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APRIL 2, 2021
AIKEN-AUGUSTA’S MOST SALUBRIOUS NEWSPAPER • FOUNDED IN 2006
AUGUSTARX.COM
10 Commandments FOR PLAYING GOLF DURING A PANDEMIC
by Bashir Chaudhary, MD; Art Taft, PhD; Coleman King, MD
LISTEN UP! The big question, though: to whom should we listen? In one ear, plenty of people are saying it’s time to start reopening the world, and there are officials here and there doing just that. But in the other ear we hear the battle against COVID-19 has not yet been won, and after all this time it’s still too soon to begin a wholesale return to normal. Who can you believe? It’s quite simple, actually. Just as we don’t tune in to ESPN or HGTV for the weather forecast, business and political leaders are often not best source of coronavirus information. Their pronouncements are often based on political expediency, economic factors, or both. The best source of accurate information about COVID-19 comes from public health experts and those in the medical field. Their recommendations are based on the best science currently available to protect life and health. Keep in mind that just as many restrictions have been voluntary, relaxations are too. No one can be forced to go mask-free if they prefer to be masked. A business can’t be compelled to relax distancing guidelines if the owner’s preference is to maintain them. The best way to emerge from this pandemic unscathed is to patiently follow the advice of public health experts. They aren’t perfect, but at least their guidelines are based on protecting your health, not making a buck or getting reelected. + Please see also “Are we there yet?” on page 3
1. Thou shalt not show up at the golf club if you are sick. Please do not bring the virus to the course. Stay home if you have common flu-like symptoms: fever, cough, sore throat. Get your golf fix from television. 2. Thou shalt not abide any virus on your hands. Wash your hands, wash your hands and then wash your hands some more. Or use a hand sanitizer. Frequently. 3. Thou shalt not receive or distribute virus by shaking hands. Greet your friends with an air fist bump, a bow, a head nod, or a foot shake. A putter tap or a club tap will also suffice. Elbow bumps are discouraged (see Commandment #5) 4. Thou shalt not contact sullied areas. Walk the course if you can. Ride one person per cart. Sanitize your cart. Don’t handle your partner’s clubs, ball, or ball marker. 5. Thou shalt not cough in the direction of a nearby person. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, cough into your shoulder or use the inside of your elbow. But then don’t do elbow bumps.
6. Thou shalt not use rakes in bunkers. Smooth the sand using your feet after a bunker shot. 7. Thou shalt not celebrate good shots with a high five. When you want to congratulate your partner, an air fist bump or a bow will aptly convey your sentiment. 8. Thou shalt not covet the close proximity of your golf buddies. Maintain a respectable distance. Remember; “divided we stand, united we fall.” A safe distance is 6 feet (remember the two club-length rule!). 9. Thou shalt not disturb flagsticks. Everyone eventually arrives at the hole and the flagstick is frequently touched but seldom disinfected. Since the virus can survive on surfaces for a long time it is recommended to not touch the flagstick. Ask the club’s staff how they have modified each hole’s cup for easy removal of the ball. 10. Thou shalt not spend too much time on the 19th hole. Safe social distancing may be difficult in dining areas. Take your drinks outside. When settling bets remember that cash is dirty. Venmo is a safe option. +
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