In preparation for the NGA competition season we wanted to share with you our guidelines for conducting events. The health and safety of everyone is our top priority. Although these guidelines are subject to change, they include the following until further notice.
- Do not play if you feel sick or are experiencing any of the COVID-19 symptoms.
- Do not play if you have been in contact with anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or have been out of the country within the last 14 days.
- Maintain the 6’ social distancing.
- Use proper hygiene at all times.
- Wash your hands for a minimum of 20 seconds using soap and water.
- Use hand sanitizer when necessary.
- Arrival - Please arrive one hour prior to your start time.
- Competition Documents - All competition documents, including Notice to Competitors, Pace of Play Policy, NGA Local Rules & Terms of the Competition, hole location sheet, etc. will be available on the Championship web site and in the starter's area.
- Scorecards - Individual scorecards will be distributed. See Scoring under Competition Operations below for details on how scoring will be done at each event.
- Carts - When allowed during a competition, single rider carts will not be available. Caddies are permitted to ride with the player in the cart.
- Note: When entering a competition that permits carts, pleas select that you will be using a cart. Players that do not reserve a cart will only be given a cart based on availability.
- Caddies - If caddies are permitted they may perform typical caddie duties under the Rules of Golf.
- Spectators - Spectators are permitted. Media and college coaches are also permitted.
- Spectators are asked to maintain 6’ social distancing and refrain from congregating before or after the round.
- Spectators will not be allowed in any of the practice areas.
- Practice Areas - The policies below for the practice range and putting/chipping green(s) allows for players to practice prior to their start time. All players will have equal opportunity to practice before their round if the following are adhered to.
- Practice Range
- Limitations to the number of players that may be on the range will be site specific based on the size of the range and the number of stations available using 6’ social distancing.
- Players only allowed on the practice range. No caddies or spectators allowed.
- Range balls will be available for pick up from a range attendant or on the range.
- We ask that all players be quick and efficient with their warm-up to ensure all players get time on the range.
- Putting/Chipping Greens
- Limitations to the number of players that may be on the practice putting green and/or chipping green will be site specific based on the size of the greens.
- Players only allowed on or around practice greens. No caddies or spectators allowed.
- We ask that all players be quick and efficient with their practice to ensure all players get time on the practice greens.
- Practice Range
- Starting Areas - Players should arrive at their assigned tee no less than 5 min before their assigned starting time.
- Scorecards, hole locations, notice to competitors, pencils, etc. will be available in the starting area.
- Scoring - Digital (online) scoring will be used through the USGA Tournament Management (USGA TM) app.
- Players are asked to download the USGA TM app prior to the start of their first round.
- Complete instructions on how to download the USGA TM app, login, and keep score will be sent to players prior to the start of each competition.
- One player or caddie (if applicable) in each group is required to enter scores via the app after each hole.
- Scorecards will be distributed to the marker for each player.
- Upon completion of the round players will enter the designated scoring area to review, verify and sign their scorecards.
- On-Course Water & Snacks
- Water - Water coolers will be available on-course with individual bottles of water.
- Snacks - We will be providing snacks, such as, fruit, energy bars, etc. in the starting area or on-course comfort stations.
- Scoreboards
- Scores and results will be posted on the championship website for viewing via personal devices.
- Inclement Weather - In the event of inclement weather requiring a suspension of play all players will be asked to proceed to designated evacuation areas. Updates regarding the suspension and resumption of play will be sent to players via email and text.
- Note: Please make sure that your cell phone number is provided in your player profile to ensure you receive the text messages.
- Awards - Awards ceremonies will be conducted.
- Players will be asked to pick up their award(s).
- Merchandise certificates will be kept on file at the host facility.
- Merchandise reports will be sent to players following the completion of each championship.
- Bunkers - Bunker rakes will be available on the golf course.
- Ball will be played as it lies in the bunker.
- If a player feels their ball is in an abnormal ground condition they can ask for relief from a member of the Committee. If granted, the relief procedure will be followed as stated in the Rules of Golf.
- Flagstick - Attending and removal of flagsticks is permitted.
- It is recommended that the player or caddie that removed the flagstick be the one to replace it.
- Returned Scorecard - A scorecard will be deemed returned when the player has verified their hole-by-hole scores with their marker, the scorecard is signed by the player and marker, and left the designated scoring area.
- Clubhouse and Food & Beverage - Clubhouse accessibility and food & beverage availability will be site specific based on the operation model they have in place to adhere to directed health measures at the time of the championship. This information will be provided to players in the Player Memo prior to the championship.
