The Coronavirus and golf: Tips from an expert

An infectious disease expert says golfers can continue to play during the Coronavirus outbreak.

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Golf can still be played.

Your average golf score? Just give yourself a few strokes on the opening holes. Ignore the driving range and practice tees and other warm-up areas where it can be difficult to keep your distance. Here I am describing The Coronavirus and golf. Tips from an expert

If you're going to shake hands at the first and 18th holes, you might as well practice an elbow bump or a foot pump. Or, because it's golf, maybe throw in a club tap.

If you have extra space in your golf bag next to your tees or balls, tuck a hand sanitizer inside. Also, use it frequently.

In these days of the Coronavirus, there's no need to worry, says Dr. Kelly Cawcutt, Associate Director of Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology and member of the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Neb. Kelly Cawcutt, a golfer, the wife of a golfer, the mother of a golfer, and the daughter of a golfer, says the same.

Fawcett said that being in an open outdoor space poses the lowest risk. "Precaution is the name of the game." It's reasonable to play if you follow the proper guidance.

The precautions you normally wouldn't take will be necessary, but I would play under the guidance of the guidance."

Despite his warnings, Fawcett said that what is true today could become changed in a day, a week, or a month, dependent on how cities and golf courses deal with the outbreak. The Professional Golf Tour illustrated this phenomenon on Thursday when, within the span of about 24 hours, they decided to play the Players Championship, then to play without fans, and finally to cancel altogether.

Players have many options for tee times, both pros and amateurs. A quick search online shows tee times at golf courses nationwide - about 15 miles from Cawcutt's office. The Indian Creek Golf Course is open, and members and staff are educated, prepared from a front-line perspective, according to club director of golf James Rolls

Reservations are also being accepted at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Bandon, Ore. “we are following the guidelines established by the CDC for preventing the spread of the virus and we have implemented increased sanitation measures throughout the resort to ensure that we are providing the highest level of service and cleanliness to our guests,” The resort's director of communications, Michael Chupka, said.

Ultimately, Cawcutt said, the success of the team depends on the players themselves. I asked her not to take part in golf if I was sick. "We don't want you to spread the disease," she replied. "We do not want you to endanger anyone by just playing the game."

"In a lot of cases, you know how you feel and if you're experiencing symptoms, hold off for now," Cawcutt advised. "You can get back to it later."