"Over 6 PM, 2 People Must Leave?" Golf Industry 'Confusion' Amid 4th Level Escalation

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Choyoung] The government’s decision to raise the social distancing level to Level 4 in the Seoul metropolitan area for two weeks starting from the 12th has caused confusion in the golf industry.

The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) announced on the 9th, "It has been decided to apply Level 4 social distancing in the metropolitan area for two weeks from the 12th to the 25th." Under the new Level 4 social distancing, private gatherings are limited to two people or fewer after 6 p.m.

According to government guidelines, the usual golf operation method of groups of four has become inevitably subject to change. Even if four people are enjoying a round, two must leave once it is 6 p.m.

Dividing a group of four into two groups of two after 6 p.m. also violates current regulations. The ban on private gatherings aims to prevent infections in daily life by urging restraint on private meetings with family and acquaintances, but since the group is already gathered, it cannot be allowed, according to health authorities.

In effect, this means that rounds with three or more players must stop after 6 p.m. Therefore, customers using golf courses in the afternoon are likely to face confusion depending on their finishing times.

Some golf courses are reportedly considering a plan to reduce the regular 18 holes to 9 holes for groups teeing off after 1 p.m.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.