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Below is a list of recent emails sent out to GCSACC members regarding the COVID-19 situation.

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  • May 12, 2021 10:46 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    To read more about this guidance, please click on the link below.

    • No major changes for golf other than spectators being permitted (page 6)
    • Locker rooms/showers are also listed in this document (no change; remains at 50% capacity with proper spacing)
  • April 29, 2021 11:43 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    MASSACHUSETTS WILL RELAX FACE COVERINGS ORDER AND REMOVE GOLF FACILITY GUIDELINES (Effective 4/30/21)

    On Friday, April 30th, Massachusetts will permanently eliminate golf specific guidance and the Face Coverings Order will be relaxed for some outdoor settings, inclusive of golf activity.

    Read Full Press Release Here

    Effective April 30th, there will no longer be specific “golf facility guidelines” that need to be followed. All courses, clubs and golf facilities can implement any additional safety measures as they see fit.

    • Face coverings will still be required at all times in indoor public places, with exceptions in the sector-specific rules (e.g., eating, in your own office).
    • Face coverings will be required outside in public when it is not possible to socially distance, and at other times required by sector-specific guidance (e.g., at events or gatherings).
    • Masks will not be required out on the golf course or in practice areas (ranges, chipping and putting areas) if social distancing can be maintained.
    • Other aspects of golf facility operations including clubhouse activities should be addressed through those sector specific guidelines (i.e. restaurants, gyms, functions/gatherings, retail, etc.)

    Phase 1 Guidance to be removed on April 30th:

    • Industries with no previous capacity limits will follow general business guidance
    • All others will follow sectors not otherwise addressed
    • Phase 1 Industry Guidance to be removed:  
    • Golf Facilities

    Please continue to check back frequently for any updates by the Governor’s Administration.

    Mass Golf COVID News and Updates



  • March 22, 2021 12:46 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    MASSACHUSETTS WILL ADVANCE TO STEP 1 PHASE IV ON MARCH 22; REPLACE TRAVEL ORDER WITH TRAVEL ADVISORY 

    (Updated on the Mass.gov website on 3/18/21. Effective 3/22/21)

    On Thursday, the Baker-Polito Administration announced that effective Monday, March 22nd, Massachusetts will move to Step 1 Phase IV and will replace the Massachusetts Travel Order with a Travel Advisory.

    Read Full Press Release

    Summary of Frequently Asked Golf Facility Guideline Questions
    The information in the link below was sourced from the Mass.gov website and presented in summary form by the Alliance of Massachusetts Golf Organizations (AMGO). The Governor’s Administration is responsible for the creation and the updating of all guidelines and regulations. Please note that these guidelines and regulations can and will change. This document will be updated accordingly.

    Summary of FAQ

    Travel Advisory
    The new travel advisory will urge all persons entering Massachusetts, including returning residents, are advised to quarantine for 10 days upon their arrival if they have been out of the state for 24 hours or more. 
    The advisory does not apply to anyone in the following categories:

    • Anyone who is returning to Massachusetts after an absence of fewer than 24 hours.
    • Travelers who have a negative COVID-19 test result that has been administered up to 72 hours prior to their arrival in Massachusetts.
    • Workers who enter Massachusetts to perform critical infrastructure functions (as specified by the Federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency) while they are commuting to or from or while at work.
    • Travelers who are fully vaccinated (i.e. who have received two doses of either the Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines OR who have received a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, 14 days or more ago and who do not have symptoms)

    Travelers are additionally encouraged to consult and follow the CDC’s guidelines and requirements for travel.

    Gathering Limits
    Gathering limits for event venues and in public settings will increase to 100 people indoors and 150 people outdoors. Outdoor gatherings at private residences and in private backyards will remain at a maximum of 25 people, with indoor house gatherings remaining at 10 people.

    Additionally, dance floors will be permitted at weddings and other events only, and overnight summer camps will be allowed to operate this coming summer. Exhibition and convention halls may also begin to operate, following gatherings limits and event protocols. Other Phase IV sectors must continue to remain closed.

