Updated A practical guide to golf under COVID19
Please read - including clubhouse rules
In line with the advice from the government and golf’s governing body the EGU/RA this document should be read by the golfer, understood by the staff and will act as the guide to how we enjoy golf at Huntercombe until the gradual lifting of social restrictions.
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 dusk until dawn 7 days a week.
Our guidelines and procedures remain under constant review, 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. Using the clubhouse
9. Getting home safely

1. Course Access
In the initial period of the clubs re-opening access to the course will be limited to members and members guests after 2pm.
To access the course, a player must –
• Not be displaying the symptoms of COVID 19
• Be an active member or a members guest.
• Use the 1st tee only as a starting point.
• Juniors under 17 with an adult.
• Have not been out of the country for 21 days.
• Not be in self isolation or received a letter suggesting them as vulnerable. As from the 6th of July this can be overridden by a letter from the government telling you that you can socialize with up to six people.
• 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 8am until 8pm - 7 days a week.
• 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)
• Observe social distancing and always resist the temptation to mingle.
• Arrange golf attire and change footwear at the car.
• Report straight to the pro shop.

3. Check in and pro shop protocol

• All golfers must check in before play
• Only one person permitted in the pro shop at one time (aside from the pro on duty)
• There will be a two metre exclusion zone at the service desk.
• Essential golfing items will be available to purchase, gathered by the staff on request.
• Card payment only, no cash accepted at the till.
• Sanitised trollies and buggies available – single person uses only.
• Scorecards for own use only.
• Supplementary score/cards for handicap .

4. Clubhouse facilities (ASIDE FROM BAR)

• Clubhouse access limited to the toilets and washrooms
• No more than 1 person at a time.
• All doors will be propped open during opening hours.
• Paper towels only for hand drying
• Bar and dining rooms open from the 4th July 2020
• Sanitiser and hand washing facilities available.

5. To the first tee

• Groups restricted to a single or two ball formats (including foursomes) at 10-minute tee off intervals – first tee only.
• Putting greens are open but limited to four players. Golfer 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
• Any players not following these directions will be asked to leave the course.

6. On the course

• Social distancing to be practiced at all times
• Benches and 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
• Golfer must not pick up anyone else’s ball or equipment
• The toilet on the 13th will be open and cleaned please us the sanitiser after use.
• In foursomes always tee off with your own ball.
• Player must not shake hands, high five (heaven forbid) or fist bump.
• All golfers must leave the course 30 minutes prior to sunset

7. Dogs

• There are no water fountains golfers must dispose of their own dogs mess and bring their own water for refreshment.

8. Using the clubhouse

The Clubhouse will be open from 11am until 7pm for drinks, from 11am until 3.30pm for food and until 5.30pm for tea and cake.
This week, the team have been together creating three defined outside areas with tables that are socially distanced at 1 metre plus.
Inside, we will use the three clear spaces - dining, lounge and members bar - to create a simple rotation using different entry doors. This means that two groups in a row will never use the same space – all the tables and chairs have been measured to ensure a social distance.
We have amended the tills to allow us to take member payment completely contactless with no need to use the members’ card.
We will be providing table service only, removing any need to congregate in the bar area.
Please do not attempt to come to the bar.
To start with (to be reviewed), the bar will not be open to anyone before their game and will not be available to non-playing members who wish to ‘lunch’ – it will be purely for golfers after their round for drinks and a limited but delicious bar menu.
PLEASE CONTINUE TO TURN UP NO MORE THAN TEN MINUTES BEFORE YOUR GAME.
VISITS TO THE CLUBHOUSE WILL BE LIMITED TO 1 HOUR.
-----------
Where do I sit?
Every tee time is allocated a number between 1 and 3. Please check with the pro shop or the office to find out your number before you play.
Outside –
Area 1 is left of the Clubhouse
Area 2 is on the patio/terrace
Area 3 is right of the flower bed
All areas are clearly marked and the team will be on hand to help direct you.
In the Clubhouse –
Area 1 is the Members’ bar
Area 2 is the Lounge (the middle bar)
Area 3 is the Dining room.
If you’d like a drink and a meal after your golf, then please head to your area, either inside or out, and you’ll be served at the table.
PLEASE DON’T ATTEMPT TO MOVE TABLES, MINGLE OR MOVE BETWEEN AREAS
-------------------
All staff have been trained how to serve you whilst maintaining a social distance – plates and glasses will not be cleared until the table is vacated.
We’ll be using ‘glass’ glasses which will be kept safe by the cleaning process.
The whole of the Clubhouse has been cleaned from top to bottom and our cleaner will be fogging the bar areas with a sanitiser that kills all germs on contact for up to a week – after that, the staff will be on a strict regime of sanitising surfaces as soon as a table is cleared. Our H&S man has assured us that, with the untreated wood on the tables outside, the virus will last no more than 10 seconds in the natural light – reassuring but we’ll be belt and braces all the same.
Staff safety as always will be key and we will be working with designated working zones and a one-way system to avoid staff coming in close contact with each other – PPE will be provided but we are hoping to avoid the need for masks (although they are available for all staff).
We will be constantly monitoring and evolving the process but, as a start point, we are happy that you can enjoy the Clubhouse safely.
Thanks to the tee sheet, we will have a note of all members and guests who have used the Clubhouse providing us our own track and trace system should the unthinkable occur.


