RETURN TO GOLF PROTOCOL - APRIL 2021

We are delighted to announce that, in line with current Government guidance, Ballyliffin Golf Club will reopen for play on Monday 26th April 2021. Golf in Ireland will be one of the first outdoor sports to have restrictions lifted. 

This practical guide has been prepared to inform everyone of how golf will operate during Phase 1 of our re-opening. These measures will be monitored by all staff in the coming weeks. For you, the members, the guide covers each step of the journey from home to the course and back home again. 
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For now, other questions including when will the clubhouse reopen and when will restaurants reopen remain unanswered, including our Links Restaurant & Bar. 

We ask for your complete co-operation with the measures listed herein as no doubt golf courses will be under extreme scrutiny in the coming weeks. We hope that through our adherence to these protocols, enabling you to enjoy golf in a SAFE ENVIRONMENT, we will work successfully toward the gradual lifting of the current restrictions and a return to normal.

Please enjoy your golf and stay safe.

Opening and Closing: Courses and Driving Range- Members Only.

Open Monday-Friday 8am-7pm.

Saturday & Sunday 7am -7pm.

Please book your tee time accordingly.

Course Access
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• All members must have a time booked before arriving at the golf course.

• In the initial phase the Club and its facilities will be open to Members only and for casual golf only. 

• Bookings will be facilitated through the booking system and will go live 3 days in advance at 08.30am each day for on-line booking and 9am for telephone bookings.

• Please respect these daily timesheets and afford all members the opportunity to play. Multiple bookings and “No Shows” will not be tolerated.

• Play will initially be in 2-balls only at 8 minute intervals, in the interests of pace of play.

• The first 2 players on each line of the timesheet start on the front nine- Players 3 and 4 start on the back nine.

• Weekend timesheets will be reserved for Full members until 1pm.

• Play is restricted to 9 holes only but further play will be facilitated where possible.

• Non-competitive “Handicap-Qualifying Rounds” will not be facilitated under the current restrictions.

• Last tee time 7pm daily unless otherwise agreed with the Pro Shop.

• Members should not visit the Club if doing so puts you in contravention of government restrictions or if you or any of your contacts are displaying any symptoms of Covid-19.

• The usual reserved tee times for Men & Ladies Competitions are suspended until further notice.

• Driving Range will be open to members only and access following check-in at the clubhouse. 

Booking & Arrival

• Pre-booking your tee time in advance is compulsory. You can book via the Booking System or by phone. Pre-booking is required to facilitate contact tracing should a member be affected with Covid-19.

• Play is only permitted to start from the designated tees.

• We recommend golf equipment be sanitised before leaving home.

• Bring your own hand sanitiser to the course and use regularly during the round.

• Ensure that you have sufficient numbers of golf balls, markers, tees to avoid having to exchange equipment with others.

• Golfers should travel to the Club alone, or with members of the same household only.

• Please park in a manner so as to facilitate physical distancing.

• Arrive at the Clubhouse no more than 15 mins. before your reserved tee time.

• All players must check in with the Pro Shop at the “Hatch”.

• Resist the temptation to mingle prior to tee off (or after golf).

• Change in the car park.
  
  

Clubhouse & Pro Shop

• All players must check in with the Pro Shop at the “Hatch”.

• Clubhouse access is confined to use of toilet and the initial retrieval of golf equipment from lockers. 
• Toilet facilities at the clubhouse will open on a one-in, one-out approach.

• The Pro Shop will be open for check in only, until further notice.

• Please use card payments where possible. Members should top up their swipe cards to avoid cash handling.

• No organised social gatherings of any size are permitted under Government Guidelines.
  
  

To the Tee

• Do not arrive at the first tee more than 5 minutes before your allotted tee time.

• Do not enter the teeing ground until all members of the group in front have played their tee-shots and exited the teeing ground.

On The Course

• Golfers are directed to leave the pin in the cup at all times and to avoid touching same.

• The ‘Putt Buddy’ system on flags facilitates easy golf ball retrieval from the hole.

• Club personnel will be on hand to monitor adherence with physical distancing protocols and the protocols set out in this document. Please adhere to all social distancing guidelines.

• Holes must be played in order.

• Buggy surfaces should be wiped down prior to use. Buggies are subject to advance booking and availability.

• If you must use a golf buggy, it must only be used by you and cannot be shared with or used by another player.

• Members are encouraged to bring their own pull carts or carry their clubs. Hire trolleys should be sanitised prior to use.

• Course toilets will be closed and all course furniture will be taken out of use where possible

• 6” Placing on Fairways. Bunkers are in play with 6” placing- no rakes.
• Golfers are requested to take any rubbish home with them.

• Observe physical distancing at all times on the course. Do not enter the next teeing ground until the all members of the group in front have played their tee-shots and exited the teeing ground. Do not exchange or share equipment, food or drink with other players during your round. Do not pick up another player’s equipment or golf ball.

• If your ball is lost, unplayable, or in a penalty area, don’t take an option under the rules that involves doubling back on your position on the course. Instead, use an option that allows you to keep your position on the course.
  
  

Home Safe

• Return directly to your car and leave the Club.

• Members must call or email the Club Manager with any post-round health issues or Covid-19 related queries.
  
  

Finally, we all hope that the above measures can be relaxed as we move through the phases in the government guidelines. However, this can only happen if members have regard for the above protocols, their fellow members, and comply with what is asked of them.

This document will be updated and forwarded to members as and when changes are made by the Club in accordance with Government Guidelines.

Club Council April 14th 2021.

Online Booking Instructions.

Please follow the instructions below to book online.
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How to register? 
Using your unique username: GUI or ILGU number.  Gents 1050 followed by your member number / Ladies 5050 followed by your member number.
(e.g. Male 10501234) (e.g. Lady 50502345)
 Register your details via the link below:
https://brsgolf.com/ballyliffin/user_admin.php?stage=Register 
Once registered, your account will have to be activated by the club office before you can book online. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch.