NEWS
Ryder Cup captains issue joint letter pledging unity in coronavirus fight
By Golf365
07 April 2020
Ryder Cup captains Padraig Harrington and Steve Stricker have issued a joint letter stressing Europe and the US must remain united in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
Despite a widespread reshuffling of the golf year, and the cancellation of The Open, the 2020 Ryder Cup is still scheduled to take place in Wisconsin in September.
In the letter, Harrington and Stricker wrote: “Every two years Europe and the United States of America come together.
“We are united by the shared values of sportsmanship and our desire to defeat a formidable opponent.
“In doing so, we witness some incredible displays of determination, passion and spirit.
“When Europe takes on the United States in The Ryder Cup it is always fiercely contested but it is just golf. It is not a matter of life and death.
“Today Europe and the United States are united like never before. We have a formidable opponent, but it is not each other. It is like nothing we have ever faced before.
An Open Letter from our Captains ????#WorldHealthDay ???? https://t.co/GlE9IUkyPY pic.twitter.com/Nq2zTyBQ0z
— Ryder Cup (@rydercup) April 7, 2020
“Defeating Coronavirus won’t happen in three days. It won’t happen because of the efforts of only 12 men. It needs all of us to play our part.”
Harrington and Stricker went on to pay tribute to the health workers who have put their lives on the line to head to the frontline of the crisis.
They added: “Instead of celebrating someone in a Green Jacket, this week we rightly celebrate those selfless people around the world wearing scrubs, wearing white coats, wearing supermarket uniforms, together with everyone else working round the clock to protect us and keep the world functioning.
“You are our true heroes.”
Please share these tips, articles and insights, so that as many people as possible can benefit from #SafeGolf.
About Tagmarshal
Tagmarshal has tracked over 10 million rounds of golf. Real-time data collected by the system using small “tags” clipped onto golf bags, installed in buggies or offered on handheld or cart-installed proprietary 2Way screen devices, transmits information to on-course staff or personnel in the pro shop identifying groups that are out of position before issues arise. Player assistants can then support in a proactive, objective, non-confrontational manner resulting in improved player experience, consistent round times and player time freed up to enjoy on-site food and beverage items as well as opportunities for additional tee sheet capacity.
More than 25 of the top 100 US courses partner with Tagmarshal including over 250 leading courses globally.
ABOUT TAGMARSHAL
Tagmarshal, the market leader in on-course optimization technology, provides courses with full, real-time operational oversight and reporting, giving golf operators the tools to manage pace and flow of play effectively, resulting in enhanced player experiences, increased efficiency through automation, and additional revenue generation.
Tagmarshal’s technology has collected over 10 billion data points from more than 75 million rounds of golf and has relationships with in excess of 700 partners, including Hazeltine, Whistling Straits, Baltusrol, Fieldstone, Bandon Dunes, Serenoa and Erin Hills.
Tagmarshal partners with several golf management groups, private, daily fee, public and resort courses, including 40 of the Top 100 US courses, as well as many $40-$60 green fee courses, which are seeing excellent results using the system.
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NEWS
Scottsdale golf courses largely remain open, adapt during COVID-19 closures
By Josh Martinez, Daily Independent
06 April 2020
While the novel coronavirus has brought the majority of Scottsdale to a grinding halt, local golf courses are still moving on the commercial freeway.
In a March 23 executive order, Gov. Doug Ducey deemed golf courses essential businesses, allowing them to remain open in counties with a confirmed COVID-19 case while many other businesses and schools shut down as part of the pandemic.
Mr. Ducey went further on March 30 with the announcement of his Stay Home, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected executive order.
This made non-essential business closures statewide and called for residents to limit their time away from home as well as practicing social distancing.
With no order to close, many golf courses, both private and public, across the state and Scottsdale are remaining open with many establishing efforts to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus while still offering an outlet to residents.
“In light of recent announcements, and in an effort to navigate these unchartered waters, please know that our primary focus has been, and will continue to be, the health and safety of our members, guests and team members,” Arcis Golf CEO Blake Walker said in a prepared statement.
“Rest assured that we have implemented the most aggressive and stringent cleaning protocols to enhance our already strong, regular sanitation procedures.”
