Courses in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and ranges in Nova Scotia, are open, while Newfoundland, Saskatchewan are coming on soon. Quebec and Ontario courses are preparing to open.

Generally, courses are either removing flagsticks or using raised cups for the hole. Rakes, ball washers and water dispensers, along with benches, have been removed, and golfers, for the most part, are being asked to ride solo in carts, unless they are from the same household. Increased cleaning is occurring at bathrooms and in areas that see significant traffic.

Each province will have its own unique protocols required for open golf courses. Below is a breakdown by province as of May 14, 2020. This page will be updated as provincial guidelines are lifted or added.

Alberta

• Pro Shops and clubhouses remain closed.
• No ball washers or rakes
• Golfers riding must take their own sanitized cart unless two players are from the same household.
• Maintain social distancing.
• Restrict access to the pro shop, limiting access to facility staff and guests to ensure safe distances are clearly marked and enforced at all times.
• Restrict access to other parts of the clubhouse except for bathrooms which will be sanitized on a regular basis. Lockers/showers will remain closed until further notice.
• Increase the frequency of routine cleaning with approved antimicrobial products, sanitization and disinfection of all locations, especially all common and high traffic areas, frequently touched surfaces, including door handles, counters, telephones, pens.
• Increase the number of hand sanitizing stations throughout the buildings, especially entry points, lobby.
• Place appropriate signage outside all building entries and on power carts / F&B carts briefly outlining the physical distancing guidelines in place including sanitization practices, no handshaking or loitering, stop and read all precautionary messaging, including contact phone numbers and payment procedures.
• Remove all water stations from the course and either provide bottled water or advise patrons to purchase beverages prior to tee off.
• Provide alternative cup options to prevent players from reaching into the hole (foam noodle/pipe insulation creates a one-inch gap or reverse the cup to raise it one inch). Golfers must arrive at the course no earlier than 15 minutes before their tee time.
• Ensure tee time intervals adequately spread players out on the course.
• Consider having a greeter to the golf course informing all registered players that all procedures must be followed.
• Remove bulk scorecard, pencil and tee holders from starter areas. Only issue when requested.
• Eliminate walk-up tee times and require tee times be made in advance, while encouraging advance pay. Update your website to indicate this. Golfers who fail to abide by this policy should be asked to return to their cars and make necessary arrangements over the phone while remaining in their car

British Columbia

British Columbia Golf medical recommendations vary by municipality. But these are the keys for most courses in the area. Some practice ranges, especially at private facilities, are open.

• Restaurants are not operational
• No gatherings of more than 50 people, though more than 50 can be onsite with social distancing
• Provide handwashing facilities and ensure social distancing.
• Sick staff or golfers to be sent home.
• Enhanced cleaning of high touch surfaces such as rental equipment.
• Golfers are not allowed onto the course more than 20 minutes before their tee time.
• Reduce touchpoints on the course by removing ball washers and bunker rakes.
• Require golfers to leave the course immediately after they finish play.
• Install signage around the course reminding players to observe physical distancing regulations.

Manitoba

Launched May 4, golf courses were allowed to reopen in Manitoba with the following protocols:

• All businesses will be required to limit occupancy to 50 per cent of normal business levels or one person per 10 square metres, whichever is lower. These requirements will be enforceable under public health orders.
• Staff must use the self-screening tool before coming into work.
• Employees must stay home when ill and customers are not allowed entry if they are ill with COVID-19 symptoms.
• Businesses must post external signs indicating COVID-19 physical distancing protocols, and floor markings are installed where service is offered or lines form.
• Clients are screened by telephone before a tee-time is booked and are prevented from booking if they have COVID-19 symptoms.
• Entry into the business, including lines, are regulated to prevent congestion.
• Businesses must maintain a single point of entry.
• No more than 10 people may gather in common areas. Congregation of people should be actively discouraged.
• Hand sanitizer is available at entrances and exits for public and staff use.
• Washrooms have frequent sanitization and a regime for business sanitization is in place
• Staff and clients may wear non-medical masks.
• A maximum of four golfers per group is allowed and one person per golf cart, or two people from the same household. Pins on greens remain in the hole at all times during play.
• Public use items, such as ball-washing stations and water fountains, are closed or removed.
• Restaurants must follow same guidelines as other restaurants.
• Cashless or no-contact payment should be used to the greatest extent possible.

