Golf courses in New York have been opened in New York State as of Friday March 27. According to the NYSGA:
Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the New York State on PAUSE Executive Order, which went into effect 8pm on Sunday, March 22. “All non-essential businesses statewide will be closed, non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason are canceled or postponed at this time, and any concentration of individuals outside their home must be limited to workers providing essential services and social distancing should be practiced.”
Clarification was provided by the Governor’s office and regional Empire State Development directors on how this Executive Order pertains to golf.
New York golf courses are allowed to remain open but must implement all CDC and state mandated guidelines, and promote safe, social distancing. There is to be no access to pro shops, locker rooms, indoor facilities and restaurants/bars (unless for take-out purposes only).
Social distancing on the golf course should include:
Stay at least 6 feet away from others
Don’t shake hands before or after your game
Leave the flagstick in the hole
Don’t use rakes, ball washers and coolers from course
Don’t share clubs or any other equipment
If using a golf cart, limit to one person
Due to the unique COVID-19 precautions taking place at golf courses, the USGA has provided guidance on how to use the flexibility provided in the Roles of Golf while protecting public health. They also provided temporary guidance on posting scores to GHIN (begins in upstate New York on April 15), specifically when golfers don’t “hole out” for health/safety reasons.”
Meanwhile, courses have been opened in Connecticut as of this weekend as well. From publ;ic course Richter Park:
Richter Park will re-open tomorrow Thursday, March 26th with TEE TIMES. You may make tee times online or over the phone at 203.792.2550!
Along with our increased sanatizing of golf carts and high-traffic areas, we are also reducing contact points by accepting payment for same-day tee times over the phone.
Additionally, we will now be implementing new regulations for the safety of our golfers:
-Walking is now welcome anytime. If you wish to ride, it will be ONE golfer per cart
-Our maximum capacity on the tee sheet has been decreased to reduce bottle-necking and crowding
-The Clubhouse will be closed to the public
-The Restaurant will be open for take out ONLY
As most of you know we have also eliminated all contact points on the golf course by bringing in ball washers, bunker rakes, and water coolers. We have also lifted each cup on the greens about 1″ to aleviate anyone touching the flagstick or cup while picking the ball up out of the hole.
