Gov. Wolf gives golfers a green light to play
Golfers, dust off those clubs Gov. Tom Wolf said Monday that it’s OK to hit the links throughout Pennsylvania starting Friday with limitations, and provided that golfers and courses follow all the safety and social distancing protocols in place to combat the coronavirus pandemic.
The governor also eased restrictions on other outdoor recreational activities such as boating, the use of marinas, fishing and camping starting May 1. However, camp grounds in state parks will remain closed until mid-May at least.
The news of the reopening was well received in the golf community.
“We had optimism over the week based on conversations with contacts in the Pennsylvania legislation,” said Mark Peterson, executive director of the Golf Association of Philadelphia (GAP). “And today we are excited about the safe return to Pennsylvania golf.”
There are restrictions, however. And no mulligans will be offered on breaking them.
Large gatherings are still prohibited.
Golfers must abide by the sixfoot social distancing guidelines between individuals.
Golf carts may be used but are limited to a single occupant.
What’s more, no employees are allowed for the purpose of facilitating play, which means an attendant won’t bring a cart to you. Restaurant service is limited to take-out or delivery only, and the use of facilities for large gatherings and banquets are still prohibited.
“We’re seeking clarification on that,” Peterson said. “It’s challenging as a golfer to understand how one could get a golf cart without a staff member. We’re looking for clarification on that. We’re hopeful to have that shortly so we can inform the golfing population and members of the Golf Association of Philadelphia and frankly all of Pennsylvania.”
There are many other questions that have to be answered and logistical matters like pace of play that have to be worked out before a course can open.
“The key is how to do it safely,” Peterson said. “We’re excited to have the opportunity to have golf re-opened. We obviously need to do it in the right manner. We’re hoping to have a lot more clarity on the mechanics of the reopening in the next 48 hours. If we don’t have all of our questions answered, we’ll ask all of our members and our member clubs to do things in the right manner for safety, not only for those playing the game but for our loved ones at home.”
As for the condition of the courses, most clubs have maintained a reduced staff to keep its course in good shape, according to Doug Rae, the president of the Philadelphia Association
Course Superintendents and the superintendent at Applecross Country Club in Ambler.
Those efforts will be ramped up in the next few days as grounds maintenance employees who have been laid off or furloughed are recalled.
“I was excited to text my crew and said that we’re open,” Rae said. “I think we’ll be rip-roaring ready to go.”
There will be noticeable differences for players once they get on the course. There may be no bunker rakes or cups may be turned upside down or filled with something so golfers won’t have to touch the rakes or the flagsticks, thereby lessening the potential of spreading the virus.
“The GCSA (Golf Course Superintendents Association) wrote up a tool kit on how to maintain your course,” Rae said. “I think it’s going to be an individual process for each golf course, whether you’re public, private or municipal.”
“As much as we’re excited to start on May 1, there’s a lot of work to be done,” Peterson said. “There’s a lot of communication to be done between (Monday) and May 1 to make sure that everybody is prepared to do this the right way.”