Additional golfing precautions because of coronavirus

[Jeff5115]

A number of courses outside of The Villages have taken precautions to prevent the spread of the virus. Such simple things as requesting flags not to be removed, all sand trap rakes being removed and a free drop outside of the trap, no sharing of sand bottles etc.

Is it time for The Villages to adopt similar precautions?

Or given the fact that the CDC now recommends groups of no larger than 10, is it time to stop playing golf or perhaps close the courses?

[Rapscallion St Croix]

The first golf-related incident here will probably take place on the final hole via a handshake.

[ColdNoMore]

I vote for any putt within 75'...is a "gimmee."

I never miss putts within that distance anyway, so it will save me from reaching down into the cup...where other hands have been.




:D

[ColdNoMore]

I heard a thoughtful guy say the other day..."With this virus thing going around, I'm going to stop licking my balls."


"Not only do I not want to pass on anything to others reaching in the cup...my back is also starting to hurt."






:1rotfl:...:1rotfl:

[JoMar]

A number of courses outside of The Villages have taken precautions to prevent the spread of the virus. Such simple things as requesting flags not to be removed, all sand trap rakes being removed and a free drop outside of the trap, no sharing of sand bottles etc.

Is it time for The Villages to adopt similar precautions?

Or given the fact that the CDC now recommends groups of no larger than 10, is it time to stop playing golf or perhaps close the courses?

Those "safeguards" are in your control. Why don't you have your group agree to do them. Most in our groups carry hand sanitizer and use it often, can't remember the last time we pulled a pin. If someone in your group has a ball retriever use it to get the ball out of the traps.You have some control. Or don't play.

[tophcfa]

A number of courses outside of The Villages have taken precautions to prevent the spread of the virus. Such simple things as requesting flags not to be removed, all sand trap rakes being removed and a free drop outside of the trap, no sharing of sand bottles etc.

Is it time for The Villages to adopt similar precautions?

Or given the fact that the CDC now recommends groups of no larger than 10, is it time to stop playing golf or perhaps close the courses?

We are good to go with golfing since golfing tradition limits the gatherings to groups of four. And since we use our own carts we don’t have to worry about disinfecting a rental cart. Now if we can just pay for our green fees online and flash our ID’s to the starter we won’t have to go into the pro shop either. It’s all good : ). Swing on my friends

[Topspinmo]

Maybe villages needs to close the golf courses? Or just wear the other glove 🧤. :duck:

[karostay]

Don't rake the traps you don't want germs from the rake...Oh Wait silly me no one rakes any way
Don't remove flag to retrieve your ball just jam your putter in yank it out...Silly me again that what they do now
Ok were safe on the course

[rustyp]

A number of courses outside of The Villages have taken precautions to prevent the spread of the virus. Such simple things as requesting flags not to be removed, all sand trap rakes being removed and a free drop outside of the trap, no sharing of sand bottles etc.

Is it time for The Villages to adopt similar precautions?

Or given the fact that the CDC now recommends groups of no larger than 10, is it time to stop playing golf or perhaps close the courses?

Excellent post. I have self quarantined but still playing golf. I got into a sand trap yesterday (oh what's new) and the thought of touching the handle of the rake immediately struck me. Now there will be those that say just don't touch your face and wash your hands after play but I read the average person touches their face over 1000 times per day. Impossible to not touch your face before the round is done - go ahead I dare you to try.

[NJRICHARD]

The sand trap rake and the flag pin just MAY be a place to spread the virus.....sounds excessive....so is this virus. These obvious precautions are a reminder of how we now have to act in ALL areas. Remember 'older' people are the one's this virus attacks...Because there are NOT many 'older' people living here at TV!!, we have to look out for them where ever they are!!

[Two Bills]

I heard a thoughtful guy say the other day..."With this virus thing going around, I'm going to stop licking my balls."


"Not only do I not want to pass on anything to others reaching in the cup...my back is also starting to hurt."

You want to try using the ball washers.
Now that is really painfull!!

