Qatar, like many countries is now slowly opening with restrictions in a phased period over the next few months leading up until September due to COVID – 19. Golf Courses in Qatar have been closed since March similarly to other businesses and sports club.
“Qatar has been able to handle the COVID -19 situation effectively, and the time has come to gradually lift the restrictions”, says HE Lolwah Rashid AlKhater, Official Spokesperson of the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management and explains: “From 1st July dining in at restaurants and opening of museums and libraries will be at limited capacities. Health clubs, gymnasiums, swimming pools, will open from 1st August but at 50 percent capacity. They can increase their capacities to 100 percent starting on September 1.
From 1st August, flights from low-risk countries will be allowed for priority travelers such as residency-card holders. Everyone entering Qatar will be required to undergo a two-week quarantine in specially designated hotels at their own expense and this will be in coordination with Discover Qatar.
In September gatherings such as weddings will be allowed, in addition to the opening of mosques at full capacity and resumption of Friday prayers. Business gatherings such as exhibitions, conferences, recreational gatherings, theatres, and cinemas will also open in this stage.”
Both Golf Courses in Qatar, Doha Golf Club and Education City Golf Club are now open and operating. “We are thrilled to be operational again. Our team has been maintaining the golf courses throughout the closure. We wanted to ensure that upon opening golfers would be presented with the very best playing surfaces. The three golf courses we have at Education City are in excellent condition and people are now playing in large numbers despite the warmer weather.” Stated Michael Braidwood at Education City Golf Club.
New operational procedures that are now in place are similar to many courses globally as golfers are advised to pre-book their round in advance online, wear masks upon arrival and display Qatar's own tracing application, Etheraz. Temperature checks are also conducted, and anyone showing signs of illness will be asked to leave the course.
To ensure there’s no overcrowding on the courses, tee times have been extended to 15-minute intervals, with a maximum of three players per slot. Motorized golf carts can only carry one person at a time unless the users are family members. Other restrictions designed to prevent the spread of Covid-19 include the use of raised cups and the removal of rakes from the bunkers. Shower and locker facilities will remain closed for now
Food and beverage service has suspended for the short term, but packaged food can be purchased from a beverage cart.
Education City Golf Club and Doha Golf Club will continue to remain in regular dialog with the government, updating golf facilities and players on changes to regulations and procedures.
ENDS