Arcis Golf owns both Continental Golf Club and Ancala Country Club, among many other courses across the Valley and country. Mr. Ducey’s decision regarding golf courses was met with mixed emotion.
During a March 30 press conference, Mr. Ducey said he made the decisions so far based on Arizona data and how Arizona is handling the spread of the coronavirus. He also said he was cognizant of the wording because he didn’t want people to panic because of the use of “shelter in place,” or similar phrases.
“We want people to stay at home. It will have the same type of effect,” he said during the conference. “But we also realize that people are going to need an outlet and there’s a way to do it in a safe way and the order has the mechanisms.”
Brad Kozak is the president of Phoenix-based Foreward Business Consulting, where he develops golf tourism packages. Since the start of social distancing, Mr. Kozak said he has been golfing regularly because he sees it as an outlet from the day-to-day stresses, a sentiment he believes others share.
“All of a sudden, people are not in their offices, they’re at home with their kids every single second of every single day,” he said. “I think it’s a bit of an outlet. I know at my golf club, I’ve seen more families out of the golf course where usually it would just be male, female, whoever coming to play with their friends whereas now, in the afternoons, you’ll see guy and wife bringing up their kids.
“I think it promotes the healthy, going outside part as opposed to I want to play really good golf.”
While many stay open, there are some in Scottsdale that have decided to shutter for the time being. McCormick Ranch Golf Club decided to take this route following the close of business March 21.
“We feel that it is our duty to put the health of our employees, guests and community above revenue and we hope you understand,” Stuart Kirk, club president, said in a prepared statement to the community.
“The plan and expectation is that when we are able to reopen, we’ll call our employees back to work and post a notice on our doors, website and phone system.”
While loving golf and the outlet it provides, Mr. Kozak says he understands the argument for closing golf courses during the pandemic.
“A golf course, at the end of the day, is a recreational activity,” he said. “If you’re going to go about closing other things, then golf courses probably should be under that umbrella as well. So I’m kind of on the fence about it.”
Precautions and effects
Many Scottsdale golf courses have announced a series of precautions they are taking to better combat the spread of COVID-19 while still allowing for patrons to visit their facilities.
Some actions include limiting face-to-face interactions such as eliminating bag loading and unloading; sanitizing golf carts; leaving the flagsticks in the cup during putting; not using rakes in bunkers; and having one person from a group enter the golf shop. Some are switching to prepayment options to further eliminate interactions.
On the course, clubs recommend golfers follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines of maintaining proper distances and proper hygiene practices.
“While we remain open for play in these unprecedented times, the safety and well-being of our staff and our patrons continues to be our top priority,” McDowell Mountain Golf Club wrote in a prepared statement to golfers.
“While our staff is working diligently to ensure the safest possible environment, we ask that you join us in helping to keep golf safe through the coming weeks and months.”
When it comes to golfers, Mr. Kozak said he divides them into two groups: avid and casual participants. He said he believes avid golfers, ones who golf every week or more, will continue golfing while courses might see a taper off in casual participants.
In Scottsdale, Mr. Kozak said he believes there are more avid golfers so he doesn’t expect to see too much of a drop-off. Furthermore, he said in his line of work, he’s seen golf trips come to a standstill since people aren’t traveling.
“We’ve had pretty much 100% cancellation from our business in the Valley,” he said. “The worst part is there’s not really an end to it so now April’s washed out now that the stay-in-place here in Arizona. Hopefully, we can get things back by mid-May, June.”
The mindset Mr. Kozak sees being prevalent among golf courses is to keep their heads above water with their sights set on a potential positive future. He says while golf courses may take a hit during the time of closures, he knows they will bounce back.
“It’s a resilient industry and I think it will come back stronger than ever,” he said.
“It’s unfortunate to see a lot of those hospitality jobs being lost but as things get back to normal, hopefully in the next couple of months, I think we’ll see a big bump up in golf and people spending money to visit this area of the country.”
Please share these tips, articles and insights, so that as many people as possible can benefit from #SafeGolf.
