Rundown: Charlie Baker’s Draconian Golf Regulations For Massachusetts

Golfers can once again tee it up in the Baystate, albeit under draconian restrictions.

As of Wednesday evening, Massachusetts was the only state in the union where golf was essentially outlawed, but following an intensive three-day media blitz and lobbying effort by a small group of unpaid advocates, the Governor’s team of authoritarian bureaucrats finally relented.

The Mass Golf Association, which was roundly criticized for its feckless passivity throughout the shutdown, sent out a notification this morning, outlining the regulations (which included 24 instances of “must,” “no,” and “not”).

Here are Team Baker’s heavy-handed golf regulations:

• A Security chief must be designated (e.g. head pro, starter) to enforce social distancing.
• Social distancing of at least 6 feet must be maintained by staff and golfers at all times.
• All staff must wear face coverings while on the golf property.
• Facilities must have readily accessible hand sanitizer.
• No more than 4 players in a group at one time.
• Tee Time Policy must be 15 minutes between groups.
• Golfers must stay in their car until 15 minutes before their tee time.
• Golfers must return to their car immediately following play.
• The following are deemed off limits, and strictly prohibited:
  • Access to clubhouses not allowed
  • Access to bathrooms not allowed
  • Access to bag rooms not allowed
  • Access to locker rooms not allowed
  • Access to practice putting greens not allowed
  • Access to driving ranges not allowed
  • Access to chipping areas not allowed
  • Opening of golf shops not allowed
  • Opening of restaurants not allowed
  • Opening of snack bars not allowed
  • No caddies allowed
  • No practicing allowed
  • Non-essential employees not allowed
  • No golf carts allowed
  • Rental golf clubs not allowed
  • Bunker rakes not allowed
  • Ball washers not allowed
  • Sharing of golf clubs not allowed
  • In-person payment not allowed (online or remote must be utilized)
  • Cutting of holes in greens not allowed
  • Touching of flagsticks not allowed

Other than that. Enjoy your round!