COVID-19 Southern Texas PGA

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Southern Texas PGA
COVID-19
Junior Golf Policies & Procedures

Updated as of Friday, June 12, 2020

The following are a set of Policies & Procedures the STPGA staff have generated for the STPGA Junior Golf
Program. The Southern Texas PGA has created these policies to keep golf safe, follow guidelines set by the
Texas Governor and local and national agencies. The STPGA is working with each host site facility to ensure
that they are following the proper procedures for retail, food and beverage, and golf course operations as
outlined in Governor Abbott’s “Report to Open Texas”. We believe golf can be a tremendous vehicle to get
exercise, be outside, and enjoy this great sport in a safe manner.

As such, the STPGA will be implementing the below Policies and Procedures until such a time that the STPGA
deem it safe to remove them. Please note, that where these Policies and Procedures directly clash with either
the STPGA Junior Golf Rules & Regulations or the USGA/PGA Rules of Golf, these Policies and Procedures will
override.

All golfers, parents, spectators, and others that might attend a STPGA Junior Golf event must self-screen
before coming to the event for any of the signs or symptoms possible with COVID-19 listed under the
“Governor’s Report to Open Texas.” If an individual does not feel well, they must stay home and take the
proper precautions. If this is the case, players will be given a full refund during the time that these policies are
in affect. If you are sick, please stay home.

It is the responsibility of all players and spectators participating in a STPGA event to fully read and understand
these policies and abide by them. By registering for and participating in a STPGA event, players and parents
are agreeing to all these policies and to accepting any potential penalties deemed appropriate by the STPGA
Staff.

It is each participants choice if they would like to enact stricter measures than are outlined in this document
for themselves, however, restrictions beyond these Policies & Procedures on others are not guaranteed.

Overview of June 12, 2020 Changes
In conjunction with Governor Abbott progressing the state of Texas into Phase 3 and Back2Golf Guidelines as
approved by the CDC, the Southern Texas PGA will be making the following changes to the COVID-19 Policies
and Procedures.

As we progress through the rest of the summer, the Southern Texas PGA understands that each facility may
have different policies and procedures than what is outlined below for their own members and guests. To
maintain our strong relationships with our host facilities, STPGA junior golfers may see some small differences
between events due to host facility guidelines. The starter at each event will confirm these unique differences
prior to the start of play.

The following pages outline specific items for your reference, COVID-19 information, and the importance to
continue to self-screen before coming to events.

Important notes to reference include the following
   1.   Scoring
   2.   Flagstick
   3.   Bunkers
   4.   On-Course Snacks & Drinks
   5.   Shuttles

Throughout the last 6 weeks, the Southern Texas PGA has evaluated best practices and priorities that while we
are getting back to “normal” some event elements may remain the same or permanently change. These items
will be in the best interest of the overall Junior Golf Program.

Summary of Changes
As of June 12, 2020
The STPGA Junior Golf Program, in conjunction with Governor Abbott’s announcement of Texas entering Phase 3 on
Wednesday, June 3, 2020, has made updates to the COVID-19 Junior Golf Policies & Procedures. These updated policies
and procedures will take effect starting on Saturday, June 13, 2020.

Leaderboards
• The STPGA will have BlueGolf TV leaderboards present in the scoring area.

Scoring
• Each player will sign their own scorecard twice after confirming their scores with their group and the scoring
official. The player will then return the scorecard to the scoring official.

Flagstick
• The STPGA will follow facility guidelines regarding whether a player can touch the flagstick.

On-Course Snacks & Drinks
• The STPGA will have coolers and snack baskets at Srixon Prestige Tour events and provide a bottle of hand
sanitizer at each location.
• The STPGA will follow facility guidelines as to whether course water coolers are present on the course.

Starters Boxes
• The STPGA will have starters boxes present on the starting tees at Srixon Prestige Tour events.

Shuttles
• Shuttles will be allowed at all STPGA Junior Golf events where permitted by STPGA staff members.

Please note that these are the changes to the Southern Texas PGA COVID-19 Junior Golf Policies & Procedures
and the rest of the Policies & Procedures listed below will remain in effect.

