29 March 2020
From a golf club that’s inspiring the industry to raise money for the NHS to ones that have been distributing food, the coronavirus has brought out the best in many golf clubs.
For example, several golf clubs have been running a takeaway service for members so that they can eat while socially distancing during the pandemic.
Royal Jersey Golf Club posted this image on Twitter to show its kitchen staff were still able to work despite the club being closed.
Other clubs have opened their courses to members of the public so they can walk across them for their daily exercise.
Reading Golf Club in Oxfordshire, for example, said walkers can enter the private site.
This also applies to its land at Caversham Heath Golf Club where it is to relocate.
Walkers are asked to stay away from closely mown areas of the fairways, tees, bunkers and greens, and dogs are allowed on condition that owners clean up their mess.
Club chairman Colin Reed said: “These are unprecedented times and we would like to make our land available to residents for essential exercise.”
“We will continue to offer this facility during our closure as long as we can and as long as our instructions are fully observed.”
“The ability to get some fresh air and exercise will be the salvation for many and our board and members are keen to do what we can to support everybody.”
Tiverton Golf Club has said anyone who buys an annual membership subscription today will get the full 12 months ‘from the day the first ball is struck at the end of the crisis’.
And Duddingston Golf Club in Scotland has said it will run a fundraiser for the NHS when the pandemic is over.
In a post on Twitter, the club said: “Perhaps to our shame, it is maybe only in unprecedented times like this that we all begin to fully appreciate the truly amazing and selfless service that our NHS staff provide for us all.
“In recognition of this and by way of a small thank you, Duddingston Golf Club have nominated our medal on Sunday 27th September to be a fundraiser for NHS.
“We will ask all competing players to pay an entry fee of a minimum of £3 (with absolutely no maximum!) and all monies collected will be donated to the NHS.
“We will make our donation to the Emergency Department at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.
“How good would it be if we could get every one of Scotland’s 550 clubs to join us? Perhaps we could even get every club in Britain and Ireland to join us as well.”
Other clubs have said they will follow suit.
Steven Brand, the match secretary at Aberdour Golf Club said: “Great idea. Aberdour would be happy to follow suit and once our revised fixture list is decided, we will similarly nominate a specific medal.”
Meanwhile, one of Spain’s leading golf resorts, La Manga Club, has donated different types of food to three local charities to support the work they are doing during this global crisis, and The Nottinghamshire Golf and Country Club has offered all 30 of its bedrooms to the NHS until the coronavirus pandemic subsides.
Please share these tips, articles and insights, so that as many people as possible can benefit from #SafeGolf.
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.
27 March 2020
As part of the Delray Beach, Fla. club’s COVID-19 response, members are now able to purchase food, baked goods, perishables and beverages at CRAFTMART, which is normally the acclaimed on-site dining establishment CRAFT.
Mizner Country Club in Delray Beach, Fla. has taken a radical pro-active approach in adapting to the ever-changing environment during the COVID-19 pandemic. In less than 24 hours, the club converted its CRAFT dining facility to CRAFTMART—a place for Mizner members to purchase prepared foods, fresh baked goods, perishables and beverages, including canned soda, fresh smoothies, and bottled water. Pantry staples like milk, eggs, toilet paper and condiments can also be purchased.
“The health and welfare of our members and employees is our number one priority, as we consistently adjust our operations to adapt to today’s ever-changing environment,” said General Manager and Chief Operating Officer Larry Savvides.
“Our Board of Directors and management team are determined during these difficult times to help our members in any way possible. So, in addition to making our menu available to our members for curbside pick-up or delivery, we have created a shopping experience for them to purchase essential items.”
Savvides notes a few basic rules before entering CRAFTMART include all must sanitize their hands and limiting access to five members at a time. They are then assigned a personal shopper who assists them in the handling of items they select. While they shop, they can order a pizza or have a glass of wine or a cold beverage. Members can also order from revolving CRAFT Market dinner menu for nightly pick up. And, everyone is encouraged to practice social distancing.
“At Mizner Country Club we are all working together to protect our health, the health of our families and the health of our staff,” said Savvides.
