Championship Stories

What to expect – 2021 PGA National Club Championship

We are excited for the 2021 PGA National Club Championship at Pinehurst Resort.  In preparation for the event, we felt it would be important to explain how the event will be operated given the unique nature of Covid-19.  Below you will find the Event Plan as well as the Operational Guidelines with Covid-19 considerations.  The PGA team is looking forward to a great event and we are here to help you prepare.  Reach out to Matt Weinberger at mweinberger@pgahq.com with any questions.

PGA National Club Championship Event Plan

Operational Guidelines with Covid-19 Considerations

  • PGA Staff will be wearing mandated Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and will practice social distancing
  • PPE will be available to participants (hand sanitizer, wipes, and masks).  It is encouraged that players bring additional PPE
  • Social distancing will be a priority for everything done on-site. Gatherings will not be permitted.
  • Players are asked to use masks/coverings when they are unable to socially distance
  • Practice rounds will be conducted similar to tee times at a local course. Players may choose to walk if they wish to not share a cart
  • Registration will be conducted on a rolling basis with no gatherings
  • All tee gifts will be handed out by a staff member wearing proper PPE
  • Temperature screenings will be taken prior to each competition round.  Players must record a 100.4 degree temperature or lower to be able to compete that day.  If players subsequently screen under the required temperature on the same day they will be permitted to compete in a different pairing or with a marker
  • The event will be paperless with the exception of scorecards.  Each player will receive a scorecard of another player in the group and scores will be verbally attested adhering to USGA guidelines. Verbal score verification will take place outside with players standing 6 feet apart from one another in designated standing areas.  All rules sheets and other documents will be sent to players electronically prior to tee off.
  • Players will be receiving lunch gift cards daily instead of prepared food
  • Scoring will be conducted socially distanced
  • Spectators must adhere to all social distancing guidelines
    • Spectators should not arrive at the course until their player’s tee time.
    • Spectators must not congregate before or after their player’s round.
    • Spectators are not permitted in any practice areas.
    • Spectators are permitted to rent carts (subject to availability) by paying in $35 in the golf shop
    • The PGA will not tolerate players or spectators who do not adhere to guidelines put in place. We reserve the right to penalize and/or disqualify players who knowingly, willingly and or repeatedly disregard our policies to promote social distance. Players are also responsible for the actions of their family members or spectators

The PGA staff asks that you take the following precautions:

  • Please avoid handshakes or physical contact of any kind
  • Wash hands and use sanitizer frequently
  • Stay outside as much as possible
  • Refrain from touching your face, eyes, nose, lips or mouth
  • Please monitor CDC guidelines for best practices
  • Please do your best to act in a healthy and responsible manner
  • If you feel sick please stay home and report any illness to our staff on-site immediately
  • In the past 14 days if you tested positive for COVID-19 or have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 contact Matt at mweinberger@pgahq.com or (617) 453-8732
  • If you “test positive” for the COVID-19 virus at any point within 14 days of being at the golf course please contact the PGA Staff

Pinehurst Daily Guidelines

Daily Check-in and Pre-Round

  • Players are asked to arrive no earlier than 60 minutes prior to their tee time
  • Upon arrival players must proceed directly to the PGA tent for a temperature screening.  Players will receive their competitors scorecard at the check-in tent and competition announcements
  • Players are asked to be at their starting hole 15 minutes prior to their tee time

During the Round

  • Rules sheets and pace of play policy will be provided electronically
  • Players are encouraged to bring their own snacks and water for the course. However, water will be available for players at Pinehurst water stations

After the Round

  • After scoring is complete, no gatherings will be allowed
  • Scoring will take place in the official designated scoring area at the PGA tent
  • Players will verbally confirm scores with their marker and all scoring discrepancies will be handled at scoring
  • Results will be posted online and the official scoreboard will be utilized at the main resort near Pinehurst No. 2
  • Once scoring is complete, players will be encouraged to limit any post-round practice.
  • After the final round awards will be provided in a socially distanced manner

Severe Weather and Evacuation Plan

  • In the event play must be stopped for a short delay, players will be notified to move to the designated shelter area.  In the event of a longer suspension of play, players will be asked to proceed back to the their cars or socially distance in the clubhouse
  • Emails will be sent out when it is safe to return to the golf course
  • Due to social distancing guidelines and likely time constraints, practice may not be allowed before the resumption of play

Competitor Travel Guidelines

  • To protect yourself and others during your trip, you should clean your hands often.  Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.  If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub your hands together until they feel dry
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
  • Avoid close contact with others (Keep at least 6 feet of physical distance from others).
  • Avoiding close contact is especially important if you are at higher risk of contracting COVID-19
  • Wear a cloth face covering in public
  • Cover coughs and sneezes
  • Pick up food at drive-throughs, curbside restaurant service, or stores. Do not dine in restaurants if that is prohibited by state or local guidance
  • Consider traveling with a protective face covering, alcohol-based sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, tissues and a personal thermometer
  • In the event any player requests a refund due to Covid travel or quarantine restrictions,  he or she will be required to submit official documentation to the PGA

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