New Brunswick

• For golf courses, patrons will need to either walk or take separate golf carts (unless members of the same household) in order to maintain physical distancing.
• If rental golf carts are used, they must be fully sanitized between uses.
• Rental and shared equipment must be cleaned and disinfected between use.
• Caddies are restricted as it would involve the exchange of clubs between individuals.
• Employees must have access to gloves and sanitizing wipes, and are required to stay home if they are unwell or symptomatic.
• All players must have a tee time, no walk-on players will be permitted.
• Payment must be made in advance by telephone or online – cash cannot be accepted.
• Tee times must be a minimum of 20 minutes apart to avoid congestion on the course.
• Flags must remain in place and cups elevated so the ball does not drop into the hole
• Play is concluded when the ball makes contact with the cup. Pins/flags should be disinfected daily.
• All rakes and ball washers must be removed from the course.
• Golf clubs and pull-cart rentals are prohibited.
• Remove bulk scorecard, pencil and tee holders from starter areas.
• Drink/snack carts may not operate.
• Locker rooms must be closed. Players can change footwear in the parking lot. • Retail sales must be restricted to curbside pick-up or delivery.
• All food and beverage service is suspended at the club house/boat house except curbside pick-up or delivery. Call-ahead for pick up.
• Washrooms at the clubhouse will be sanitized regularly, with only one individual allowed at a time.

Nova Scotia

In Nova Scotia at this time, only ranges are open with the following protocols.

• Golfers must at all times abide by the mandatory physical distancing requirements of at least 2 meters or 6 feet.
• Physical distancing and other requirements will be monitored by staff on course
• Practice good hand hygiene at all times
• Cough or sneeze into sleeve
• Do not approach staff or violate the required physical distancing of 6 feet or 2 meters.
• Do not come to the club if you are sick or feeling unwell.
• On-site golf operations staff will only assist in extraordinary circumstances.
• No congregating anywhere on site before, during or after your practice session.
• Playing Golf
• Stay informed, be prepared and follow public health advice.
• When booking tee times, golfers will be made aware of the measures the course has taken to make it safe to play. If they book online they will receive information by email, if they call an operator will inform them.
• Golfers without a pre‐scheduled tee time are not permitted, they must arrange a reservation prior to arriving at the course. It is strongly recommended that all tee times are paid in advance.
•  Arrival areas will be managed to ensure that physical distancing is observed at all times, with a minimum of two metres between individuals.
• Driving ranges and practice areas will be managed to ensure that physical distancing is observed at all times, with a minimum of two metres between individuals.
•  Tee time intervals will be managed to ensure groups are evenly spaced throughout the entire round.
• Play will be monitored to ensure physical distancing is maintained.
• Groups will consist of no more than four (4) golfers.
• Groups will be directed to the tee to start their round.
• Golfers must leave immediately following their round to avoid gatherings.
• Golf club and bag rentals must be cleaned and disinfected before and after each use.
• Removal of rakes from bunkers
• Flags Sticks MUST NOT be touched. Any method or device can be used to eliminate the golfers from reaching into the hole for their ball.
• Removal of ball and club washer stands
• Removal of all water coolers, golfers are encouraged to bring their own water.
• Removal of on course furniture
• Removal of all bulk scorecards, pencils and tees from the course. Scorecards and pencils will be available upon request.
• Washrooms on course must be cleaned and disinfected regularly with only one person allowed at a time.
•  Garbage cans can remain on course provided that no touching is required.( i.e. no lids)
• Power carts must be used by one individual only, unless being shared by members of the same household.
• Golfers will not be forced to share golf cars.
• Power carts and pull carts must be cleaned and disinfected before and after each use.

