This document contains the procedures the FSGA is implementing at our competitions effective on 9/28/20. These procedures were created by following guidance provided by the CDC, PGA, and state and local governments. This is a fluid document that will be updated as new information is released by governing bodies and as social norms change. Additional measures may be implemented by host clubs or local governments. Click here to view the FSGA's procedures for Phase One and Phase Two (June 1 - September 27, 2020).
Last updated: May 14th, 2021
Phase Three of the Reopening
Florida entered Phase Three and the FSGA is adjusting some of our procedures in conducting competitions. The following procedures will gradually return to normal as our host clubs, players, volunteers, and staff members become more comfortable with them.
General
Safety & Authority - FSGA will conduct competitions following guidance consistent with Federal, State & County laws and guidelines by the Governor's Office, CDC, PGA & Back2Golf.
Location Dependent - Competitions may have differing procedures in place in different parts of the state.
Limited Fields - Fields may be limited due to the availability of golf carts.
Field Reductions - Field sizes will be reduced when necessary in a fair and equitable way.
Shotgun Starts - Shotguns are allowed with social distancing notifications.
Club Policies - FSGA will verify in advance that clubs are generally following sanitation protocols and social distancing procedures are in place at the host club.
Refunds - Full refunds will provided to players withdrawing due to COVID19 concerns or changes in their health. To receive a full refund the player must contact the FSGA via email or phone.
Communication - FSGA will communicate with the host clubs regularly regarding their facility and the FSGA procedures.
Players
Player Communications - Players will be notified via email of the procedures and their responsibilities within one week to each competition. Players that do not accept the set procedures, will need to withdraw via email or phone and receive a full refund.
Masks - Players are not required to wear masks unless the host club requires them in certain areas.
PPE & Other - Players are responsible for providing any PPE that they wish to use. Players are encouraged to bring sanitizers.
Arrival to the Course - Limited to ONE hour prior to the player's scheduled tee time.
Caddies - Beginning May 15th, caddies are permitted at FSGA competitions (excluding junior competitions).
Spectators - Two maximum per player and the spectators must be a related family member or a significant other. Spectator carts will be allowed to rent if available. Some host clubs may prohibit spectators.
Registration - Performed at a distance; usually an Official with a clipboard and a mask checking players in.
Water & Snacks - Normally not provided by the FSGA. Players are responsible for bringing their own or purchasing from the club if available. The availability of F&B will be communicated via email to the players approximately one week in advance.
Skins Games - Will be conducted at certain events and is optional to the players.
Carts - Shared carts are now an accepted norm. Requests for a single cart not considered, unless the host club is willing to provide an extra cart (an additional fee to the player is common).
Starting & Scoring Areas
Player Greetings - Players should not shake hands, hug or physically touch other players or officials.
Touch Points - If not necessary, items creating touch points will be removed. For example, tents and starter boxes will normally not be used.
Starter Boxes - Generally not used. Players must provide their own tees and ball markers.
Notice to Players (Local Rules) and Hole Location Sheets - Hole location sheets for championships and qualifiers will be placed in the cart by individuals who have been sanitized prior. For walking events, starters will pass out hole location sheets and will have hand sanitizer available.
Scorecards - As of 4/20/21, the scorecard process is returning to pre-Covid times. At the end of the round, the Marker must sign the card and give it to the Competitor, who must ensure the hole-by-hole scores are correct, sign it, and return it to the Committee. Entering hole-by-hole scores into the Golf Genius app during the round is allowed and highly encouraged.
Scoring - Electronic scoring using smart phones is encouraged.
Scoreboards - Likely not be used. A hyperlink to scores on the FSGA website will be emailed to all players.
Player Gifts / Tee Favors - Anything given to the players will be done so by placing them on the player's cart by individuals who have been sanitized before touching the items. Tee gifts at walking events will be placed on a table for the players to pick one up on their own.
Golf Course Set-Up & Operations
Rakes - Dependent on the host club. Rakes are allowed to be on the course. When rakes have not been replaced on the course, or golf carts, the following Local Rule is in effect:
- Disturbed Areas in Bunkers: When rakes have been removed from the course, players are entitled to relief under Rule 16.1c from disturbed areas in bunkers for lie of ball and area of intended swing only. Disturbed areas are footprints, depressions and other non-smooth areas caused by other players. In taking relief under Rule 16.1c a ball must be dropped in the bunker within one club-length of the nearest point of complete relief not nearer the hole. For a one-stroke penalty, a ball may be dropped outside the bunker using the Back-On-The-Line Relief option.
Holes - Normally, a device will NOT be placed in the hole.
Flagsticks - The flagstick may be touched and removed unless the host club still requires it to not be removed.
Practice Areas - Social distancing must be maintained.
Weather Evacuations - Will differ based on the options at each club. Communications on restarting will be sent via text.
Awards & Gift Certificates - Returned to normal activity. Awards will not be handed out to players. Gift certificate amounts will be given to the Golf Shop; physical gift cards will not be given out or they will be mailed after the competition.
Officials
PPE Equipment - Officials are responsible for providing their own PPE equipment (masks, sanitizers, etc.)
Masks - Officials must wear masks when they are indoors.
Clubhouse & Lunch - Officials must wear masks when in the clubhouse except when seated and eating.
Registration - Performed at a distance; usually an Official with a clipboard and a mask checking players in.
Starters - Normally no tables, tents, coolers, starter boxes, or other items on the tee. Starters will social distance from the players. No documents will be passed to the players, except at walking events (sanitizer provided).
Scoring Area - Arranged to allow social distancing. "Touch points" will be eliminated or sanitized regularly. Players will not sit down in chairs. Tape and signage will be used to indicate where players must stand. Players will verbally confirm each player's scorecard before the score is accepted via a verbal signature from the marker and player. A tv may be used so the players can easily see their hole-by-hole scores in the computer.
Radios - Sanitized prior to being placed on the volunteer's cart and they will be sanitized upon completing officiating duties.
