Golfing During The New Normal: How To Play It Safe
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By PAGE Editor
Life has changed a lot in the new normal, and there’s no denying that it will not be the same in the foreseeable future. Some employers have opted for permanent WFH, so you can expect to be home if you work with one of them.
You will probably think twice about the safety precautions every time you step out for work or meet friends. Social outings may still be out of the question. The bottom line is that virus safety will always be on top of your mind.
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But things aren’t as bleak as they sound as life is gradually inching towards usual with the vaccine rollouts being in full swing. If you are a passionate golfer, you can book your weekend slots at the club again. Even as you step out on the greens in the new normal, it makes sense to play it safe.
Yes, you will have to follow some virus-safety rules in addition to the rules of the game to protect yourself from the invisible threat. Here is the checklist that will keep you covered.
Choose your tee time wisely
The best defense against the virus is to avoid crowds, which is pretty easy when you are on a huge golf course. But it is still vital to choose your tee time wisely when you book. If you are a regular, you will probably know the peak days and peak times.
Everyone will want to be back, so there are chances of heavy bookings. Avoid those days and hours and stick to odd timings when you expect fewer people to be around. If your city has many options, pick a less popular one to avoid the crowds.
Follow the social distancing rules
Even when there are fewer people around, follow the six-foot rule consciously. It is tempting to get back with your handshakes, fist-bumps, and backsplash with your golf buddies. But they are all passé right now, no matter how much you want to indulge.
Maintaining a safe distance on the tees and greens may take some effort, but make it a habit in the new normal. You can follow a few basics to manage it. Taking the tee box one by one is a good start. Avoid stepping up to the peg when the golfer before is still there. A little caution can save you from big trouble.
Wear a mask and carry more
Despite widespread vaccines, masks are still on in the country and they will be around for some time. As a rule, you must wear one on the golf course like everywhere else. It is the best way to be safe from the virus. You may want to play without it, but keeping it on is the best advice to follow.
Even if you may want to take it down awhile on the course, cover up when you are back in the clubhouse. Also, never let the guard down while interacting with the staff and fellow golfers. Carry a couple of extras in case you need to change a sweaty mask during the game.
Gear up properly
Borrowing tees and balls from a playing partner is a common practice for golfers, but it is the last thing you will want to do now. If you borrow, you will have physical contact, which isn’t safe for anyone. The best piece of advice is to gear up properly before heading back to the course.
Seasoned golfers know how many clubs in a golf bag are enough, so stick with the number that works for you (fourteen is the max you can have). Grab an extra handful of tees and balls, and you are all set to play safe.
Buy a new golf bag
The rules for the new normal restrict only one golfer per cart, and everyone on the course has to follow them. So you can expect the cart fleet to get depleted quickly, and it will be harder to rent a buggy at the course. You will probably have to walk and carry your bag, which can be tiring if you aren’t habitual.
Buying a new golf bag before you start playing regularly is a good idea. A lightweight carry bag with a pushcart is a good investment as it will be much easier to tug around as you navigate the greens. Moreover, you will surely want to upgrade your clothing and accessories before stepping out after a long break.
Bring your own snacks and water
It is a good idea to stock up with food and water when you get back to the club again. While many courses have food and beverages for players, they have limited menus and take-out options only. You may miss the beverage carts patrolling the grounds. It makes sense to carry your stuff because you will feel hungry and thirsty more than once throughout the day.
Bringing your own things will also help you avoid unnecessary touchpoints as you buy and pay for them at the course.
Align your mindset
Getting back on the golf course and having fun in the new normal requires the right perspective more than anything else. It is worth carrying a hand sanitizer and using it properly and often when it can save you from the virus. Following all other safety rules is also common sense if you want to enjoy life even amid the pandemic. Once you align your mindset, things will be much easier to deal with.
The course may look different, and the greens might be slower because clubs have tighter budgets and fewer work crews. Learn to embrace what you have and see it as the first step towards normalcy.
Golfing in the new normal is as much about safety as it is about having fun on the greens. Small steps are enough to keep you safe as you get back to the course every weekend. Be there and focus on having fun while following rules and you will enjoy as much as you always did. Go ahead and have a great time!
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In most cases, you can throw on your safety gear, plan a route into the wilderness, and set off to locations unknown, and in most cases, be back in time for tea!