Return to Pitch and Putt on May 18^th.

Pitch and Putt Ireland are pleased to publish protocols for a safe return to playing our Sport, our aim is to ensure that it is played in a safe environment during this pandemic. It is important that clubs take on board all aspects of these protocols.

The health of our members and all others who play our sport is very much to the forefront of our thinking, and therefore it is vitally important that all players are familiar with public health measure as set out by the Government. It is pretty much agreed by all medical personnel that this virus doesn't like the outdoors and therefore there is a much lesser chance of contracting it, while out playing, provided social distancing and proper hand hygiene and cough etiquette are strictly observed.

Public health guidelines will be continually updated, and therefore this document will be updated in accordance with public health announcements.

This is the only official document on protocols for a return to playing, all other documents circulating have not been submitted to Sport Ireland.

The following rules must be adhered to: 

• Members with any symptoms of the virus must stay away from courses. Social distancing rules are observed both on the course and in car park. Play in the first phase is restricted to members only

• Members must sign a logbook for members (using own pen/pencil) with their name, address, contact number and the time they played (this is essential for contact tracing)

• Maximum of two players per tee (at ten minutes intervals, no cards issued and no Competitions organised). 

• Do not handle the other players clubs or golf balls and do not shake hands

• Members are reminded not to touch flags or flagsticks. Cups can be altered for easy retrieval of the ball. To facilitate this the rule that the flagstick must be removed and placed off the green is being suspended temporarily

• In phase 1, Juvenile members are allowed to play with a parent/guardian/responsible adult

• The NEC will update this list later

The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has provided the following information:

‘People should not travel outside the 5 km limit to access facilities such as golf or tennis clubs. It should also be understood that going to facilities in advance of the 18th of May to prepare for reopening is not considered to be within the spirit of the Roadmap.

In relation to the cocooning population, the advice currently is that they may leave their houses for exercise, but they should avoid contact with other people, even on a socially distanced basis. This advice does not recommend over 70’s playing golf or tennis, however, it is not mandatory, it is advisory, so individuals can make their own decisions.

While additional detail on restrictions from May 18th may follow in due course, the present advice is that they should not take part in sport with other people.’