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
9. Clubhouse service

1. Course Access
Access to the course will be limited to Members and Members’ guests only. Visitors will be welcome at Huntercombe in due course when we feel that there is space to accommodate them safely.
To access the course, a player must –
• Be an active Member or a Member’s guest.
• Use the 1st tee only as a starting point.
• If he or she is a Junior under 12 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
• Not be displaying the symptoms of COVID 19.
• Have a pre-reserved tee time.

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 7.30am until dark – 6 days a week and 8.10am on Sundays
• 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.

3. Check in and pro shop protocol

• Only one person permitted in the pro shop at one time (aside from the pro on duty)
• Card payment only, no cash accepted at the till
• Sanitised trollies and buggies available – single person uses only.
• Scorecards for own use only

4. Clubhouse facilities

• Changing room access limited to the toilets and washrooms
• No showers
• 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

• 8-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.
• 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. Clubhouse service

• The Clubhouse will be open from 11am until 7pm for drinks, from 11am until 3.00pm for food and until 5.30pm for tea and cake.
• Takeaway hot drinks and rolls will be available from 8am until 12pm.
• We operate a contactless payment system.
• We will be providing table service only and the rule of 6 applies indoors.
• Masks must be worn indoors until you are seated.
• Please do not attempt to come to the bar.
• The Marquee provides additional cover for inclement weather.
• Post round, or after using the clubhouse players must return straight to their cars although hands may be washed or sanitised in the toilets.
• 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 – What about the practice grounds?
Answer – the practice ground on the 13th will be open and does require booking through the pro shop. 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.
Let us – Play safe and stay safe.

The Board at Huntercombe May 2021