By Alan Blondin, Myrtle Beach Online

31 March 2020

State and local governments that govern the areas containing golf courses in the Myrtle Beach market have made a conscious effort to keep the courses open.

As of Tuesday night, orders and ordinances restricting behavior designed to limit the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus have only minimally impacted the courses.

Though N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper issued a “stay at home” order on Friday, he excluded golf and has allowed the state’s golf courses to remain open. S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster has yet to order their closure despite the closing of many non-essential businesses through an order Tuesday.

McMaster’s order that lasts 15 days calls for the prohibition of “sports that involve interaction with another person in close proximity and within less than 6 feet of another person.”

Restrictive ordinances enacted late last week by several Horry and Georgetown county municipalities closed hotels and other attractions, but left golf courses alone.

A Myrtle Beach ordinance at first called for the closing of the four courses in city limits, but it was amended Friday to rescind that demand and allow play by local residents only.

Golf is touted by the industry to be a healthy outdoor activity that can be done safely while adhering to social distancing requests, and area leaders have agreed.

So all approximate 75 golf courses in the Myrtle Beach market stretching from Georgetown to Bolivia, N.C., can be open, and are with the exception of 11 that have been closed by their owners.

That has given residents an opportunity to get out of their homes, and continued the employment of thousands of people.

Golf courses employ on average 15 to 25 workers, according to Myrtle Beach Area Golf Course Owners Association executive director Tracy Conner, while some high-end courses employ many more.

Course operators will be able to mitigate some of the losses incurred by the forced cancellation of tourist play – including a plethora of golf packages in the crucial spring golf season – with local rounds.

But the loss of rounds and greater loss of revenue because of a general decrease in pricing will still be a challenge to overcome financially.

“The local play is doing a great job subsidizing the open tee times that we have,” said Matt Biddington, head professional for the three-course Legends Golf Resort. “We have had to lay off several employees and we’re doing everything we can to keep the operation going.”

Century Golf Partners owns and operates Legends along with Heritage Club in Pawleys Island and Oyster Bay Golf Links in Calabash, N.C., through its course management company Arnold Palmer Golf Management.

The public-access courses that have closed on the Grand Strand include Founders Group International layouts International World Tour Golf Links, Burning Ridge Golf, Wild Wing Plantation, Willbrook Plantation, River Club, Aberdeen Country Club, Colonial Charters Golf Club and Founders Club at Pawleys Island, as well as the Hackler Course at Coastal Carolina, Members Club at Grande Dunes and Arcadian Shores Golf Club.

Legends and other golf courses have implemented sanitation and safety practices, as encouraged by National Golf Course Owners Association guidelines, in an attempt to keep golfers and employees safe.

They include allowing walking, promoting one rider per cart, sanitizing golf carts after use, adding hand sanitation dispensers, serving food and drinks to-go, monitoring social distancing, eliminating bunker rakes, leaving clubhouse doors open, promoting leaving the flagstick in the hole and making holes shallow so players don’t have to touch the flag to retrieve their ball.

“I know we’re doing everything we can to be socially responsible, . . . so many things that are all little but could possibly go a long way in helping curtail everything we’ve got going on,” Biddington said.

The full impact of the coronavirus on Strand courses is difficult to estimate since no one knows how bad the pandemic will get in the area and when it will end.

“I haven’t had any reported incidents or any kind of concerns among staff or members,” Biddington said. “I know we plan to continue operating as best we can. We have no intention of closing any of our golf courses until we’re forced to.

“We’re just trying to do everything we can to keep the people we have employed, employed, and give the golfers we have coming to us continuously a place to golf.”

Please share these tips, articles and insights, so that as many people as possible can benefit from #SafeGolf.

View Myrtle Beach Online’s article

By Tim Gavrich, Golf Advisor

27 March 2020

Coronavirus is not going away anytime soon. It has put a massive strain on our healthcare system, sent the economy into a global bear market and sent most of us indoors, with vanishingly few opportunities to escape cabin fever.

Although this episode in world history is far from over, it is not too early to start thinking about what we should be learning from this shared, creeping trauma.

This experience will change every realm of industry to some extent. So how might our little niche of interest, golf, be affected? Once we have flattened the curve, found scalable mass treatment, and gotten on with a more “normal” daily life, what lessons will ring through to the game we love?

Widespread shortages of basic hygiene-related products, from hand sanitizer to toilet paper, seem to indicate that we are all going to become more diligent about cleanliness going forward. Having read dozens of email blasts from businesses – golf courses included – about increased cleaning practices, I am inclined to think that they will not simply revert to pre-pandemic standards once the danger has subsided.

