Playing It Safe—Golf & COVID19

A message from our Executive Director, Jennifer MacCurrach, PGA, LPGA

Keeping Kids on Course—Spring Classes Resume May 9 | Summer Camps As Scheduled

To say a lot has happened over the last couple of months would be like saying a 30-foot putt is a tap-in.

I do not know about you, but the term “social distancing” was never a part of my vocabulary until mid-March.

Although we will be back in action in May, things are going to be “different” for the foreseeable future. The good news is we do not have to make too many changes as the game of golf already incorporates most of the best practices to keep us all safe:

• Golfers already stand 6’ apart when we play and practice (so we do not get our teeth knocked out)
• We are outside, on a golf course where every 4 people are separated by a 10-minute gap (tee times)
• We follow our own shots on the course, in my group typically; Ashley is down the middle, Derrick is in the right trees, I am in the left rough and Ryan is still on the tee box looking for a pencil to write down the scores
• We all have our own golf clubs and it is against the Rules of Golf to share (unless playing a designated format)
• We also each bring our own ball and don’t hit someone else’s, that too is against the rules
• We carry our own drinks and snacks and if need be can buy additional at the course

Along with the above basics and a couple of operational changes we are confident that we can keep Playing it Safe at The First Tee of Greater Austin!

New Policies and Procedures for Keeping it Safe at First Tee Classes and Camps

• Check-in and Check-out
  • Various locations on campus; your coach prior to camp or class will let you know where to sign-in and out
  • We will have a designated person checking in and out the kids, no signing
  • Kids will place their golf bag in a designated club area

• Classes
  • Max 8 kids to 1 coach
  • No sharing equipment, if a student needs golf equipment we will give them a set of clubs for the week that they can take home
  • Everyone will stay 6’ apart during all activities
  • Students are encouraged to bring their own mask, if they do not have one we will provide a disposable mask each day—masks must be worn within 50 yards of pavilion excluding putting green (as long as they can keep 6′ apart)
  • Students will receive a bottle of hand sanitizer that can be attached to their golf bag
  • Limit 3 people in the restroom at any one time
  • No water coolers, kids will need to bring their own beverages or may purchase beverages from the golf shop
    • The golf shop is not handling cash, parents may buy a virtual gift card so students can purchase products; snacks, drinks, etc. To purchase a gift card, please call the golf shop, 512-926-1100 (there is no expiration date on the gift card)

• Families to help “Keep Kids on Course” please
  • Encourage your child to avoid touching their face, ears, nose and mouth
  • Have them wash their hands frequency
  • Remind them to sneeze or cough into their elbow
  • Make sure they wear a face mask
  • Remember our new Safety Rules
  • If someone is not feeling well, please stay home

• The First Tee of Greater Austin Staff
  • Cleaning is on-going all day and additional professional cleaning services have been added
  • All staff and coaches will be wearing face masks within 50 yards of pavilion excluding putting green (as long as they can keep 6′ apart)
  • Our students’ safety is our #1 concern

MORE ABOUT OUR SUMMER CAMPS