell but I'll take what I can get.

slave1 · 13-03-2020 2:46pm

Joint statement from GUI & ILGU in relation to coronavirus/COVID-19

In light of the period of restriction announced yesterday by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar in relation to the outbreak of COVID-19, the GUI and ILGU have issued the following guidance for clubs:

The Unions recognise the need for adherence to the revised guidelines as issued by the HSE today (12th March 2020) and encourage golf clubs to observe them fully.

The restrictions (from 6pm today until Sunday 29th March) do not prevent club competitions or casual rounds of golf taking place, however we need to be cogniscant of the social nature of our game and how this element of it is impacted.

Golf is a great sport for people generally to get out and about, exercise and enjoy fresh air. It is played in an outdoor setting where the risk of contracting COVID-19 is low.

All golf clubs should, at this time, aim to keep their members and staff safe and well.

As such, everyone should be keenly aware of the vulnerabilities golf clubs will face:

- The older age profile of golf club memberships than of the general population must be borne in mind
- Groups having close and prolonged contact should be avoided.
-The social aspect of golf clubs should be curtailed, including limiting the potential for the following types of social interaction in accordance with the guidelines as issued today.
-Siren starts with people congregating before and after are discouraged for the time being.
-Prolonged near contact as may happen during Bridge nights, Choir practices and other clubhouse-based activities is to be avoided.
-Visitors either require some form of screening or should be discouraged for the time being.
-Society bookings where food and social interaction is involved afterwards should be limited in accordance with the latest guidance
-Common courtesies  handshakes and other embraces associated with the etiquette of the game  should be avoided and participants may bump elbows as an alternative.
-Social meals for groups in the clubhouse, including at inter-club matches, should be avoided

Golf Clubs should observe the need for the following:

-Increase social distancing through greater space between seating in the clubhouse
-Availability of hand sanitisers
-Regular changing of towels
-Ask members not to come into the clubhouse with colds or any symptoms of COVID-19
-Regular cleaning of surfaces including door handles  hourly in public places

All golf clubs should note, act upon and continually monitor the advice and guidance issued by the Health Service Executive (Republic of Ireland) and the National Health Service and Public Health (Northern Ireland) in relation to the current coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

It is important that we all work together, following the advice of experts, in controlling the spread of COVID-19 infection.

This is a very fluid situation and we ask clubs to monitor the latest advice regularly.

HSE: http://www.hse.ie

NHS: http://www.nhs.uk or PHS https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/

The information below should be read in conjunction with the general advice for golf clubs above.

GUI & ILGU Championships & Inter-Club Tournaments

Golf is a great sport for people generally to get out and about, exercise and enjoy fresh air. It is played in an outdoor setting where the risk of contracting COVID-19 is low.

Despite this, the GUI and ILGU have taken some measures to reduce risk to competitors and have cancelled or postponed events that are deemed to be unnecessary gatherings during the period of restriction.

The following events are cancelled:

The Irish Girls' Open Stroke Play at Roganstown, from 3rd  5th April*

GUI National Coaching for Under 16's on 21st & 22nd March

GUI National Coaching for Under 18's on 28th & 29th March

All GUI regional, provincial and Leinster Pathway coaching sessions up to 29th March

*Though this event is outside the period of restriction, as there is a significant international field it has been decided to cancel it.

The following events are postponed:

GUI

All GUI Inter-Club Matches scheduled on or before 29th March

Ulster Regional Series 22nd March at Ballyliffin

Ireland Boys v Wales at Cardigan (Wales), from 20-21 March

ILGU
The ILGU have extended the deadline for preliminary matches so that they can be played outside of the period of restriction, if required, and this will be communicated to clubs shortly.

Scratch Cup event at Woodbrook on 15th March

All ILGU Girls' Interprovincial Panel sessions scheduled on or before March 29th

JOINT

Irish Colleges Match Play on 26th & 27th March at Woodbrook

CGI
All Golf4Girls4Life Stage 5 & 6 sessions scheduled on or before March 29th

All Open Legacy Programme Activities on or before 29th March

All Leaders Courses and Safeguarding Workshops organised on or before March 29th.

The Four Nations Developments Matches (Donabate, Dublin 4-6 April) is under review (due to the international element) with all parties involved and if required a further statement will be issued.

The ILGU will not be sending a squad to the French U21 Championship as originally planned.

All subsequent events remain as scheduled and will be reviewed if public health information is updated.

Please await further information from GUI and ILGU in relation to the rescheduling of any postponed inter-club matches.

GUI, ILGU & CGI Meetings
All World Handicap System meetings, GUI, ILGU and Confederation of Golf in Ireland workshops from 6pm on 12th March until 29th March are postponed. We are confident that there will be time to reschedule these once restrictions have been lifted.

As a general precaution, GUI & ILGU committee meetings, where required will happen by tele-conference or dial-in phone service during the period of restriction.

GUI, ILGU & CGI Offices

GUI Headquarters and provincial branch offices will remain open to fulfil essential functions only and otherwise we are instructing staff members to work from home.

The ILGU offices will remain closed during this period.

The GUI National Golf Academy will remain open as normal to the public, observing the required precautions as advised by the health authorities.

Advice to Volunteers

The Golfing Union of Ireland and Irish Ladies Golf Union ask that all volunteers note, act upon and continually monitor the advice and guidance issued by the Health Service Executive (Republic of Ireland) and Public Health/NHS (Northern Ireland) in relation to the current coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

It is important that we all work together, following the advice of experts, in controlling the spread of COVID-19 infection.

HSE: www.hse.ie

NHS: www.nhs.uk or PHS https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/

Dtoffee · 13-03-2020 6:33pm

What about the computer ..... prime candidate for sharing germs given we have to sign in and then enter scores.

GolfNut33 · 13-03-2020 10:03pm

Think we'll see a few clubs go to the wall from this. Massive cancellations from groups/societies from what I'm hearing.

prawnsambo · 13-03-2020 10:42pm

Dtoffee wrote: »

What about the computer ..... prime candidate for sharing germs given we have to sign in and then enter scores.

It's not hard. Wash your hands thoroughly before going in to the clubhouse. Do all the stuff you have to do and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. There are plenty of videos showing how that's done, but the best is from the WHO.

A British epidemiologist put it really well today: "Don't behave like you're afraid to catch it. Behave like you have it and you are afraid of passing it on".

Eaglebridie 32 · 14-03-2020 12:19am

Dtoffee wrote: »

What about the computer ..... prime candidate for sharing germs given we have to sign in and then enter scores.

Just got email from club, 4-balls & team events for next few weeks, no computer, come ready to play, wash hands, enter competition, play round , wash hands, return card, locker room not recommended, no bar or restaurant facilities available.
Fair compromise I would think .

Golfhead65 · 14-03-2020 1:24am

Dtoffee wrote: »

What about the computer ..... prime candidate for sharing germs given we have to sign in and then enter scores.

No need for computer in majority of clubs, non qualifying, Sign in with your own pen, pay by contactless and God forbid if the wind blows hard and the flag flies out of the hole and hits you on the head hard enough to kill you, that would be terrible luck...scaremongering will kill more people than the virus...agree to leave the flag in if you're worried...

what CoronaVirus precautions are your club taking?

Do you live within 5km of your golf course? 107 votes

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