Similarly, I would expect the public – especially golfers, who skew older and therefore more susceptible to coronavirus and other infectious diseases – to do their own part. The final-green handshake has always been a beautiful tradition, but it seems it will fall by the wayside, at least for the foreseeable future.

I have never been a fan of leaving the flagstick in for a putt of any makeable distance, but this is another sacrifice that seems necessary, at least for a while. On the flip side, this experience has wrung incredible creativity from the MacGyvers of golf: its superintendents, who have come together to figure out how to present their courses in a way that works with the new realities this pandemic has forced us to face.

“Please do not remove the flag when putting.”

My leave for par on the first hole: pic.twitter.com/ZPGoiHeUWA

— Tim Gavrich (@TimGavrich) March 20, 2020

Not only will outside operations staff be wiping down golf carts more thoroughly in the future, but members and guests will be armed with their own products to sanitize the surfaces they touch, especially golf carts.

Speaking of carts, while I know they will continue to be a big part of the recreational game, I hope some golfers will rethink their dependency on them as an alternative to walking the course in the wake of the pandemic. Several courses, like Wilmington (N.C.) Municipal Golf Course, have temporarily stopped allowing carts because they force pairs of people into close quarters, certainly closer than the six-foot clearance many “social distancing” guidelines suggest.

What am on doing on Wednesday—extreme social distancing during golf vs unfriendliness to guys I have known for 44 years pic.twitter.com/UBtjcQ1QNP

— James Ehrlich, MD (@earlydetectdoc) March 27, 2020

The Gov says golf is a great way to get out of the house and keep your social distancing. We are still open! #getoutandplay pic.twitter.com/RX0PUfum5B

— Lake MacBride Golf Club (@MacbrideGolf) March 27, 2020

In these cases, how many golfers have been forced to remember how much more direct and invigorating a nine- or 18-hole walk can be than a zigzagging ride across fairways and around tees and greens? And even though many golfers opt for carts despite knowing their round will be cheaper if they walk, the economic squeeze the coronavirus will put on people may make walking rounds of golf not just healthier but more fiscally viable. Perhaps personal pull-cart sales will rise.

(Here’s hoping, also, that the sidelining of cart fleets will help course operators who mistakenly believe walking makes rounds take longer to realize that play has moved nicely at their courses during the coronavirus pandemic, and give up this stance.)

Renewed attention to hygiene will also have significant effects on how everyday commercial transactions happen, especially at golf courses. Any opportunity to keep multiple hands from touching cash or credit cards should be explored, and I would fully expect golf courses to increasingly encourage pre-payment for rounds.

Soon, the traditional pro shop check-in procedure may become obsolete. Courses that tout the “member for a day” experience should be especially excited at the possibility of inviting guests to simply check in with an outdoor starter and do whatever they want – practice, grab a drink, browse pro shop merchandise, relax in the locker room – before their tee time.

GolfNow, the largest third-party golf tee time provider (and owned by the same parent company as Golf Advisor, NBC-Universal), is helping a growing number of its more than 9,000 client courses cut down on person-to-person contact when golfers pay for their rounds by modifying their system to allow for green fee pre-payment.

“These golf courses are trying to maintain viable businesses while also working to safeguard the health and safety of their staff and their customers, so they are facing an entirely new set of challenges,” said GolfNow senior vice president Jeff Foster. “We’ve been able to provide some of our existing technology in new ways in order to give them options and help them navigate these challenges more successfully, as well as give both golf courses and golfers added peace of mind.”

Even after coronavirus concerns abate, this system can remain in place to help golf courses streamline their check-in procedures. Moreover, the removal of this formality at the front of every golf experience should also help make the game less intimidating to newcomers and outsiders.

Interesting. State of Washington rules specifically allow courses to continue operation. Good precedent for golf associations in other states to use if needed. @MiGCSA @GCSAA @CarolinasGCSA pic.twitter.com/9ERvsB36u7

— Pat Jones (@PatJonesTweets) March 17, 2020

Speaking of the outside perspective, this is where I see a significant opportunity for golf to sell itself to the apathetic and skeptical.

Because of the expansiveness of golf courses, they have (for the most part) been more resistant to forced closure than many other avenues of recreation during the pandemic.

Because we’re all gradually getting sick of being indoors, a socially-distanced walk with friends is more appealing than ever to people who (fairly justifiably) have typically seen golf as an excuse for cart-riding and beer-swilling.

Because most of us are going to feel some level of economic stress, the less-expensive side of golf is going to be more worth showcasing than ever. The only question is whether golf’s most influential institutions will be able to seize the opportunity to welcome more people to the game once the danger has passed.