    AMGO
    The Alliance of Massachusetts Golf Organizations (AMGO) will continue to work with the Governor's Administration and communicate with our respective memberships as updates are made available regarding the clarification and/or any relaxing of guidelines. Our staff is here to help you with any questions you may have as we continue to safely play golf.

    Please visit MassGolf.org and follow @PlayMassGolf on social media for up to date information.

    Well wishes,
    Jesse Menachem
    Executive Director/CEO
    Mass Golf



  • March 08, 2021 1:16 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    On behalf of the Alliance of Massachusetts Golf Organizations (AMGO), our respective staffs and volunteer leaders, we’d like to thank you for your continued partnership and cooperation over the last 12 months. Since our year-end communication, AMGO representatives have been busy preparing for the 2021 active golf season and we are well-equipped to continue the momentum our industry enjoyed last year.

    With weather patterns and temperatures changing quickly, we wanted to share several updates as facilities and golfers prepare for season-start. We know how important clear and effective communications are and we will do all that we can to provide the necessary and timely information and guidelines from the Governor’s Administration.

    Our Alliance has remained focused on keeping the current golf guidelines in place and improving certain regulations as the state’s public health metrics continue to trend in a positive direction.  Our honest, transparent and respectful approach with Governor Baker’s team will remain as we represent the industry. With that, we encourage you to review our summary of Frequently Asked Golf Facility Guideline Questions below. These will be important as you plan for daily play, events/tournaments, etc. Please note, guidelines can and will change, so these are not set in stone.

    In closing, we appreciate everyone’s sincere interest and cooperation in keeping all golfers and employees safe throughout the Commonwealth. Please continue to follow the State’s Golf Facility Guidelines and be sure to reach out to AMGO representatives with any questions.

    Here’s to a safe and healthy 2021, with weather to support another fantastic golf season!
    Alliance of Massachusetts Golf Organizations

    Summary of Frequently Asked Questions
    The information below was sourced from the Mass.gov website and presented in summary form by the Alliance of Massachusetts Golf Organizations (AMGO). The Governor’s Administration is responsible for the creation and the updating of all guidelines and regulations. Please note that these guidelines and regulations can and will change. This document will be updated accordingly.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Relevant Documents to Prepare for the Upcoming Season
    Effective January 25, 2021

    Workplace Safety Standards for Golf Facilities

    Golf Facilities Protocol Summary

    Golf Facility Checklist

    Safety Standards for Youth & Adult Amateur Sports Activities;
    Phase 3, Step 1

    •     Effective 2/8/2021
    •     Golf is a Lower Risk Sport/Recreational Activity
    •              All 4 Levels of Play are Permitted in Phase 3, Step 1

    Safety Standards



  • February 09, 2021 1:05 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    CAPACITY LIMITS FOR MOST SECTORS INCREASED TO 40%
    (Updated on the Mass.gov website on 2/4/21. Effective 2/8/21)

    On Thursday, the Baker-Polito Administration announced that effective Monday, February 8th at 5:00 AM, businesses can operate at 40% capacity. This is an increase from an existing order limiting capacity to 25% for many businesses that expires Monday.

    Beginning when the order expires, restaurants and close contact personal services will also be allowed to operate at a 40% capacity limit.

    Additionally, the Administration announced that current restrictions limiting gathering sizes to 10 persons indoors and 25 persons outdoors would remain in place for the present time.

    All other orders and safety guidance remain in place throughout the Commonwealth as the state continues to fight COVID-19 and vaccination ramps up in all regions.

    Read the full press release HERE.

    Effective Monday, February 8th at 5:00 AM, those businesses and other sectors in Massachusetts currently limited to 25% capacity following an across the board capacity reduction on December 26, 2020 will be permitted to increase to a 40% capacity limit.

