Back2Golf updates Operations Playbook

The industrywide Back2Golf initiative has updated its Operations Playbook (version 3.0) to help lead the responsible return of golf.

The updated playbook and addendums provide recommendations that guide the industry as it reestablishes amateur competitive events and junior programming, which are part of Back2Golf’s second phase plans.

Announced in early May, Back2Golf is driven by key stakeholders of We Are Golf, a division of the World Golf Foundation created in 2010 to spearhead initiatives on behalf of the game. Supporting organizations include Professional Golfers Association (PGA) of America, the United State Golf Association, PGA TOUR, LPGA, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA), and Club Management Association of America (CMAA), among others.

With input from these industry organizations including USGA, PGA of America, American Junior Golf Association and First Tee, the addendum provides recommendations for the second phase, which include limiting gatherings to no more than 50 people, prohibiting physical contact of any kind, requirements of cloth facial coverings and other protocols related to registration areas, practice areas, food and beverage operations, equipment, restrooms, on-course play and departures.

“Golf is more than a game — it is a community, and this effort is one of the most recent examples of how we can all work together and provide the best support to our industry,” said Mike Davis, CEO of the USGA. “Back2Golf has helped our Allied Golf Associations and member facilities get back to work, provide continuity from state to state and ultimately welcome back golfers to the course in a way that provides connection and great care for all.”

Back2Golf Operations Playbook v3.0 was designed by the industry’s leading organizations as a general operational framework, while course owners, administrators, program and event providers and golfers are encouraged to observe state, county and local government health protocols. All organizations, facilities and staff should continue to follow sanitization and social distancing guidelines outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“As different regions of the country reengage at separate paces, our goal is to ensure we are equipped with the appropriate tactics to responsibly operate amateur competitions and junior programs,” said Greg McLaughlin, CEO of World Golf Foundation and First Tee. “Our focus is on the well-being of all involved — whether you’re working at a course, playing in a competition or signing your child up for programs, we want to ensure the industry has collaborative, responsible guidance.”   

The Back2Golf initiative has been primarily focused on ensuring golf courses that have remained operational or recently reopened, do so responsibly to protect golfers, employees and all members of the community. Each organization has distributed “Back2Golf Guidelines” and the corresponding “Operations Playbook” to its respective audiences to implement and administer.

Back2Golf is a living, breathing initiative and interim guidance from CDC and/or feedback from the golf community will result in additional modifications to the Operations Playbook. Changes will be communicated through the various industry organizations via their websites and outreach to members.