Please share these tips, articles and insights, so that as many people as possible can benefit from #SafeGolf.
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.
28 March 2020
With many of its employees out of work because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pinehurst Resort is auctioning off many incredible experiences to help support them.
The auction window began Saturday afternoon and will end Monday at 8:30 p.m. ET. Winners will be announced live on Pinehurst’s Instagram, @PinehurstResort. The broadcast, hosted by Barstool Sports’ Riggs, will begin at 8 p.m.
All proceeds will go directly to the Pinehurst Employee Relief Fund.
In all, there are 15 experiences to choose from. Here are a few of them:
Dornoch Cottage Ultimate Trip: “Indulge your favorite foursome with two nights in Donald Ross’ home, located off the third green of Pinehurst No. 2. Enjoy cocktails and a little Pinehurst history lesson from noted local historian. You’ll also enjoy three rounds of golf (including Pinehurst No. 2 and No. 4).”
Play all 10 Pinehurst golf courses: “The winner of this auction will enjoy a six-night stay in the Carolina Hotel and will play all 10 Pinehurst golf courses, including The Cradle.”
Play No. 4 with Gil Hanse: “Tee it up on No. 4 with the guy who actually designed and built the course, Gil Hanse. Your foursome, plus Gil, will play on agreeable dates in the fall.”
Ultimate Closest-to-the-pin Challenge: “Enjoy a private hour of uninterrupted time on the ninth hole of Pinehurst No. 2 (par 3, 174yards). Play it by yourself or with 20 of your best friends. We’ll provide beverage service and have a bottle of champagne handy, in case you know what happens.”
Please share these tips, articles and insights, so that as many people as possible can benefit from #SafeGolf.
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.
26 March 2020
If you are wondering just exactly what the rules are when it comes to playing golf in your state amid the COVID-19 pandemic — or wondering how your state’s rules compare to others — we have you covered. Well, actually, it’s the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America that has you covered.
The GCSAA created a handy state-by-state guide on current regulations for every state, and they’ll update it daily at 5 p.m. Scroll down to find out what you need to know about playing golf in your state right now.
ALABAMA
Is golf open for play? Yes
Is golf course maintenance allowed? Yes
Need more info? Contact Ron Wright – rwright@gcsaa.org
ALASKA
Season has not started
Need more info? Contact Dave Phipps – dphipps@gcsaa.org
ARIZONA
Is golf open for play? Yes
Is golf course maintenance allowed? Yes
Local considerations: Preempted by state
Need more info? Contact Jeff Jensen – jjensen@gcsaa.org
ARKANSAS
Is golf open for play? Yes
Is golf course maintenance allowed? Yes
Need more info? Contact John Walker – jwalker@gcsaa.org
CALIFORNIA
Is golf open for play? Yes
Is golf course maintenance allowed? Yes
Local considerations: Counties may restrict play
Need more info? Contact Jeff Jensen – jjensen@gcsaa.org
COLORADO
Is golf open for play? Pending
Is golf course maintenance allowed? Yes
Local considerations: Denver closed for play; maintenance allowed
Need more info? Contact Dave Phipps – dphipps@gcsaa.org
CONNECTICUT
Is golf open for play? Yes
Is golf course maintenance allowed? Yes
Need more info? Contact Kevin Doyle – kdoyle@gcsaa.org
DELAWARE
Is golf open for play? Yes
Is golf course maintenance allowed? Yes
Need more info? Contact Kevin Doyle – kdoyle@gcsaa.org
FLORIDA
Is golf open for play? Yes
Is golf course maintenance allowed? Yes
Local considerations: Several county and city courses have closed play but are allowing maintenance
Need more info? Contact Ralph Dain – rdain@gcsaa.org
GEORGIA
Is golf open for play? Yes
Is golf course maintenance allowed? Yes