View Daily Independent article
About Tagmarshal
Tagmarshal has tracked over 10 million rounds of golf. Real-time data collected by the system using small “tags” clipped onto golf bags, installed in buggies or offered on handheld or cart-installed proprietary 2Way screen devices, transmits information to on-course staff or personnel in the pro shop identifying groups that are out of position before issues arise. Player assistants can then support in a proactive, objective, non-confrontational manner resulting in improved player experience, consistent round times and player time freed up to enjoy on-site food and beverage items as well as opportunities for additional tee sheet capacity.
More than 25 of the top 100 US courses partner with Tagmarshal including over 250 leading courses globally.
ABOUT TAGMARSHAL
Tagmarshal, the market leader in on-course optimization technology, provides courses with full, real-time operational oversight and reporting, giving golf operators the tools to manage pace and flow of play effectively, resulting in enhanced player experiences, increased efficiency through automation, and additional revenue generation.
Tagmarshal’s technology has collected over 10 billion data points from more than 75 million rounds of golf and has relationships with in excess of 700 partners, including Hazeltine, Whistling Straits, Baltusrol, Fieldstone, Bandon Dunes, Serenoa and Erin Hills.
Tagmarshal partners with several golf management groups, private, daily fee, public and resort courses, including 40 of the Top 100 US courses, as well as many $40-$60 green fee courses, which are seeing excellent results using the system.
SOLUTIONS
NEWS
Golf courses adapting to stay open during COVID-19 pandemic
By Patrick Clark Fox2Now
06 April 2020
The fairways at the Forest Park golf course are empty on Monday afternoon. But at Berry Hill Golf Course in Bridgeton, they’ve adjusted the way the game is played, starting with walking only, and pulling the cups out of the ground.
“They know they’re not supposed be touching the flag stick and we’ve done all the necessary things you need to do about water stations,” said Dave Levine, PGA golf professional at Berry Hill Golf Course. “They’re all off the course. So, I think everybody is pretty educated and playing by the rules, so we’re going to try and stay open as long as we can.”
Missouri Governor Mike Parson asking residents to remain at home but there are exceptions like biking, hiking, hunting, and golf.
“We wouldn’t have opened it if we thought it was a danger to the public health,” said Bridgeton Mayor Terry Briggs. “But we took steps here to close the clubhouse, prevent anybody from taking out carts. The only thing you can do here is golf and that’s good exercise for you. And I don’t think we would have opened had we not taken these precautions.”
At Berry Hill, the clubhouse is closed and portable toilets have been installed around the course.
“I think they did a great job protecting everybody,” said golfer Tyrone Lee. “The way it’s set up out here is protected for everybody. Definitely didn’t have any problem with the social distancing. I think the closest person to me was about 75 or 80 yards away. So, I think we were pretty safe.”
For some of the retirees or golfers on this course, this game is how they’re trying to fight the coronavirus.
“They say the fresh air and sunshine is good for it to build up your immune system,” said golfer Volker Gruss. “That’s another reason I like to come out and get exercise; to keep your immune system built up to fight off the virus as best as you can.”
Please share these tips, articles and insights, so that as many people as possible can benefit from #SafeGolf.
About Tagmarshal
Tagmarshal has tracked over 10 million rounds of golf. Real-time data collected by the system using small “tags” clipped onto golf bags, installed in buggies or offered on handheld or cart-installed proprietary 2Way screen devices, transmits information to on-course staff or personnel in the pro shop identifying groups that are out of position before issues arise. Player assistants can then support in a proactive, objective, non-confrontational manner resulting in improved player experience, consistent round times and player time freed up to enjoy on-site food and beverage items as well as opportunities for additional tee sheet capacity.
More than 25 of the top 100 US courses partner with Tagmarshal including over 250 leading courses globally.
ABOUT TAGMARSHAL
Tagmarshal, the market leader in on-course optimization technology, provides courses with full, real-time operational oversight and reporting, giving golf operators the tools to manage pace and flow of play effectively, resulting in enhanced player experiences, increased efficiency through automation, and additional revenue generation.
Tagmarshal’s technology has collected over 10 billion data points from more than 75 million rounds of golf and has relationships with in excess of 700 partners, including Hazeltine, Whistling Straits, Baltusrol, Fieldstone, Bandon Dunes, Serenoa and Erin Hills.
Tagmarshal partners with several golf management groups, private, daily fee, public and resort courses, including 40 of the Top 100 US courses, as well as many $40-$60 green fee courses, which are seeing excellent results using the system.
