Booked a tee time? Now get your equipment ready for post-lockdown rounds
There has been an awful lot of chat about golfers and golf courses during the coronavirus pandemic, but not a lot about golf equipment. Specifically your golf equipment.
So let’s get the most obvious point out of the way. If you’re playing golf under the lockdown guidelines set out by the governing bodies then it is imperative you use your OWN equipment. That means no sharing of anything.
Whether you’re in England or Northern Ireland and getting ready to get back out there, or in Scotland or Wales, where courses have already reopened, I’ve laid out some guidelines of my own to make sure you don’t find yourself in a spot of bother…
Golf equipment vs Covid: Clubs
Do not even touch other players’ clubs. Simple as that.
We’ve all been in that situation where we’re playing a friendly round and borrowed a putter because we left our own in our bag after finding trouble near a green. Just don’t.
Stick to your own and keep them clean. (I know you’ve got a stash of anti bacterial wipes at home already so you might as well make use of them.)
Golf equipment vs Covid: Balls
Same rules. Touch your own and no one else’s.
Don’t leave yourself in a situation where you would need to even think about touching someone else’s golf balls.
Found a Pro V1 in the woods? Great! Well, any other time it would be. Leave it there.
So make sure you have plenty of balls in your bag because the rough is going to be a bit thicker than normal. Why not use this as an opportunity to treat yourself to some new balls? It’s up to you if you’d rather look for a Titleist, TaylorMade, Callaway or Srixon in the trees…
Golf equipment vs Covid: Tees
I know its tempting, particularly on a par-3, to grab a broken tee left on the tee box and use that. But that needs to stop. You have no idea who has touched them.
In fact, while we are on this point, just don’t leave broken tees on the ground full stop. Take them with you and put them in the bin when you get home.
Don’t worry if your stock is running low, you can buy shed loads of wooden tees for next to nothing.
Or, if you want to be more environmentally friendly, why not give these 100% sustainable bamboo tees from Ocean Tee a try?
Golf equipment vs Covid: Trolleys
It seems that hire trolleys will remain off limits for the foreseeable future so maybe now is time to upgrade to one of your own?
There are plenty of impressive options from both Motocaddy and PowaKaddy.
If you need to buy one, I really like the Motocaddy M3, which starts from £749.99, and the compact Powakaddy CT6, from £649.99. Both brands have impressive push model options, too.
If they’re a bit out of your price range and want something simple, try the Masters 1 Series, which will give you change from £40.
Golf equipment vs Covid: Rakes
OK, not something you’d normally have in your bag but England Golf have already stated all rakes are to be removed from the course.
If you want to play your part in keeping the course neat, why not add one into your own setup? You can get full rakes for next to nothing in the supermarket and Amazon has one you can attach to the end of your club.
But remember, as with everything else, don’t let anyone else touch your rake.
- RELATED: Why it’s time to get rid of bunker rakes for good
- RELATED: What do the Rules of Golf allow you to do in a bunker when there are no rakes?
Golf equipment vs Covid: Anything else?
Other items that won’t be available include ball cleaners so my advice would be to carry a damp towel or flannel on your bag.
Also remember all bins have to be removed from the course or covered and not used so make sure you take a bag of some sort to stash your rubbish while you play.
And don’t touch the flagsticks!
Enjoy your round. And remember: Play Safe, Stay Safe.
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Hannah Holden
Hannah Holden is the Equipment and Instruction Editor here at National Club Golfer. If you’re looking to improve your game, by changing your golf swing or upgrading your golf equipment she’ll have the answers.
As well as writing lots of features and reviews you can find her on our YouTube channel giving you insights on the latest rules, clubs and tips to improve your golf game.
Hannah is a member at Alwoodley golf club. You will either find her here or driving up and down the country playing in a variety of elite amateur events.