Summary of Changes
As of June 5, 2020

The STPGA Junior Golf Program, in conjunction with Governor Abbott’s announcement of Texas entering Phase 3 on
Wednesday, June 3, 2020, has made updates to the COVID-19 Junior Golf Policies & Procedures. These updated policies
and procedures will take effect starting on Saturday, June 6, 2020. Below is a list of changes that were made, and
following are the policies that remain in place.

Arrival Time
• There will no longer be a restriction on when Junior Golfers are able to arrive at the host facility.

Spectators
• There will no longer be restrictions on the number of spectators able to attend any STPGA Junior Golf event.

Turn Scores
• Turn scores will now be collected at all Srixon Prestige Tour events.

Practice Facilities
• STPGA Junior Golfers will now be able to utilize the driving range and putting/chipping greens without restriction
other than what the facility itself imposes.

Playoffs
• Playoffs will resume at all STPGA Junior Golf events.

Awards
• Award ceremonies will resume based on certain facility factors.

Registration
• Registration will resume at all Little Linksters, Junior Links, and Junior Tour events. Srixon Prestige Tour will not
feature a registration area.

Weather Delays
• The STPGA will resume weather delays in which play is not automatically canceled. The STPGA will continue to
encourage social distancing during these delays and communicate via text message or email.

Please note that these are the changes to the Southern Texas PGA COVID-19 Junior Golf Policies & Procedures and the
rest of the Policies & Procedures listed below will remain in effect.

COVID-19 Education & Protection
COVID-19
   •   Based off national and local guidance, it is important for players to understand how COVID-19 spreads and ways
       to protect yourself.
           o Knowing How It Spreads – The virus is spread mainly from person to person:
                   § Between people who are within 6-feet of each other
                   § Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks
                   § These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled
                       into the lungs
           o Basic ways to protect yourself
                   § Washing Your Hands Often
                   § Avoid Close Contact
                   § Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others
                   § Cover coughs and sneezes
                   § Clean and disinfect
                   § Remain 6-feet away from individuals

Self-Screening
   •   All STPGA players will be required to self-screen prior to being on-site at tournaments.
   •   Players must stay at home if they display any of the following new or worsening signs or symptoms of possible
       COVID-19:
            o Cough
            o Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
            o Chills
            o Repeated shaking with chills
            o Muscle pain
            o Headache
            o Sore throat
            o Loss of taste or smell
            o Diarrhea
            o Feeling feverish or a measured temperature greater than or equal to 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit
            o Known close contact with a person who is lab confirmed to have COVID-19

Hand Washing and Hand Sanitizer
• When washing your hands, you should:
o Use soap and water
o Wash for a minimum of 20 seconds

Coughing & Sneezing
• If you are in a private setting and do not have on your cloth face covering, remember to always cover your
mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
o Throw used tissues in the trash.
• Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily
available, use hand sanitizer.

Social Distancing
• The STPGA asks that all players, caddies, spectators, and guests maintain social distancing when practicable.
• All players must refrain from touching their fellow competitors in any way, including shaking hands prior to and
following the round.
• Players must not touch, handle, or share each other’s equipment.

General Player Information
Method of Starting
• All Summer Series events have been adjusted to Tee Time starts to reduce the number of people congregated in
one area. Please note the STPGA reserves the right to go to a shotgun start based on local guidelines.

Tournament Paperwork
• The STPGA will communicate all applicable Local Rules, Hard Cards, Hole Locations, and Contestant Information
to players digitally prior to the tournament rather than passing out paper copies at the tournament site. Players
will be allowed to access these documents on their mobile devices through the STPGA Junior Golf app or on
www.stpgajuniorgolf.com during play.

Caddies & Spectators
Caddies
• Caddies, when allowed, are strongly recommended to be an immediate family member or live in the same
household.
• Please note, all caddies must be registered and have completed STPGA Caddie Training.

Spectators
• There will no longer be restrictions on the number of spectators able to attend any STPGA Junior Golf event.

Tournament Operations
Registration
• Srixon Prestige Tour events will not feature a registration area.

Scorecards
• Will be distributed on the starting tee. Scorecards will not be exchanged between players and it will be the
players responsibility to keep all players in the groups score.
• Scorecards will have each player in the groups name printed on them.

Scoring
• Once the round is completed, players must walk straight from the final green to scoring with all their equipment.
They are not to stop to converse with spectators, not to go to their car or the parking lot for any reason.
• Only one (1) group will be allowed into the scoring area at a time.
• Each player will sign their own scorecard twice once confirming their scores with their group and the scoring
official. The player will then return the scorecard to the scoring official.

Practice Facilities
• Practice facilities, if open, will follow the practices of the facility the event is being conducted at. Please
maintain social distancing while utilizing the practice facilities.

Awards
• The STPGA may conduct award ceremonies moving forward based off of several considerations including the
ability to social distance, location, weather, etc.

Weather Delays
• In the event of a weather delay, please practice social distancing by utilizing the clubhouse or your personal
vehicle. The STPGA will continue to provide weather updates via text.

Temporary Rules Changes
Holing Out
• Throughout this process facilities have come up with a wide range of mechanisms to decrease touching and
potential contamination around the cup and flagstick. Below are examples of how the STPGA will modify the
definition of “holed” based on these mechanisms.
o Raised Cup Liner: If a ball touches the exposed cup or cup liner, the ball will be considered holed
regardless of where it comes to rest.
o Upside Down Cup Liner: If a ball touches the bottom of the cup liner it will be considered holed
regardless of where it comes to rest.
o PVC / Pool Noodle in Cup: If a ball touches the PVC or Pool Noodle insert it will be considered holed
regardless of where it comes to rest.
• Note #1: If the method used at a facility is not defined in these policies, the Area Director will determine how a
ball will be determined as “holed” on-site.
• Note #2: The game and Rules of Golf are structured on the player’s integrity and while we feel there is no
perfect system, we rely on the players to be honest and respect the game and spirit of competition.

Flagstick
• The STPGA will follow facility guidelines regarding whether a player can touch the flagstick.

Bunkers
• The STPGA will follow facility guidelines regarding whether bunker rakes are present on the golf course for
player usage.
• If a player does not feel comfortable using a rake they are not required to rake the bunker.
• Any disturbed area in a bunker will be deemed Ground Under Repair, and players may take full relief under GUR
procedures (USGA Rule 16.1c) but must stay inside the bunker.
o Disturbed areas include (but are not limited to) footprints, divots, ball marks and other disturbances that
may have been caused by players/caddies/spectators.
o Reminder – under Rule 16.1c, the player must drop the ball from knee height, and is not permitted to
place the ball. The player also has the option to play the ball as it lies.
o Players are encouraged to use their best judgement when determining if an area in a bunker is
disturbed, and to confer within their group for confirmation.
• Depending on the condition of the bunkers due to facility maintenance practices, the Area Director will have the
option to declare all bunkers as Ground Under Repair and a part of the General Area.

Food & Beverage
On-Course Snacks & Drinks
   •   The STPGA will have coolers and snack baskets at Srixon Prestige Tour events and provide a bottle of hand
       sanitizer at each location.
   •   The STPGA will follow facility guidelines as to whether course water coolers are present on the course.

STPGA & Facility Equipment
Starters Boxes
   •   The STPGA will have starters boxes present on the starting tees at Srixon Prestige Tour events.

Hand Sanitizer
   •   The STPGA will provide hand sanitizer stations at all starting tees, cooler and snack locations, and in the scoring
       area.

Tee Gifts
   •   At Srixon Prestige Tour events, STPGA staff will distribute tee gifts in the scoring area following play.

Shuttles
   •   Shuttles will be allowed at all STPGA Junior Golf events where permitted by STPGA staff members.

STPGA Junior Golf App
   •   The STPGA has a Junior Golf App that gives access to all Tournament Information Pages and tournament
       registration, please visit the Apple and Android App Stores for the free download.

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