[ladyarwen3]

This thread gave me a smile .... but COVID 19 isnt something to take lightly. We are still golfing. COVID viruses are destroyed in sunlight so i am not too too concerned about handling the rake but I like the idea of a drop zone outside and use the ball retriever to get it out of the sand.
I think we should all play with Yogi (Berra) rules .... on the green ?? IN THE HOLE hahahaha

[ColdNoMore]

This thread gave me a smile .... but COVID 19 isnt something to take lightly. We are still golfing. COVID viruses are destroyed in sunlight so i am not too too concerned about handling the rake but I like the idea of a drop zone outside and use the ball retriever to get it out of the sand.
I think we should all play with Yogi (Berra) rules .... on the green ?? IN THE HOLE hahahaha

Where in the world did you hear... "COVID viruses are destroyed in sunlight?" :oops:

[manhattan]

Considering all of our entertainment and other amenities that we pay for our closed lets ask for the championship golf rates be moved to summer rates now. Allow us to be active and more affordable for most of us.

[mydavid]

your saying you never miss a putt of 75 foot, give me a brake.

[Marathon Man]

Considering all of our entertainment and other amenities that we pay for our closed lets ask for the championship golf rates be moved to summer rates now. Allow us to be active and more affordable for most of us.

Good idea. Have you called them? Did you get an answer? Let us know.

[Marigold]

I live on a golf course and yesterday I saw a lone man golfing who was blowing his nose and wiping it with a lot of tissues before he pushed the button to get water in the paper cup. Later quite a few folks pushed that same button. Please add that to your list as well as the ball wash knob.
Social distancing is not observed by all golfers. Just my two observations. Golfers continue to be my “free entertainment” while my husband and I chose to safely remain home.
Be safe golfers!

[eeroger]

A number of courses outside of The Villages have taken precautions to prevent the spread of the virus. Such simple things as requesting flags not to be removed, all sand trap rakes being removed and a free drop outside of the trap, no sharing of sand bottles etc.

Is it time for The Villages to adopt similar precautions?

Or given the fact that the CDC now recommends groups of no larger than 10, is it time to stop playing golf or perhaps close the courses?

It starts way before walking onto the golf course. Who handles your ID card and credit card in the Pro Shop. Is this really necessary? Grocery stores no longer handle your credit cards, so why can't pro shops do the same? Why can't we scan our own ID cards?

[Annie66]

your saying you never miss a putt of 75 foot, give me a brake.

Lighten up … it was an attempt at humor. And I thought it was funny.

[dewilson58]

Do what I do, and have done for the last 20 years...............all putts should be three inches to the right.

[Lindamct]

I agree ... Use hand sanitizer and be responsible for your own safety. Does anyone else think this situation is becoming more panic than precaution?

[justjim]

I see nothing wrong with what the OP has posted. Get It done! It seems to me playing golf is a logical “individual activity” that will get us up off the couch and out of the house for a little exercise and fun. There are other logical activities that makes sense too. Walking, biking and a golf cart ride just to name a few. Stuck in the house for days and days can cause a lot of stress and anxiety that can’t be good for your overall health. Fore!

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I agree ... Use hand sanitizer and be responsible for your own safety. Does anyone else think this situation is becoming more panic than precaution?

Sure thing. Do you have the phone number of the guy who bought 17,700 bottles of hand sanitizer? Pretty sure he's the only one in a 4-state radius who has any available.

[Schmuckerron]

Golfers are not close together. Closing the courses seems just wrong.

[Singerlady]

This thread gave me a smile .... but COVID 19 isnt something to take lightly. We are still golfing. COVID viruses are destroyed in sunlight so i am not too too concerned about handling the rake but I like the idea of a drop zone outside and use the ball retriever to get it out of the sand.
I think we should all play with Yogi (Berra) rules .... on the green ?? IN THE HOLE hahahaha
Sunlights does NOT kill the virus...sorry you believe this...be careful!

[karostay]

The Ambassador should sanitize the button on the water cooler after each use :shrug:

[ColdNoMore]

Lighten up … it was an attempt at humor. And I thought it was funny.

Thank you m'lady. :ho:

[OhioBuckeye]

A number of courses outside of The Villages have taken precautions to prevent the spread of the virus. Such simple things as requesting flags not to be removed, all sand trap rakes being removed and a free drop outside of the trap, no sharing of sand bottles etc.

Is it time for The Villages to adopt similar precautions?

Or given the fact that the CDC now recommends groups of no larger than 10, is it time to stop playing golf or perhaps close the courses?
If you think about it, golf might be the safest sport to play as far as as non pro players. Think about other things in TV & the things where you have to have some contact with another person or equipment!

[dunmyer]

Stop playing golf? That is not sound? You are in a group of 4. They should let everyone ride in their own cart. That would keep people from getting to close together. People still need exercise. Maybe everyone should walk.. Might not be a good idea to congregate at the 19th hole though.

[DeanFL]

In the past couple weeks, due to the Virus, I have warned my fellow golfers before teeing off on the 1st hole. When I get an Eagle or hole-in-one I will refrain from the typical handshakes and hugs. Now, given the latest restrictions - no free drinks at the restaurant/bar after etc. And after reading some of these responses, can't even provide the guys a cup of water from the water cooler. geez.

[yankygrl]

There aren't enough ambassadors to get water to you on a 9 hole course NEVER MIND sanitize all the cooler buttons. Are you serious?

[yankygrl]

If you play with the same group routinely, you should know the people and not have an issue with two in a cart. You're in the open air, walking a bit it's good for you as is social interaction. If you end up with an unknown in the group then by all means use extra carts. wash your hands frequently.

[SouthJerseyGirl]

Why not bring disposible gloves with you for these tasks?

[raynan]

Carry Clorox or Lysol wipes in your cart and think before touching anything.

[anothersteve]

The Ambassador should sanitize the button on the water cooler after each use :shrug:

Why doesn't everyone bring their own cooler with whatever they want to drink? That's what I do. Common sense people.
Steve

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

A number of courses outside of The Villages have taken precautions to prevent the spread of the virus. Such simple things as requesting flags not to be removed, all sand trap rakes being removed and a free drop outside of the trap, no sharing of sand bottles etc.

Is it time for The Villages to adopt similar precautions?

Or given the fact that the CDC now recommends groups of no larger than 10, is it time to stop playing golf or perhaps close the courses?

Do you normally play in a group of ten or more? I think that the CDC recommendation is for close proximity, not spread out over a golf course.

[rjsantos592]

What courses are adopting those policies?

[Fore!]

Maybe villages needs to close the golf courses? Or just wear the other glove 🧤. :duck:
I always wear 2 gloves as the balls are dirty. So far it hasn’t improved my game. 😖

[mollyb]

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) also strongly encourages outdoor fresh air activities. Closing golf courses makes close to zero sense to me except for 19th holes where they exist.

[Ron Wendel]

Overkill !!! If someone has issues with sand rakes and holes, then I suggest those people stay away, OR wear sanitized gloves on both hands.

We are all grown ups that can make a quality decision on our own. Your comment reminds me of that "goodie 2 shoes" kid we all knew in school.......always trying to say something to impress everyone.

It didn't work.

[juscause]

Clearly, you do not conceptualize sarcasm...

[Bethwill]

No need to close courses. Individual carts should be allowed (which I saw at Pensacola today) and FRESH AIR is good for people.

[jimlambert]

Break

[Inexes@aol.com]

I think we have quite a few "Sheldons" on this forum................lol

[Two Bills]

Has anyone ever considered walking round the course?
It is I assure you, a relaxing way to spend a round of golf.
Smoke, swear, f**t, scratch/pick whatever you fancy, and all without having to consider anyone elses feeling.
Perfect heaven.

[KatoGirl]

Why is golf still open, when softball is canceled?

[dewilson58]

Why is golf still open, when softball is canceled?




Why ask here??

[Two Bills]

Softballs are not cleaned as regularly as golf balls?

[anothersteve]

Why is golf still open, when softball is canceled?

Think about it.
Steve

[Kenswing]

Why is golf still open, when softball is canceled?
Because in golf you're the only one touching your balls.. :1rotfl:

[JoMar]

Why is golf still open, when softball is canceled?

No Bleachers here, no shared bats and balls, no snack bar for a couple things.

