With the spring sports season just a few weeks away the Iowa High School Athletic Association and Girls Athletic Union have released guidelines for golf programs to follow amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

It will be up to the host school or course to decide if the event will utilize set tee times or a shotgun start during the regular season. Social distancing for players and spectators should be adhered to and masks are encouraged. Players and spectators should not enter the clubhouse unless communicated entry points and restrooms are stated. Spectators who fail to comply with these guidelines may be asked to leave.

The Association and Union encourage member school to schedule competition that allows for social distancing, meaning more duals, triangulars and four team contests instead of multi-team tournaments. Those events are still allowed if county health and state guidelines are followed. Teams are encouraged to limit times on practice greens and driving ranges by assigning a time window for each team. Scoring may be done electronically, on preprinted scorecards or individual cards as during previous seasons. During weather delays, disposable masks should be on hand. Final decisions will be made closer to the start of the season regarding rakes in bunkers, removal of flagsticks and scoring procedures.

A full list of guidelines are available at iahsaa.org.