While the province released some new rules when it came to golf courses opening up May 15, there are even newer rules on the table as of last week.

A maximum of four golfers per group is permitted, plus tee times will be 12 minutes apart instead of the original 20.

Driving ranges and putting greens can be open if physical distancing is maintained.

Group lessons and tournaments are still prohibited.

According to the province’s website here, the rules are as follows:

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.

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 levelling the cup, elevating the cup or installing a touch-free ball removal mechanism.

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 levelling 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 follow the Clothing and Retail Guidelines.

All food and beverage services are suspended, except for pick-up or delivery.

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.

Pro shops can begin providing services, such as selling merchandise (effective May 19, 2020) and renting carts, subject to the 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.