[Guitarman1951]

Since most, including our groups, do not take the pin out ever, it isn't a problem. To avoid having to touch the rakes, I suggest the villages fill in all those nasty traps with grass!! But the rakes are always so hot, I only pick them up with my glove hand.

[17989Jc]

Where in the world did you hear... "COVID viruses are destroyed in sunlight?" :oops:
Reported on TV.

[Mumbles]

Excellent post. I have self quarantined but still playing golf. I got into a sand trap yesterday (oh what's new) and the thought of touching the handle of the rake immediately struck me. Now there will be those that say just don't touch your face and wash your hands after play but I read the average person touches their face over 1000 times per day. Impossible to not touch your face before the round is done - go ahead I dare you to try.

My understanding is that the average person may touch his/her face 90 X a day.

[Mumbles]

If you think about it, golf might be the safest sport to play ...

Or Solitaire.

[tophcfa]

Has anyone ever considered walking round the course?
It is I assure you, a relaxing way to spend a round of golf.
Smoke, swear, f**t, scratch/pick whatever you fancy, and all without having to consider anyone elses feeling.
Perfect heaven.

Have you considered that many seniors have knee and hip replacements and that walking 18 holes would be very difficult (or impossible for some), even on courses designed to be walking friendly, which the Championship courses in the Villages are not.

[Drdoug49]

I always walk, which is a lot healthier than sitting in a cart. In a number of countries like Sweden and Switzerland you need a doctors note to ride a cart. Also you do see A lot less overweight golfers there than you do in TV

[tophcfa]

I always walk, which is a lot healthier than sitting in a cart. In a number of countries like Sweden and Switzerland you need a doctors note to ride a cart. Also you do see A lot less overweight golfers there than you do in TV

Good for you, but many seniors can't walk that easily, and it has nothing to do with not being healthy or being overweight. I can swim three miles without a problem, because there is no weight being put on my knees, one of which is a total knee replacement and the other is bone on bone. Swimming three miles is the equivalent of walking about 10 miles. I swim 5 or 6 days a week and play lots of golf, using my cart. But if I walk 18 holes I will be sitting in a chair with ice on my knees for the next couple of days and would be getting little to no exercise. My days of walking 18 holes are over.

[dewilson58]

one of which is a total knee replacement and the other is bone on bone. Swimming three miles is the equivalent of walking about 10 miles..




Bone to Bone sucks................going to get it fixed???.............as you know, life changing.

[Two Bills]

Have you considered that many seniors have knee and hip replacements and that walking 18 holes would be very difficult (or impossible for some), even on courses designed to be walking friendly, which the Championship courses in the Villages are not.

Of course I was refering to those that were able bodied.
The main reason I gave up Championship courses, was a dodgy knee, and a c****y game.
I still walk Executives, and the only course that gets me, is the last 50yards up to the 9th on Escambia. That creases me!
I think a lot of the reason American golfers use carts, is the tradition of faster play.
In UK walking is the norm, and the only ones using carts are the kids.
The majority of seniors walk until they drop.
They bury them where they fall, except in sand traps, and on greens, then they are buried two club length at the nearest point of relief.
No penalty!:icon_wink:

[Tom53]

I always wondered why there were so many mounds on links courses!

[ColdNoMore]

Where in the world did you hear... "COVID viruses are destroyed in sunlight?" :oops:
Reported on TV.

Source?

Proof?

Network?


:oops:

[tophcfa]

Bone to Bone sucks................going to get it fixed???.............as you know, life changing.

Absolutely have to get it fixed eventually. Tryin to weigh the delicate balance between having to do it now, and be on the shelf for about 6 months (I already know this because the other knee was already done, so been there and done that) and waiting too long and being older and having the recovery being more difficult because of age. With everything going on in the world right now, everything is on hold. Thanks for the concern buddy : )

[JoMar]

Considering all of our entertainment and other amenities that we pay for our closed lets ask for the championship golf rates be moved to summer rates now. Allow us to be active and more affordable for most of us.

Your amenity fee does not pay for entertainment and if they keep the rates where they are it will assist in social distancing and frankly, some, maybe many, will stay home. I suspect that the State or CDC will eventually recommend home quarantine....no I didn't mean that, heck there goes the TP rush again :)