SOLUTIONS
NEWS
New Masters date, canceled British Open headline new PGA Tour schedule for 2020
By Kevin Cunningham, Golf.com
06 April 2020
Golf’s governing bodies announced on Monday that three of the four men’s majors will be rescheduled for later dates in 2020, while the 2020 Open Championship will be canceled.
The first major championship of the year will be the PGA Championship. Originally scheduled for May 14-17, the 2020 PGA will now be played Aug. 6-9 and will remain at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco.
The next major on the list will be the U.S. Open, which will be contested Sept. 17-20 at Winged Foot in New York. Finally, the 2020 Masters has been rescheduled for the week of Nov. 9, confirming rumors that suggested a fall event at Augusta National was in the offing.
“We want to emphasize that our future plans are incumbent upon favorable counsel and direction from health officials,” Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley said in a statement. “Provided that occurs and we can conduct the 2020 Masters, we intend to invite those professionals and amateurs who would have qualified for our original April date and welcome all existing ticket holders to enjoy the excitement of Masters week.”
The Open Championship, on the other hand, is the odd major out. The 2020 Open will be canceled instead of rescheduled. Royal St. George’s in England, which was supposed to play host to this year’s event, will now host the 2021 tournament July 15-18, pushing the 150th Open Championship at St. Andrews to 2022.
“I can assure everyone that we have explored every option for playing The Open this year but it is not going to be possible,” R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers said in a statement. “I would like to thank our fans around the world and all of our partners for their support and understanding. At a difficult time like this we have to recognise that sport must stand aside to let people focus on keeping themselves and their families healthy and safe.”
Outside of the majors, another big golf event also received good news. The 2020 Ryder Cup will retain its original spot on the schedule. The U.S. and European teams will compete Sept. 25-27 at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin, just one week after the rescheduled U.S. Open.
Most other PGA Tour events will not see the light of day in 2020, except for four big ones at the end of the year. The Wyndham Championship and the three FedEx Cup Playoff events will be moved back one week, beginning Aug. 10 and ending Sept. 7.
The announcement comes after weeks of speculation around whether the 2020 majors would be played at all in light of the coronavirus pandemic. The crisis has shuttered sports leagues around the world, including all of golf’s major tours. On May 13, the PGA Tour canceled the Players Championship after one round had already been played. The Tour announced the cancellation of three other spring events at the same time.
The next day, Augusta National postponed the 2020 Masters, confirming for many that pro golf would be shut down for a considerable amount of time. Just a few days later, the Tour announced the postponement of PGA and the cancellation of all events up to that week.
All in all, it’s great news for golf fans, many of whom feared we wouldn’t see major championship golf again until 2021. Many wrinkles still have to be ironed out, such as how these tournaments will be televised. Given the new fall dates, they will have to contend with other major sports that traditionally occur in the fall, most notably the NFL.
Here’s the complete new schedule for 2020.
NEW PGA TOUR SCHEDULE FOR 2020
August 6-9: PGA Championship at TPC Harding Park, San Francisco, Calif.
August 13-16: Wyndham Championship at Sedgefield CC, Greensboro, N.C.
August 20-23: Northern Trust at TPC Boston, Norton, Mass.
August 27-30: BMW Championship at Olympia Fields CC, Olympia Fields, Ill.
September 4-7: Tour Championship at East Lake GC, Atlanta, Ga.
September 17-20: U.S. Open at Winged Foot GC, Mamaroneck, N.Y.
September 25-27: Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits, Kohler, Wisc.
November 12-15: Masters at Augusta National, Augusta, Ga.
Please share these tips, articles and insights, so that as many people as possible can benefit from #SafeGolf.
ABOUT TAGMARSHAL
Tagmarshal, the market leader in on-course optimization technology, provides courses with full, real-time operational oversight and reporting, giving golf operators the tools to manage pace and flow of play effectively, resulting in enhanced player experiences, increased efficiency through automation, and additional revenue generation.
Tagmarshal’s technology has collected over 10 billion data points from more than 75 million rounds of golf and has relationships with in excess of 700 partners, including Hazeltine, Whistling Straits, Baltusrol, Fieldstone, Bandon Dunes, Serenoa and Erin Hills.