    Businesses and activities affected by the adjustment include:

    • Arcades and Recreational Businesses
    • Driving and Flight Schools
    • Gyms/Health Clubs
    • Libraries
    • Museums
    • Retail
    • Offices
    • Places of Worship
    • Lodging (common areas)
    • Golf (indoor areas)
    • Movie Theaters (no more than 50 people per theater)

    In addition, restaurants and close contact personal services will now be allowed to operate at a 40% capacity limit, which reflects an increase from the 25% limit imposed in December. As under the current 25% limit, workers and staff will not count towards the occupancy count for restaurants and close contact personal services.

    Gatherings and Events
    The current gathering limits, in place since December 26, are being extended. Indoor gatherings and events will remain limited to 10 people. Outdoor gatherings and events will remain limited to 25 people. The gathering limits apply equally to private homes, event venues, and other public spaces. 

    AMGO
    The Alliance of Massachusetts Golf Organizations (AMGO) will continue to work with the Governor's Administration and communicate with our respective memberships as updates are made available regarding the clarification and/or any relaxing of guidelines. Our staff is here to help you with any questions you may have as we continue to safely play golf.

    Please visit MassGolf.org and follow @PlayMassGolf on social media for up to date information.

    Well wishes,

    Jesse Menachem
    Executive Director/CEO
    Mass Golf

  • November 06, 2020 10:55 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Massachusetts Updated Golf Facility Guidance
    Effective November 6, 2020

    The updated golf facility guidance was posted at 8 pm on Thursday, November 5, 2020.

    The two major updates are:

    • early facility closure (9:30pm-5am)
    • mandatory face coverings for all customers and workers

    Click here to read the full guidance


  • October 01, 2020 2:00 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    UPDATED STATEWIDE GUIDELINES PERTAINING TO GOLF FACILITIES IN MASSACHUSETTS

    (Updated on Mass.gov on 10/1/20; Effective on 10/5/20)

    The Governor and his Administration made two important updates to the golf specific guidance inclusive of the allowance of Double Rider carts for all golfers and the option for Removal of Flagsticks with Hole Liners no longer being required. These allowances will be statewide and not specific to lower risk communities.

    NOTICE: Golf courses and facilities may use these specific allowances as they see fit for their daily golf operations. We ask that you continue to exercise caution and care for the well-being of all staff and golfers in implementing these updated allowances.

    Click here for Golf Facility Guidance

    Sector Specific Workplace Safety Standards for Golf Facilities

    Click here for Youth and Amateur Sports Guidance


    The following language is no longer included in the golf facility guidelines on Mass.gov for Phase III Step 2

    Effective 10/5/20

    FLAGSTICKS AND HOLE LINERS

    REMOVED: Notify golfers that flag sticks must remain in the hole. Hole liners must be raised or otherwise adjusted so that players do not reach into the hole to retrieve a ball.

    • It is at the discretion of the golf facility whether or not they would like to use hole liners.  
    • It is at the discretion of the golf facility whether or not they will allow flag sticks to be removed.
    • NOTE: Golfers should ask the golf facility prior to their round whether or not they can remove the flag stick from the hole.

    DOUBLE RIDER CARTS

    REMOVED: Golf carts to be used only if each cart is used by and contains only a single rider or a group of golfers living in the same house.

    • It is at the discretion of the golf facility whether or not they would like to allow use of double rider golf carts by individuals not living in the same household.
    • NOTE: Golfers should ask the golf facility prior to their round whether or not they are allowing double rider golf carts to be used by individuals not living in the same household.


    The Alliance of Massachusetts Golf Organizations (AMGO) will continue to work with the Governor's Administration and communicate with our respective memberships as updates are made available regarding the clarification and/or any relaxing of guidelines. Our staff is here to help you with any questions you may have as we continue to safely play golf.
    Please visit MassGolf.org and follow @PlayMassGolf on social media for up to date information.