Local considerations: Stay at home orders upcoming in Savannah and parts of Atlanta
Need more info? Contact Ron Wright – rwright@gcsaa.org
HAWAII
Is golf open for play? Pending
Is golf course maintenance allowed? Yes
Need more info? Contact Jeff Jensen – jjensen@gcsaa.org
IDAHO
Is golf open for play? Pending
Is golf course maintenance allowed? Pending
Need more info? Contact Dave Phipps – dphipps@gcsaa.org
ILLINOIS
Is golf open for play? Yes
Is golf course maintenance allowed? Yes
Need more info? Contact Shane Conroy – sconroy@gcsaa.org
INDIANA
Is golf open for play? Yes
Is golf course maintenance allowed? Yes
Need more info? Contact Shane Conroy – sconroy@gcsaa.org
IOWA
Is golf open for play? Yes
Is golf course maintenance allowed? Yes
Need more info? Contact Steve Randall – srandall@gcsaa.org
KANSAS
Is golf open for play? Yes
Is golf course maintenance allowed? Yes
Local considerations: Some cities are preventing play; seeking clarification on maintenance
Need more info? Contact Steve Randall – srandall@gcsaa.org
KENTUCKY
Is golf open for play? Yes
Is golf course maintenance allowed? Yes
Need more info? Contact Shane Conroy – sconroy@gcsaa.org
LOUISIANA
Is golf open for play? Yes
Is golf course maintenance allowed? Yes
Need more info? Contact Ron Wright – rwright@gcsaa.org
MAINE
Is golf open for play? Pending
Is golf course maintenance allowed? Yes
Need more info? Contact Kevin Doyle – kdoyle@gcsaa.org
MARYLAND
Is golf open for play? No
Is golf course maintenance allowed? Yes
Need more info? Contact Kevin Doyle – kdoyle@gcsaa.org
MASSACHUSETTS
Is golf open for play? No
Is golf course maintenance allowed? Yes
Local considerations: Town Boards of Health may restrict maintenance
Need more info? Contact Kevin Doyle – kdoyle@gcsaa.org
MICHIGAN
Is golf open for play? Pending
Is golf course maintenance allowed? Pending
Need more info? Contact Shane Conroy – sconroy@gcsaa.org
MINNESOTA
Is golf open for play? No
Is golf course maintenance allowed? Yes
Need more info? Contact Steve Randall – srandall@gcsaa.org
MISSISSIPPI
Is golf open for play? Yes
Is golf course maintenance allowed? Yes
Need more info? Contact Ron Wright – rwright@gcsaa.org
MISSOURI
Is golf open for play? Pending
Is golf course maintenance allowed? Pending
Local considerations: Seeking clarification from Governor and KC mayor
Need more info? Contact Steve Randall – srandall@gcsaa.org
MONTANA
Is golf open for play? Yes
Is golf course maintenance allowed? Yes
Need more info? Contact Dave Phipps – dphipps@gcsaa.org
NEBRASKA
Is golf open for play? Yes
Is golf course maintenance allowed? Yes
Need more info? Contact Steve Randall – srandall@gcsaa.org
NEVADA
Is golf open for play? Yes
Is golf course maintenance allowed? Yes
Need more info? Contact Jeff Jensen – jjensen@gcsaa.org
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Is golf open for play? Yes
Is golf course maintenance allowed? Yes
Need more info? Contact Kevin Doyle – kdoyle@gcsaa.org
NEW JERSEY
Is golf open for play? No
Is golf course maintenance allowed? Yes
Need more info? Contact Kevin Doyle – kdoyle@gcsaa.org
NEW MEXICO
Is golf open for play? Pending
Is golf course maintenance allowed? Pending
Need more info? Contact John Walker – jwalker@gcsaa.org
NEW YORK
Is golf open for play? Pending
Is golf course maintenance allowed? Pending
Need more info? Contact Kevin Doyle – kdoyle@gcsaa.org
NORTH CAROLINA
Is golf open for play? Yes
Is golf course maintenance allowed? Yes
Need more info? Contact Ron Wright – rwright@gcsaa.org
NORTH DAKOTA
Is golf open for play? Yes
Is golf course maintenance allowed? Yes
Need more info? Contact Steve Randall – srandall@gcsaa.org
OHIO
Is golf open for play? Yes
Is golf course maintenance allowed? Yes
Local considerations: Play must comply with Governor EO
Need more info? Contact Shane Conroy – sconroy@gcsaa.org
OKLAHOMA
Is golf open for play? Yes
Is golf course maintenance allowed? Yes