Finally, I think golfers will see the appeal of a more stripped-down approach to the game. Sure, great clubhouses and 19^th holes are nice additions to a round of golf, but when push comes to shove, golfers are there for the golf. Arriving at the spartan-but-well-maintained course, playing a briskly-paced round on foot and getting back home in decent time has its charms, too, especially in a world where we are usually pressed for leisure time.

I’m optimistic by nature, so I hope that, as rough an experience as this may end up being for all of us, the game of golf can ultimately emerge stronger, more sustainable and more appreciated than ever.

Please share these tips, articles and insights, so that as many people as possible can benefit from #SafeGolf.

View Golf Advisor article

By Dylan Dethier, Golf.com

21 March 2020

Anything we can do to reduce human contact will keep the course open longer! Pool noodle is awesome @GolfAust @Rod_Morri @InsideThe_Ropes @PGAofAustralia @DavidGallichio @gavin_golf @hendygolf @AndyMaherDFA @Hayesy24 @karenharding123 @GolfAustMag @GolfDigestAU pic.twitter.com/zZJZy5ag1P

— Sandy Jamieson (@jamogolf) March 20, 2020

2. PVC pipe

Same idea, different medium. Pinehurst posted photos Friday morning announcing it was incorporating this strategy on all its courses: a 2” diameter PVC pipe cut to 2.5” in length, then popped into the hole. Ta-da! No more germ transfer by the hole. (Keep washing those hands anyway, though.)

In place at #TheCradle, this will be done on all Pinehurst courses Friday – including Pinehurst No. 2 – as we recommend social distancing & keeping flagsticks untouched, etc. – A 2″ diameter PVC cut to about 2.5″ length.

No gimmes?

H/T to @WolfCreekTurf. Great idea. Stay safe. pic.twitter.com/QWdwbmIqrs

— Pinehurst Resort (@PinehurstResort) March 19, 2020

3. Cash box

Nine Springs Golf Course in Fitchburg, Wisc. has two delightful innovations, per WKOW. The first is a $10 greens fee. The second is a cash box in which to drop your 10 bucks. No handoff necessary, saving both golfer and cashier!

4. Raised cups

This is especially good news for mediocre putters. It’s literally impossible to lip out when the cups are raised above ground, making good every putt that hits the edge. The only question that remains is whether a hole-in-one under coronavirus rules would count or not…

In an effort to keep our customers safe but also provide a recreational outlet we have raised all the cups 1” above the surface @RichterParkGC Putt till you hit the cup and then pick up ball and move on, no need to touch the flagstick. @MayorMark pic.twitter.com/L7xGNhaUhi

— Robert Dorsch (@RichterSupt) March 17, 2020

5. Rake by foot

We know, some of you non-raking rascals already do this. But many courses have taken away bunker rakes, which seem like particularly prime candidates for passing along germs. Use your foot to smooth it out a little. Some people have argued bunkers should always be this way — if you want a good lie, keep it in the grass! But in this time of uncertainty we’d hardly begrudge you moving your ball out of a deep footprint.

A fine sunny start today. Greens will be rolled and sand worked into surface. Various cutting tasks underway.
A reminder as we have taken bunker rakes away please smooth over foot marks etc with your club or foot.
18 main greens
Buggies permitted
Preferred lies in operation pic.twitter.com/Ph3kOpNMB5

— Duddingston Greenkeepers (@DuddingstonG) March 20, 2020

Pins out, pin sheets in.. playing golf/morning vibes/who needs pins. pic.twitter.com/Cbk50F4bMP

— SweetensCoveGolfClub (@SweetensCove) March 18, 2020

8. You can warm up — just not here

As someone who typically pulls into the parking lot five minutes before I’m expected to tee off, I’m well aware that courses typically prefer you’d arrive well in advance. But Salem News reports that Wenham Country Club is flipping the script this week, encouraging people to arrive directly in advance of their tee times. Crowd control!

9. Spaced-out tee times

Y’know those courses that jam groups out every eight minutes to maximize rounds? This approach is the delightful opposite. Arkansas Online reports that The Greens at North Hills is facilitating lower golfer density by spreading out tee times. Times every 20 minutes is a golfer’s dream — you’re less likely to wait for the group in front and less likely to feel the pressure of the crew behind you. Subscribe.

10. Outside check-in

Frequent fliers will agree that outdoor baggage check is a fantastic innovation. The Bend Bulletin reports that Bend Golf Club in central Oregon is taking a page from that book with check-in taking place outside. Fresh air equals lower transmissions rates, the experts say. Who are we to argue with them?

Oh, and the best news of all? In Myrtle Beach, they’ve done away with those pesky starters tickets. That’s one policy we can all agree is a win-win.