Tagmarshal partners with several golf management groups, private, daily fee, public and resort courses, including 40 of the Top 100 US courses, as well as many $40-$60 green fee courses, which are seeing excellent results using the system.
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NEWS
Minimum Maintenance for golf courses during Covid-19 outbreak
By GCSAA
01 April 2020
Please share these tips, articles and insights, so that as many people as possible can benefit from #SafeGolf.
ABOUT TAGMARSHAL
Tagmarshal, the market leader in on-course optimization technology, provides courses with full, real-time operational oversight and reporting, giving golf operators the tools to manage pace and flow of play effectively, resulting in enhanced player experiences, increased efficiency through automation, and additional revenue generation.
Tagmarshal’s technology has collected over 10 billion data points from more than 75 million rounds of golf and has relationships with in excess of 700 partners, including Hazeltine, Whistling Straits, Baltusrol, Fieldstone, Bandon Dunes, Serenoa and Erin Hills.
Tagmarshal partners with several golf management groups, private, daily fee, public and resort courses, including 40 of the Top 100 US courses, as well as many $40-$60 green fee courses, which are seeing excellent results using the system.
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NEWS
USGA: Rules and Handicapping Guidance During COVID-19 Era
By USGA
20 March 2020
The USGA stands with our entire golf community during this time. We all love the game for the escape it provides, and it is our great hope that we will all be able to play it, watch it and enjoy it together soon. We continue to urge everyone to follow the guidelines from health and governmental officials to keep you and those around you safe, and to minimize any possible exposure to coronavirus. This is especially true on a golf course, where golfers, workers and owners should heighten their level of awareness on exposure to surfaces like flagsticks, golf balls, bunker rakes, tees, carts and scorecards. We all need to do our part to respect expert advice and make the right decisions to protect each other.
It is not the intended purpose of the below guidance to either encourage or discourage anyone from playing the game, but rather, in our governance role, to help golf course operators, committees and golfers better understand how the Rules of Golf and Rules of Handicapping apply to the various questions we have received.
The 2019 Rules of Golf were drafted to offer each Committee the flexibility to make decisions as to how golf is played at their course or in competition and the Committee Procedures section of the Official Guide to the Rules of Golf (available online here) offers a significant amount of guidance and recommendations on how to address circumstances unique to each course or competition.
This flexibility will prove to be very helpful as Committees look to address many of the challenges they are facing within the current environment. While the Committee Procedures section is a tremendous resource and has much to offer, many of the current questions were not originally contemplated under the Rules of Golf and therefore there is no history or guidance provided. To better address the questions that have come about because of these unique circumstances and the related challenges, additional guidance can be accessed by clicking here. This will continue to be updated as additional questions are received.
From the perspective of the Rules of Handicapping, the most frequent questions received are primarily related to the acceptability of scores for posting to a player’s scoring record. In particular, relating to modifying the hole and not requiring the player to “hole out” as required under the Rules of Golf. These are founded in a desire to minimize the possibility of exposing golfers to coronavirus and have included leaving the hole liner raised above the putting surface or placing various objects into the hole so the ball can be more easily removed. In these specific cases, provided guidance from health and governmental officials is being followed, a temporary measure is in place within the United States to accept scores played under these conditions for handicap purposes using the most likely score guidelines, even though the player has not holed out.
This temporary measure is now in effect within the United States until advised otherwise by the USGA.
For more information and detailed guidance, please click here or contact your area and state golf association.
Please share these tips, articles and insights, so that as many people as possible can benefit from #SafeGolf.
ABOUT TAGMARSHAL
Tagmarshal, the market leader in on-course optimization technology, provides courses with full, real-time operational oversight and reporting, giving golf operators the tools to manage pace and flow of play effectively, resulting in enhanced player experiences, increased efficiency through automation, and additional revenue generation.
Tagmarshal’s technology has collected over 10 billion data points from more than 75 million rounds of golf and has relationships with in excess of 700 partners, including Hazeltine, Whistling Straits, Baltusrol, Fieldstone, Bandon Dunes, Serenoa and Erin Hills.
Tagmarshal partners with several golf management groups, private, daily fee, public and resort courses, including 40 of the Top 100 US courses, as well as many $40-$60 green fee courses, which are seeing excellent results using the system.
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