Need more info? Contact John Walker – jwalker@gcsaa.org
OREGON
Is golf open for play? Yes
Is golf course maintenance allowed? Yes
Need more info? Contact Dave Phipps – dphipps@gcsaa.org
PENNSYLVANIA
Is golf open for play? No
Is golf course maintenance allowed? Yes
Need more info? Contact Kevin Doyle – kdoyle@gcsaa.org
RHODE ISLAND
Is golf open for play? Yes
Is golf course maintenance allowed? Yes
Need more info? Contact Kevin Doyle – kdoyle@gcsaa.org
SOUTH CAROLINA
Is golf open for play? Yes
Is golf course maintenance allowed? Yes
Need more info? Contact Ron Wright – rwright@gcsaa.org
SOUTH DAKOTA
Is golf open for play? Yes
Is golf course maintenance allowed? Yes
Local considerations: Local restrictions may be forthcoming
Need more info? Contact Steve Randall – srandall@gcsaa.org
TENNESSEE
Is golf open for play? Yes
Is golf course maintenance allowed? Yes
Need more info? Contact Ron Wright – rwright@gcsaa.org
TEXAS
Is golf open for play? Yes
Is golf course maintenance allowed? Yes
Local considerations: Counties may restrict play
Need more info? Contact John Walker – jwalker@gcsaa.org
UTAH
Is golf open for play? Yes
Is golf course maintenance allowed? Yes
Local considerations: Cities may restrict play
Need more info? Contact Dave Phipps – dphipps@gcsaa.org
VERMONT
Is golf open for play? Pending
Is golf course maintenance allowed? Pending
Need more info? Contact Kevin Doyle – kdoyle@gcsaa.org
VIRGINIA
Is golf open for play? Yes
Is golf course maintenance allowed? Yes
Need more info? Contact Kevin Doyle – kdoyle@gcsaa.org
WASHINGTON
Is golf open for play? Pending
Is golf course maintenance allowed? Yes
Need more info? Contact Dave Phipps – dphipps@gcsaa.org
WEST VIRGINIA
Is golf open for play? Yes
Is golf course maintenance allowed? Yes
Need more info? Contact Kevin Doyle – kdoyle@gcsaa.org
WISCONSIN
Is golf open for play? No
Is golf course maintenance allowed? Yes
Need more info? Contact Shane Conroy – sconroy@gcsaa.org
WYOMING
Is golf open for play? Yes
Is golf course maintenance allowed? Yes
Need more info? Contact Dave Phipps – dphipps@gcsaa.org
Please share these tips, articles and insights, so that as many people as possible can benefit from #SafeGolf.
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.
27 March 2020
To prepare golf course owners and operators for dealing with the myriad uncertainties, disruption of business, and potential outcomes of the coronavirus pandemic, the National Golf Course Owners Association has compiled and developed resources and programs, available in the Coronavirus Center on the NGCOA website.
“Our advice and guidance is meant for any golf course, but we know owners and operators must do what they feel is best for their own situations and the restrictions under which they may now find themselves,” said Jay Karen, NGCOA CEO. “We are incredibly proud of the response and work we are seeing by the nation’s golf course owners and operators, and the organizations that serve this game and industry.”
NGCOA’s Park and Play program — which provides course operators with an actual “checklist” of measures they can take so their customers have a socially-distant golfing experience — received approval from physicians with the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA). Many courses that are allowed to operate have already adopted our program’s protocols to make sure their customers can maintain appropriate physical distance from others, and play in a sanitized environment, as required by their states.
The workplace and HR resources section includes a Q&A related to employer-employee obligations and the possible impact the pandemic will have on labor and legal aspects of golf course staff, as well as links to relevant pages from the CDC, DOL, IRS, NFIB and others. A page for state-level updates lists executive orders as they relate to golf course mandates.