9. Getting home safely

• The shoe cleaner will be switched off/ covered and must not be used.
• 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.

Q&A.
Question – I am over 70, can I still play?
Answer – As long as you have not had a letter specifically requesting you to stay at home as a vulnerable person then we would love you to come and play.
Question - How is a tee sheet going to work, it is very un-Huntercombe.
Answer - During this time of social distancing a tee sheet is the only way of keeping large groups from turning up at one time. There will be no organised roll ups. Tee times will run from 8am until 8pm. The weekend pre 10am will be reserved for those who are working in the week although they will be allowed to partner someone who is not.
You will be able to book up to a week in advance with the 7th day opening up daily.
Please be patient with us as there is a high demand for tee times.
Artisans will have a slot pre 8am on a Sunday and after 3pm but will be required to book.
You will be able to book tee times online through the Club V1 hub and or phone the club/pro shop 01491 641241 between the hours of 8am and 6pm any day. If lines are busy try again.
Question – What about the practice grounds?
The 13th practice ground is open under strict guidelines – you must book a tee time and collect balls from the shop and hit from your designated bay.
Question - When can we use the clubhouse, catering and bar?
Answer – from the 4th July under the restrictions above.
----
First Aid kits will be in the office and the pro shop and we advise that you carry a mobile phone in case of emergency.
All of these measures are in place to try and ensure the safest environment for you to enjoy your golf – please observe these rules stick to each guideline.
Let us – Play safe and stay safe.
A practical guide to golf at Huntercombe with COVID 19 – July 2020.

In line with the advice from the government and golf’s governing body the EGU/RA this document should be read by the golfer, understood by the staff and will act as the guide to how we enjoy golf at Huntercombe until the gradual lifting of social restrictions.
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 dusk until dawn 7 days a week.
Our guidelines and procedures remain under constant review, 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. Using the clubhouse
9. Getting home safely

1. Course Access
In the initial period of the clubs re-opening access to the course will be limited to members and members guests after 2pm.
To access the course, a player must –
• Not be displaying the symptoms of COVID 19
• Be an active member or a members guest.
• Use the 1st tee only as a starting point.
• Juniors under 17 with an adult.
• Have not been out of the country for 21 days.
• Not be in self isolation or received a letter suggesting them as vulnerable. As from the 6th of July this can be overridden by a letter from the government telling you that you can socialize with up to six people.
• 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 8am until 8pm - 7 days a week.
• 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)
• Observe social distancing and always resist the temptation to mingle.
• Arrange golf attire and change footwear at the car.
• Report straight to the pro shop.

3. Check in and pro shop protocol

• All golfers must check in before play
• Only one person permitted in the pro shop at one time (aside from the pro on duty)
• There will be a two metre exclusion zone at the service desk.
• Essential golfing items will be available to purchase, gathered by the staff on request.
• Card payment only, no cash accepted at the till.
• Sanitised trollies and buggies available – single person uses only.
• Scorecards for own use only.
• Supplementary score/cards for handicap .

4. Clubhouse facilities (ASIDE FROM BAR)

• Clubhouse access limited to the toilets and washrooms
• No more than 1 person at a time.
• All doors will be propped open during opening hours.
• Paper towels only for hand drying
• Bar and dining rooms open from the 4th July 2020
• Sanitiser and hand washing facilities available.

5. To the first tee

• Groups restricted to a single or two ball formats (including foursomes) at 10-minute tee off intervals – first tee only.
• Putting greens are open but limited to four players. Golfer 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
• Any players not following these directions will be asked to leave the course.

