IGA Statement on COVID-19
MARCH 13, 2020
IGA Statement to Member Clubs & Courses
The COVID-19, Coronavirus is at the top of everyone’s minds, including those of us at the Iowa Golf Association.
In the spirit of being cautious, the IGA will be shifting the remaining in-person rules of golf seminars (scheduled for March 14, 21, 28 & April 4) to a web/video option for the attendees.
We will also be postponing the planned Hall of Fame Induction (scheduled for April 16th) at Wakonda Club. A new date has not yet been determined.
At this time, the IGA is planning on continuing with its competitions as scheduled. Our first event is to be held Monday, May 4th (U.S. Open qualifying). However, we will be continually monitoring the situation as it develops in the coming days and weeks.
The health and well-being of the public is always paramount. The goal, of course, in any moment of public health concern is to be guided by expert information, grounded in scientific and medical data, and sourced from public health and government authorities. Here is a website where you can find much information relating to the pandemic.
We encourage our member clubs to take the proper precautions as they welcome their members and customers. Some things to keep in mind include:
- Encourage staff and golfers to wash their hands. If you can’t wash them on the course, please use a hand sanitizer.
- Limit touching of the face, including your mouth, nose, lips or eyes, as much as possible.
- Sanitize objects that a lot of people touch, or that you touch often (including your phone!). (Note: The Rules of Golf allow players to keep the flagstick in the hole)
- Practice social distancing. Stay 6 feet apart.
- Tell those that are sick or at risk to stay home.
- No handshakes & hugs– Golfers should suspend the practice of shaking hands and hugging. This includes on the 1st tee and on the 18th green where a friendly handshake or hug have been long-standing acts of proper sportsmanship. As an alternative, we recommend a friendly nod, a tip of your cap, or a simple wave as a form of greeting or sportsmanship.
- Remember that those who are at the highest risk are:
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- Older adults
- Those with heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease
It is good to think that we can employ these “best practices” yet still play the game we know and love, so we hope this does not affect the business of golf too much around the state.
If you have any questions for us at this time, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can call us at 515-207-1062 or email us at [email protected].