The marketing resources equip businesses with email, social media, and community involvement tips that promote communication and good will. It also shares some revenue generating and cost-saving tips.
NGCOA members and staff have also been extremely active on the association’s members-only discussion board, which in these uncertain times, is an invaluable platform for sharing the latest local news, brainstorming ideas and soliciting advice from other golf course owners and operators.
“In unique, uncharted situations like this, an industry needs its trade association the most,” said Steve Graybill, president of Foxchase Golf Club, and president of the NGCOA Board of Directors. “NGCOA has been working around the clock to anticipate the needs of all golf courses and provide the tools to mitigate the negative effects on our nation’s golf businesses.”
Please share these tips, articles and insights, so that as many people as possible can benefit from #SafeGolf.
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.
24 March 2020
Tagmarshal is supporting #SafeGolf, an initiative which promotes how to safely play golf during the COVID-19 pandemic, using social distancing and other tools.
As we work together to #SlowDownTheCurve during the COVID-19 challenge, many regular past times are not available. Team sports, gym, tennis, live sports and cultural events, meeting up in pubs or bars, parties, events, etc. are all off the table at this time, for the good of all. Even following live sports on TV is substantially reduced with so many golf and other events cancelled or postponed. Golf has a unique opportunity to provide a welcome and safe escape and sense of balance.
“We have launched a #SafeGolf resource platform designed to provide golfers and golf operators with insights, information and advice, regarding how to play the game and manage golf operations safely. The resources shared on the platform are designed to be shared, so that as many people as possible, can benefit.
“Expert health and medical care practitioners in both the United States and United Kingdom have agreed that golf is safe to play during this health crisis when effective measures have been put in place – this resource aims to educate and empower courses to manage @SafeGolf effectively,” said Bodo Sieber, Tagmarshal CEO and co-founder.
The platform, www.tagmarshal.com/safegolf is now available for golfers and operators around the world.
“Tagmarshal has partner courses, clubs and resorts in 10 countries –all at different stages in their responses to the COVID-19 challenge. With our optimization and player tracking system, we are able to see which courses have full play, some play or in a very few cases no play. We can assist by pooling knowledge, insights and ideas to enable the golf community during this difficult time.” Sieber noted.
He added that with operations in four continents, a global network of more than 250 partners, and access to data from over 10 million rounds of golf, Tagmarshal is in a unique position to develop data insights and to draw on global resources and experiences which can be shared with the industry.
Playing #SafeGolf has received the support from experts who recognize the outdoor nature of golf, the ability to engage in proper social distancing, and how the game provides a sense of balance, making golf a healthy and safe escape during challenging times.
Recently, Dr. Kelly Cawcutt, Associate Director of Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, Nebraska Bio-Containment Unit, was quoted in Golf Digest, March 15, 2020, as saying, “Being in a wide-open, outdoor space is the least at-risk scenario. You’ll have to follow precautions that you wouldn’t normally have to, but I would play, under that guidance.”
Additionally, Dr. Catherine Troisi, an infectious disease epidemiologist at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, also in the March 15 issue of Golf Digest, said, “You’re not in contact with a whole lot of other people, and it’s not like basketball where you’re touching and very close to other players, so you could maintain several feet of distance between people. So, I would say in the actual playing of golf, you are not at much risk.
“As much as we know anything for now, we know that if you’re more than six feet from somebody, they are not going to spread it to you. So even within your foursome, you just stay a little bit farther away than you might ordinarily,” Troisi said.
From the UK, Sir Patrick Vallance, UK Chief Scientific Advisor, COVID-19, agrees: “It is ok to play golf – if you keep a distance,” he told “The Golf Business, UK” on March 19, 2020.
“These are unprecedented times. The more we work together, share and learn from each other’s experiences, the better the outcome will be for all,” concludes Bodo Sieber.
Go to www.tagmarshal.com/safegolf for more insights, information, advice and tips on how to play and facilitate #SafeGolf.
Please share these tips, articles and insights, so that as many people as possible can benefit from #SafeGolf.
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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