Requirements for Re-opening of Golf Courses under Executive Order 133
Earlier today, Governor Murphy announced that golf courses are permitted to re-open, this Saturday, May 2 at 6:00 a.m. under strict guidelines and mandatory procedures. On Wednesday evening, Gov. Murphy issued Executive Order 133, which includes details about golf course operations. Executive Order #133 can be accessed by clicking here.
Key points regarding this order (in addition to standing government and CDC requirements/recommendations) are as follows:
- Require that reservations, cancellations and pre-payments be made via electronic or telephone reservation systems to limit physical interactions.
- Limit tee times to two players, except for immediate family members, caretakers, household members, or romantic partners.
- Tee times must be staggered 16 minutes apart to limit the amount of people on the golf course.
- Use of golf carts is limited to a single occupant only, excluding an individual’s immediate family members, caretakers, household members, or romantic partners.
- Restrict players’ ability to touch common surfaces when retrieving golf balls by installing pins, placing cups upside down or partly above ground, or utilizing a shallow cup.
- All golf center buildings, pro shops, and other buildings and amenities are closed to the public.
- Bunker rakes and other on-course furniture like benches, water coolers, and ball washers shall be removed from the course.
- Ensure that the flagstick remains in the golf hole at all times, and instruct players to avoid touching the flagstick or hole.
- Discontinue club and equipment rentals.
- Use of caddies is PROHIBITED.
The New Jersey allied golf associations have also created these guidelines and best practices for golf facilities and golfers. If there is a perceived conflict within any of the following and Executive Order 133, the language in Executive Order 133 applies.
- Golfer Safety Infographic (click to open)
- Golf Maintenance Best Practices (click to open)
- Golf Employee Best Practices (click to open)
- Golf Facility Best Practices (click to open)
New Jersey's allied golf associations will continue their cooperative effort to provide ongoing guidance and establish additional best practices as they arise. We will forward additional information as it becomes available.