Please share these tips, articles and insights, so that as many people as possible can benefit from #SafeGolf.

View Golf.com article

By Larry Mahoney, BDN Sports

27 March 2020

The Hermon Meadow Golf Club joined the list of golf courses to open for the season on Friday with 13 of its 18 holes available for walkers only.

Like other Maine course administrators, Hermon Meadow owner John Snyer has put precautionary measures in place to help protect golfers from the spread of the coronavirus.

“We don’t have any rakes or ball-washers on the course, we’re taking money outside and we have plastic inserts around the pin so golfers don’t have to reach down into the hole . We aren’t letting anybody inside the clubhouse,” said Snyer, who added that the opening-day turnout was good.

Governor Janet Mills on Tuesday ordered Maine’s public-facing businesses that are nonessential to close, but golf is an outdoor sport in which person-to-person contact is limited.

Mike Dugas, who is the golf pro at J.W. Parks Golf Course in Pittsfield and whose family owns the course, said Mills appears to be an advocate for parks and recreation as evidenced by her recent decision to allow people to fish through April 30 without having to purchase a recreational license.

“I’m not sure where golf falls in there. She hasn’t said golf courses can’t open. Most courses haven’t opened their clubhouses,” he said.

However, t he Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s Bureau of Parks and Lands on Thursday announced the closing of coastal state parks to prevent the spread of the virus.

Dugas said he submitted a request to the state to have his course deemed an “essential business” but had not received a response as of Friday afternoon.

“I feel it’s an essential business because it provides exercise and mental relief in a very stressful time,” Dugas said. “This is when people want to play golf. They’ve been penned up all winter and they want to get outside and get some sunshine.”

Hidden Meadows Golf Course in Old Town reopened its driving range on Friday after closing on Wednesday and Thursday. It has special rules in effect, such as the need to purchase range balls online in advance and allowing only the buyer to use those balls.

Its pro shop and clubhouse are closed to the public.

J.W. Parks is still too wet to open, but Dugas hopes golfers can begin teeing off next weekend. When the course does open, there will be several safety measures in place.

“I am part of a national Facebook group and we monitor this all across the country. We look at all the measures in place to limit the touch points,” said Dugas, who is also the golf coach at Husson University in Bangor. “We won’t have ball washers and we’re going to lock up our porta potties.”

He believes golf is safer than a lot of other activities.

“Last night, I was watching people walk outside of my house. They were walking in groups of three and four. If they had golf bags on their backs and they were on a course, they wouldn’t be nearly as close to each other,” Dugas said.

As of Friday afternoon, there were no confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Somerset County where the golf course is located.

Please share these tips, articles and insights, so that as many people as possible can benefit from #SafeGolf.

View BDN Sports article

By The Post Star

26 March 2020

The New York State Golf Association said Thursday that golf can go on during the coronavirus pandemic, but with modifications.

Please share these tips, articles and insights, so that as many people as possible can benefit from #SafeGolf.

View The Post Star article

By Chris Zoeller, Globe Gazette 

29 March 2020

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In its policy, Rice Lake states that its clubhouse and restaurant are closed until further notice. Golfers are told to book tee times online in advance and, upon arrival, proceed to the first tee at their designated time, eliminating the need to check-in in person.

To further prevent exposure, certain club-provided amenities, such as range balls, flag sticks, bunker rakes, etc., will not be available until it is deemed appropriate.

Laudner said he was excited to have the season open, especially so that weary Iowans can enjoy their favorite pastime, but in a safe way.

“Being outside and social distancing is on the forefront of everybody’s mind right now, but we feel like being outside in nature is a great way to get rid of that cabin fever, but also be safe,” he said.

With Minnesota golf courses being closed under Gov. Tim Walz’s current stay-at-home order, Laudner said he has received many calls from Minnesotans looking to tee off.

One such person was Rick Mattson, of St. Paul, who traveled two hours to golf at Rice Lake on Friday.

“Iowa is not that far away from me and I was looking at some courses in northern Iowa and a lot of them weren’t open,” Mattson said. “They answered the phone here, so I said ‘I’ll be right down tomorrow.'”

Many golfers could be seen walking the greens on Friday, including Lake Mills golf coach Lyle Thomson. As he and Louie Toulouse, of Emmons, Minnesota, were finishing their round, members of the Lake Mills golf team arrived to practice on their own.

Under Iowa High School Athletic Association policy, high school athletes and coaches are prohibited from practicing or having in-person contact for the duration of Gov. Reynolds emergency declaration.

Please share these tips, articles and insights, so that as many people as possible can benefit from #SafeGolf.

View Globe Gazette article