6. On the course

• Social distancing to be practiced at all times
• Benches and 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
• Golfer must not pick up anyone else’s ball or equipment
• The toilet on the 13th will be open and cleaned please us the sanitiser after use.
• In foursomes always tee off with your own ball.
• Player must not shake hands, high five (heaven forbid) or fist bump.
• All golfers must leave the course 30 minutes prior to sunset

7. Dogs

• There are no water fountains golfers must dispose of their own dogs mess and bring their own water for refreshment.

8. Using the clubhouse

The Clubhouse will be open from 11am until 7pm for drinks, from 11am until 3.30pm for food and until 5.30pm for tea and cake.
This week, the team have been together creating three defined outside areas with tables that are socially distanced at 1 metre plus.
Inside, we will use the three clear spaces - dining, lounge and members bar - to create a simple rotation using different entry doors. This means that two groups in a row will never use the same space – all the tables and chairs have been measured to ensure a social distance.
We have amended the tills to allow us to take member payment completely contactless with no need to use the members’ card.
We will be providing table service only, removing any need to congregate in the bar area.
Please do not attempt to come to the bar.
To start with (to be reviewed), the bar will not be open to anyone before their game and will not be available to non-playing members who wish to ‘lunch’ – it will be purely for golfers after their round for drinks and a limited but delicious bar menu.
PLEASE CONTINUE TO TURN UP NO MORE THAN TEN MINUTES BEFORE YOUR GAME.
VISITS TO THE CLUBHOUSE WILL BE LIMITED TO 1 HOUR.
-----------
Where do I sit?
Every tee time is allocated a number between 1 and 3. Please check with the pro shop or the office to find out your number before you play.
Outside –
Area 1 is left of the Clubhouse
Area 2 is on the patio/terrace
Area 3 is right of the flower bed
All areas are clearly marked and the team will be on hand to help direct you.
In the Clubhouse –
Area 1 is the Members’ bar
Area 2 is the Lounge (the middle bar)
Area 3 is the Dining room.
If you’d like a drink and a meal after your golf, then please head to your area, either inside or out, and you’ll be served at the table.
PLEASE DON’T ATTEMPT TO MOVE TABLES, MINGLE OR MOVE BETWEEN AREAS
-------------------
All staff have been trained how to serve you whilst maintaining a social distance – plates and glasses will not be cleared until the table is vacated.
We’ll be using ‘glass’ glasses which will be kept safe by the cleaning process.
The whole of the Clubhouse has been cleaned from top to bottom and our cleaner will be fogging the bar areas with a sanitiser that kills all germs on contact for up to a week – after that, the staff will be on a strict regime of sanitising surfaces as soon as a table is cleared. Our H&S man has assured us that, with the untreated wood on the tables outside, the virus will last no more than 10 seconds in the natural light – reassuring but we’ll be belt and braces all the same.
Staff safety as always will be key and we will be working with designated working zones and a one-way system to avoid staff coming in close contact with each other – PPE will be provided but we are hoping to avoid the need for masks (although they are available for all staff).
We will be constantly monitoring and evolving the process but, as a start point, we are happy that you can enjoy the Clubhouse safely.
Thanks to the tee sheet, we will have a note of all members and guests who have used the Clubhouse providing us our own track and trace system should the unthinkable occur.


9. Getting home safely

• The shoe cleaner will be switched off/ covered and must not be used.
• 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.

Q&A.
Question – I am over 70, can I still play?
Answer – As long as you have not had a letter specifically requesting you to stay at home as a vulnerable person then we would love you to come and play.
Question - How is a tee sheet going to work, it is very un-Huntercombe.
Answer - During this time of social distancing a tee sheet is the only way of keeping large groups from turning up at one time. There will be no organised roll ups. Tee times will run from 8am until 8pm. The weekend pre 10am will be reserved for those who are working in the week although they will be allowed to partner someone who is not.
You will be able to book up to a week in advance with the 7th day opening up daily.
Please be patient with us as there is a high demand for tee times.
Artisans will have a slot pre 8am on a Sunday and after 3pm but will be required to book.
You will be able to book tee times online through the Club V1 hub and or phone the club/pro shop 01491 641241 between the hours of 8am and 6pm any day. If lines are busy try again.
Question – What about the practice grounds?
The 13th practice ground is open under strict guidelines – you must book a tee time and collect balls from the shop and hit from your designated bay.
Question - When can we use the clubhouse, catering and bar?
Answer – from the 4th July under the restrictions above.
----
First Aid kits will be in the office and the pro shop and we advise that you carry a mobile phone in case of emergency.
All of these measures are in place to try and ensure the safest environment for you to enjoy your golf – please observe these rules stick to each guideline.
Let us – Play safe and stay safe.