    Well wishes,

    Jesse Menachem
    Executive Director/CEO
    Mass Golf

  • July 07, 2020 10:31 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    UPDATED GUIDELINES FOR GOLF -TOURNAMENTS/SHOTGUN  EVENTS

    Posted from the EEA on 7/6/20

    WORKPLACE SAFETY and REOPENING STANDARDS FOR  BUSINESSES and OTHER ENTITIES PROVIDING YOUTH and ADULT AMATEUR SPORTS ACTIVITIES – Phase III, Step 1

    Click here for full document

  • July 03, 2020 6:11 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Phase 3 details for golf have been posted on Mass.gov: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/safety-standards-and-checklist-golf-facilities

    The Phase 3 workplace safety standards for Golf Facilities are posted in advance of the Governor’s initiation of Phase 3 to allow Golf Facilities time to prepare to operate in compliance with these mandatory health and safety standards. Golf Facilities may not expand operations beyond what is currently permitted in Phase 2 until specifically authorized to do so in Phase 3 of the Commonwealth’s Workplace Re-Opening Plan. The Governor will initiate Phase 3 of the Re-Opening Plan, which will commence on July 6, by formal Executive Order following a careful review of public health data.

    Phase 3 Workplace Safety Standards for Golf Facilities: https://www.mass.gov/doc/sector-specific-workplace-safety-standards-phase-iii-step-1-for-golf-facilities-to-address/download 

    Phase 3 Protocol Summary for Golf Facilities:  https://www.mass.gov/doc/phase-iii-step-1-golf-facilities-protocol-summary/download

    Phase 3 Checklist for Golf Facilities: https://www.mass.gov/doc/phase-iii-step-1-golf-facilities-checklist/download 

  • June 03, 2020 2:10 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Update: Phase II of Massachusetts Re-opening begins on June 8, 2020.

    GOVERNOR'S ADMINISTRATION ADDS GOLF TO PHASE II OF THE COMMONWEALTH'S RE-OPENING PLAN (June 3, 2020)
    The Governor's Administration has provided advanced notice that the golf industry has been included in the formal Phase II Re-Opening plan. The updated guidelines pertaining to golf will go into effect once Phase II begins, a date that is yet to be determined by the Governor's Administration. Please read the full guidelines below.

    "These workplace safety standards for Golf Facilities are posted in advance to the Governor’s initiation of Phase 2 to allow operators of golf courses time to prepare for reopening in compliance with these mandatory standards. Golf courses have operated in a limited fashion since May 7, 2020.   Golf Facilities may not expand their operations until specifically authorized to do so in Phase 2 of the Commonwealth’s Workplace Re-Opening Plan.  The Governor will initiate Phase 2 of the Re-Opening Plan by formal Executive Order and only following a careful review of public health data."

    UPDATED GUIDELINES FOR GOLF INDUSTRY IN MASSACHUSETTS (as of 6/3/20)

    Updated Guidance for Golf from the Recreation & Outdoor Business's Update on Mass.gov:

    Full Guidance (CLICK HERE)

    Golf Facilities Checklist (CLICK HERE)

    Highlights:

    • Require at least 12 minutes between group tee times
    • Driving Ranges and Practice Areas
    • Use of driving range, putting green and other practice facilities must follow social distancing protocols and must require use of masks or face coverings  
    • Modify driving range hitting areas to ensure a minimum 6-feet of separation between players
    • Hole liners must be raised or otherwise adjusted so that players do not reach into the hole to retrieve a ball
    • Pro shops: must follow sector-specific standards for retail stores (click here)
    • Restaurants:  follow Phase 2 sector-specific standards (click here)

    Updated Guidance for Businesses and Other Entities Providing Outdoor Adult Sports, Supervised Youth Sports Leagues and Summer Sports Camps on Mass.gov:

    Full Guidance (CLICK HERE)

    The Alliance of Massachusetts Golf Organizations (AMGO) will continue to work with the Governor's Administration and communicate with our respective memberships as updates are made available regarding the clarification and/or any relaxing of guidelines. Our staff is here to help you with any questions you may have as we continue to safely play golf.
    Please visit MassGolf.org and follow @PlayMassGolf on social media for up to date information.


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