Newfoundland & Labrador

Courses in Newfoundland and Labrador may open May 11 with the following protocols.

• Physical distancing must be observed at all times, with a minimum of two metres (or two arm’s lengths) between individuals.
• Signage must be posted to caution players about the risks of COVID-19 and indicating players exhibiting signs of illness will not be permitted to play.
• All players must have a tee time. No walk-on players should be permitted.
• Payment should be made in advance by telephone or online. Cash should not be accepted.
• Tee times must be a minimum of 20 minutes apart to avoid congestion on the course.
• Flags must remain in place and cups elevated so the ball does not drop into the hole. Play is concluded when the ball makes contact with the cup.
• Walking is encouraged.
• Limit of one person per golf cart, unless the occupants reside in the same household bubble.
• Retail sales must be restricted to curbside pick-up or delivery.

Ontario

Overall, the Ontario guidelines are more operational in nature, leaving much of the detail for tee times to the operator. Course may open as soon as Saturday May 16.

• Limit golf cart use to one cart per golfer; and consider providing sanitizing wipes for customers, as well as ensuring procedures are places to thoroughly disinfect golf carts between each use.
• Ensure physical distancing is observed by employees and golfers, with a minimum of 2 metres maintained between individuals.
• Establish clear visuals to show where golfers may park, pay, and proceed safely to first tee etc. while maintaining physical distancing (more than 2 metres) between individuals at all times.
• Manage traffic flow and physical distancing with barriers and floor markings.
• Stagger tee times to avoid congestion.
• To eliminate transmission via surfaces such as flag poles and cups, leave the flag in place and elevate the cup at each hole so that the ball does not drop into the hole. Play is concluded when the ball makes contact with the cup.
• Remove water fountains and/or ball washers. If equipment cannot be physically removed, take it out of service to prevent use.
• Provide hand sanitizer for customers to use upon entry as well as sanitizing wipes to use on carts and hand-held baskets.
• Provide customer facing staff with hand sanitizer for their use only when receiving deliveries, interacting with the golfers etc.
• For advice regarding food service at a golf course please refer to additional guidelines for food sector retail.
• Ensure that measures you decide on are well communicated to golfers and customers before arrival, onsite and throughout play.

Prince Edward Island

• Tee times will only be made online or over the phone.
• Where possible encourage online, debit and credit transactions.
• Tee time intervals will be increased to ensure groups are evenly spaced throughout the entire round. Pace of play must be monitored to avoid congestion on the course.
• Groups will consist of no more than four people. Physical distancing must be observed at all times, with a minimum of two metres between players.
• Groups will be asked to wait to be called to first tee to start.
• Members and guests will be asked to leave immediately after their round to avoid gathering.
• Lessons, leagues, tournaments and other events are prohibited in order to discourage gathering of players.
• Practice range will not be open.
• The clubhouse (with the exception of washrooms) and common spaces (including decks and locker rooms) must remain closed. Club storage is not permitted.
• All indoor food, beverage and retail service is suspended, except curbside pick-up or delivery. Players should be encouraged to call ahead to place orders and coordinate pick-up.
• Food and beverage carts are permitted to operate however must follow physical distancing requirement of 2 meters between staff and players. Encourage payment by debit or credit.
• Food and beverage carts are permitted to operate however must follow physical distancing requirement of 2 meters between staff and players. Encourage payment by debit or credit.

Quebec

Announcement made that courses can re-open on May 20.

