JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas –
Golf courses at Joint Base San Antonio remain open under Health Protection Condition Charlie restrictions as the 502nd Force Support Squadron is taking several measures to protect the health and safety of patrons and staff members during the coronavirus pandemic.
Service members and Department of Defense ID cardholders can go out and play the links at the JBSA-Fort Sam Houston Golf Course, the JBSA-Lackland Gateway Hills Golf Course and the Randolph Oaks Golf Course at JBSA-Randolph, adhering to guidelines and procedures meant to make their playing experience as safe as possible.
Fernando Brown, 502nd FSS assistant flight chief, community services, said cleaning is being increased inside the golf course facilities, as touchpoints within the facilities are being regularly wiped down by staff members. In addition, there are other health and safety protocols put into place to protect both customers and staff members.
“We have a sanitization station as soon as you walk-in, we have hand sanitizer at the counters, and we have Plexiglas barriers in front of the cash registers to reduce the chances of exposure between customers and staff, as well as everybody in the facility has to wear a mask,” Brown said.
Before coming to the golf course, JBSA members are required to make reservations and pay in advance for tee times over the phone to limit the number of people coming into the pro shop.
When players go onto the course, golf carts will be restricted to one player unless patrons ride together in the same vehicle to the course. Group size is limited to four players per card.Brown said golfers aren’t required to wear masks on the course, but it is encouraged, especially in areas where they will interact with other players. They should also practice social distancing while on the course, and golfers should consider bringing their own hand sanitizer so they can clean their hands regularly.
On the greens, foam pieces have been placed in the bottom of cup holes so the ball doesn’t sink all the way in the cup and golfers can remove the ball easily without reaching down into the hole, reducing contact with the surface.
Flag sticks are being left in the holes while golfers are putting so they do not have to pull them out, reducing players’ contact with another touching surface.
Golf course staff members are also disinfecting and cleaning carts after each use.
Golf course snack bars are still open with a limited seating capacity of 25 percent and with increased spacing between tables. Food is served prepackaged in disposable to-go containers, including condiments, and beverages are only available in cans or bottles. Fountain soda machines are turned off at this time and personal cups for beverages are not allowed in the snack bar area.
Brown said 502nd FSS staff members are trying their best to provide an enjoyable experience for patrons at JBSA golf courses during these challenging times.
“Our staff members are working hard,” Brown said. “Everybody is excited to be there to take care of our customers because we know that we’re providing a much-needed recreational outlet for them. Understanding that some of the measures in place, while we know may be inconvenient, are a requirement at this time for us to be able to operate safely.”
Information on JBSA golf courses, including health and safety protocols, hours of operation, reserving tee times, and snack bar hours, is posted at: https://jbsatoday.com/events/golf-reopenings.