“Thank you to all of the PGA Professionals for leading the industry and navigating through these unprecedented times. Your diligence, commitment  to providing responsible operations and tremendous efforts have made keeping the game open possible.  The industry thanks you!  Let’s continue to work together and lead responsibly to stay open!” - John Easterbrook, Jr., PGA, Chief Membership Officer

The Back2Golf 5.0 Playbook - Keeping Golf Open Responsibly update has been reviewed by our medical experts and reflects the learnings and feedback that so many of you have provided since the Playbook was first rolled out last spring.  The goal of this update is very simple - provide operators with an updated playbook that can continue to help keep golf facilities open based on medically endorsed best practices and the socially distanced opportunities our sport provides. From the beginning, the Playbook was designed to help facilities move forward or step backward depending on the severity of the COVID-19 virus in states and counties across the country. 

While the general three-phased framework of the Playbook remains the same in version 5.0, there are FOUR significant changes we’d like to point out:

1. Size of Gatherings - based on feedback from operators across the country, we have removed the concept of limitations on the specific size of group gatherings.  The rationale is that various local authorities are implementing very different standards based on local conditions.  To avoid confusion in this area, we are now simply referring you directly to your State/County/Local guidelines regarding the size of gatherings. Prescribed gathering guidance has been removed from the Guidelines for Play, Practice Facilities, Fitness classes, Golf events and Youth Activities.

2. Golf Carts - use of carts is another area where local authorities are getting very specific regarding what is permissible.  Instead of trying to outline cart usage by phase, we are instead focusing on best practices that have been used for the health and well-being of customers.

3. Competitions- We have removed the phasing and provided general recommendations related to competitions. 

4. Practice Facilities-  Instead of trying to outline range usage by phase, we are instead focusing on best practices that have been used for the health and well-being of customers as directed by state and local health authorities. 

Information contained in this page and the corresponding operational playbook are for the general education and knowledge of the recipient.  It is not designed to be, and should not be used as, the sole source of information when analyzing reopening plans. As the situation surrounding COVID-19 is evolving quickly and the subject matter contained herein may be subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations, we urge you to consult legal counsel to assist in developing your specific operational plans. While the intent is to move forward through each phase, it may be necessary based on health conditions or poor behavior by golfers to take a step backwards.

• To download a PDF of the Operations Playbook Version 5.0 last updated on November 20, 2020, click here. Group size and golf cart operations should be directed by state and local guidelines. Prescribed guidelines for gathering size has been removed. Phasing for Competitions has been removed and general guidance related to competitions has been outlined.

  • To view Phase 1 operational examples, click here.
  • To view Phase 2 operational examples, click here.
  • To view Phase 3 operational examples, click here.
• To view the Back2Golf Guidelines for Opening Up Golf (last updated May 18, 2020), presented by the Allied Golf Organizations, click here.
• To download the 30-second Back2Golf PSA for your facility website and social media channels, click here.
• To download the 30-second Back2Golf Invitation video, click here.
• To listen to a Back2Golf message from Bob Ford, Head Golf Professional and General Manager at Seminole Golf Club, click here.

Social Distancing Guidelines

Throughout the pandemic, the sport has allowed people a responsible way to recreate and a much needed distraction from the mental fatigue COVID has caused. Golf has served as an activity that is outdoors, easily played under social distancing guidelines, with operators that have modified and unified to provide a responsible environment to enjoy the much needed physical activity.

As golf facilities work through the three phases of Back2Golf, it is vital to do so in a responsible manner that protects the entire golf community. In collaboration with our Allied Golf Organizations, medical professionals and in alignment with the Center for Disease Control (CDC), this comprehensive plan allows golf to be played while observing recommended social distancing guidelines.

This action plan can be implemented on a statewide or county-by-county basis. Our industry understands there are various restrictions in different parts of the country and emphasize that all should be adhering to state and local guidelines to ensure our sport comes back in a healthy and responsible way. For safe and responsible operation, state and local guidelines should be followed related to group sizes and golf cart operations. Wearing a facial covering (as required by locality) and installing partitions in golf carts has proven successful.

Continue to encourage responsible golf and print out these Back2Golf Social Distancing Guidelines posters for your facility. These can be displayed in the golf shop, locker room, first tee, clubhouse, on golf carts or wherever appropriate.

• Click here to download 4.5’’ x 5.5’’ golf cart signs.
• Click here to download 8.5’’ x 11’’ horizontal posters.
• Click here to download 8.5’’ x 11’’ vertical posters.
• Click here to download 8.5'' x 14'' horizontal posters.
• Click here to download 8.5'' x 14'' vertical posters.

CDC Strategies and Resources 

It’s also important that facilities follow the CDC’s specific community mitigation strategies including personal protective measures, social distancing and environmental surface cleaning at home and in community settings like the workplace. Please click here for guidance on implementing the CDC Community Mitigation Framework.

For interim guidance from the CDC for businesses and employers responding to COVID-19, click here. To access the Resuming Business Toolkit, click here. Below are also other CDC tools to assist administrators in making re-opening decisions.

• Click here for youth sports considerations.
• Click here for the youth programs and camps decision tree.
• Click here for the workplace decision tree.
• Click here for the restaurants and bars decision tree.
• Click here for the schools decision tree.
• Click here for the childcare programs decision tree.
• Click here for the mass transit decision tree.

This plan is based on the operational underpinnings in “Guidelines Opening Up America Again” published by the White House and the CDC. It includes a specific, three-phased approach to golf that aligns with the broader plan to re-open the economy. Each phase includes operational protocols when it comes to social distancing, the sanitation of physical facilities and the health of you and your staff.

Our industry understands there are various restrictions in different parts of the country and emphasize that all should be adhering to state and local guidelines to ensure our sport comes back in a healthy way.

Phase Summary