• At all times and in all places, social distancing must be respected by both customers and employees.
• No gatherings or deviations from safety procedures will be tolerated.
• Only the courses, snack bar, practice areas, pro shop, and washrooms will be accessible to players.
• Golfers must arrive 30 minutes before their tee time at the earliest.
• The frequency of cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfection of all areas will be increased.
• Golfers will be asked to leave immediately after completing their round of golf. No handshakes or socializing moments.
• The main buildings must remain closed to public access except for washroom access. Concrete measures must be taken to limit movement in the clubhouse.
• Pro shops can open to customers in compliance with the guidelines of the retail sector (links in the appendix).
• Access to showers and lockers is prohibited.
• The restaurant, bar, and terrace must remain closed until the Public Health Department’s guidelines for the restaurant sector are amended.
• Rental of motorized and hand carts is permitted.
• Only one person per motorized cart unless they are members of the same family or living together.
• Motorized and hand carts must be cleaned and disinfected before and after each use.
• Club and shoe cleaning services are not to be provided.
• Compressed air cleaners for shoe cleaning must not be accessible.
• Bag storage must remain closed. Golfers must take their equipment home after each round.
• Tee times must be booked in advance, either by phone or online.
• It is recommended that tee times are sufficiently far apart to avoid congestion on the course.
• As much as possible, opt for telephone or contactless payments using cards, cell phones or virtual wallets, ideally on fixed terminals that do not have to be handled.
• Make hand sanitation (hand washing or a hydro alcoholic solution with more than 60% of alcohol) accessible when handling cash, cards or if the terminal is handled by customers.
• Maintain a physical distance of at least 2 metres on driving range.
• Balls and baskets should be cleaned with soapy water or disinfectant after each use.
• Removal of any non-essential items such as bag and club racks.
• Golfers must use their own balls on the practice green.

Saskatchewan

Courses in Saskatchewan may open no earlier than May 15 with the following guidelines.

• A maximum of four players per group is permitted.
• Tee times must be a minimum of 12 minutes apart to avoid congestion on the course.
• Flags must remain in place and measures must be taken to prevent the ball from dropping in the hole, eliminating the need for players to contact the pin or cup. This may include such measures as leveling the cup, elevating the cup or installing a touch-free ball removal mechanism.
• Pro shops can begin providing services, such as selling merchandise (effective May 19, 2020) and renting carts, subject to provincial retail guidelines.
• The clubhouse (with exception of the washrooms and pro shop) and common spaces (decks, gazebos, and picnic areas) must remain closed.
• Group lessons and tournaments are prohibited. League play and one-on-one lessons may occur if all other criteria are met.Expand cleaning and disinfection of common/high-touch surfaces in accordance with the public health order.
• Physical distancing must be observed at all times, with a minimum of two metres between individuals.
• Employees must have access to gloves and sanitizing wipes, and are required to stay home if they are unwell or symptomatic.
• Signage must be posted to caution players about the risks of COVID-19.
• Players exhibiting signs of illness will not be permitted to play.
• All players must have a tee time, no walk-on players will be permitted.
• Payment must be made in advance by telephone or online – cash cannot be accepted.
• All rakes and ball washers must be removed from the course.
• Washroom facilities on the course must remain closed to players and the public.
• Driving ranges and practice putting/chipping greens can open if physical distancing (minimum of two metres) is maintained. Range balls must be cleaned and disinfected between customers. For the practice putting/chipping greens, flags must remain in place and measures must be taken to prevent the ball from dropping in the hole. This may include such measures as leveling the cup, elevating the cup or installing a touch-free ball removal mechanism.
• Walking is encouraged.
• Limit of one person per golf cart, unless the occupants reside in the same household.
• Rental golf carts (motorized or pull carts) must be extensively cleaned and disinfected after each rental.
• Golf club rentals are permitted, but must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after each rental.Remove bulk scorecard, pencil and tee holders from starter areas.
• Retail sales must be follow the Clothing and Retail Guidelines.
• All food and beverage service is suspended, except curbside pick-up or delivery. Call-ahead for pick up.
• Washrooms at the clubhouse will be sanitized regularly, with only one individual allowed at a time.
• Drink/snack carts may not operate.
• Locker rooms must be closed. Players can change footwear in the parking lot.