Following the UK Government announcement this afternoon Wednesday 30th December, please be advised that the golf club/course here at Macdonald Portal Hotel, Golf & Spa, is now operating under the Tier 4 guidelines set out by the government.

The below points highlight the new operating procedures I request all visitors and members of the resort to adhere to and what will be set out as of 00:01 31st December 2020:

The following 2 types of format will be applicable at Portal, meaning a restriction of 1 & 2 balls only to support pace of play and to ensure compliance of guidelines. All booking engines have now been updated to this effect.

* Individual play
* Two-balls from same or different households/bubble

Under Tier 4 restrictions, non-essential retail – including Pro Shops and golf retailers – must close, however we will continue to operate reception desks at each course for check-in purposes.
Takeaways are permitted, meaning our Premier Clubhouse can continue to operate its current food and beverage offering under a takeaway format with clear signage/guidance to ensure compliance.

• Every golfer that wishes to enter the golf department across the Resort, MUST wear a face covering or they will be denied entry by one of the golf team
• Tee time reservations are mandatory for all and should be booked online or by calling your club in advance
• Full pre-payment to be made in advance to our golf team
• Payment must be made via credit card or debit card. No cash payments
• By booking and paying for a tee time to play at our courses, you accept all terms and conditions and agree to abide by our strict rules of play and observe health and safety guidelines at all times. Failure to do so will result in your removal from our courses
• Golfers should travel to the course alone, or with a member of the same household only
• Arrive at the course 15 minutes before your tee-time
• Ample car parking spaces are available to ensure social distancing (2m at all times)
• Players should arrive in golf attire and change shoes at their car
• In line with Government Guidelines, as of Friday 24th July all members and guests must check in and will be asked to wait outside whilst acknowledging you are checking in if no mask is worn
• If a payment is required, contactless machines are available and a member of the golf team will take payment whilst wearing a mask – if they are behind the currently installed glass shields they will not be required to wear one

• Be on the first tee at least 5 minutes before your tee time
• Avoid accumulation of several golfers (i.e. more than 4) on tee boxes
• Do not share any golf equipment with other players
• Do not touch golf-flags, play ‘gimmes’ where possible
• Do not shake hands after the game and do not exchange score cards
• Please rake bunkers with a golf club or your feet