Golf club custom fitting can resume outdoors, claims England Golf

Driving ranges will need to carry out a comprehensive risk assessment in order to reopen to golfers...

Andy Roberts's picture
Tue, 19 May 2020
Golf club custom fitting can resume outdoors, claims England Golf

England Golf has confirmed golf club fitting is able to recommence in the country providing it takes place outdoors, but there remains a grey area as to whether driving ranges can reopen. 

Club fitting has been given a green light by England Golf as long as social distancing measures are adhered to, but driving ranges will need to carry out a "comprehensive risk assessment" before reopening. 

England Golf's latest statement reads as follows: 

Last week we were able to provide clarification and guidance around coaching and retail following the re-opening of golf. We are now able to provide further information relating to club fitting and driving ranges in England.

We are advised that the UK Government are unlikely to provide specific guidance on club fitting and driving ranges. We have therefore considered all available government advice and have reached the following conclusions...

 

 

Club Fitting

Like coaching, it is advised that club fitting can commence outside. However you must be able to complete the entirety of the activity under social distancing and infection control measures.  One again, it is recommended that PGA professionals complete a comprehensive risk assessment to ensure maximum safety.

When considering whether to custom fit golf clubs at your facility, the following points need to be followed:

> Carry out a comprehensive risk assessment considering current government advice.

> All club fitting should take place outdoors and social distancing must be adhered to.

> Consideration needs to be given to the strict hygiene measures relating to the sharing of equipment

Driving Ranges

The UK Government have issued guidelines for providers of outdoor facilities on the phased return of sport and recreation in England. These guidelines specifically mention the re-opening of outdoor sports facilities.

Driving ranges have been constructed in a variety of different ways, with varying features of indoor and outdoor facilities, making it impossible to provide a blanket response as to whether they can or cannot open.

In addition, driving ranges contain a number of hard surfaces and remain a high risk area for the spread of COVID-19. Because of this risk and the variable nature of their construction, we are not able to confirm if driving ranges are allowed to open.

If you are considering opening your driving range, you should carry out a comprehensive risk assessment considering current government advice.

Full details of the guidance for providers of outdoor facilities on the phased return of sport and recreation can be found here.

If you have any doubts around operating a club fitting service at your facility or opening a driving range, we recommend getting in touch with your local Environmental Health and Trading Standards office who will be able to provide further advice.

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