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State golf association clarifies its sport in COVID-19 times

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.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the PAUSE Executive Order, which went into effect on Sunday. That stated that all non-essential businesses and non-essential gatherings of any size should close or be canceled.

According to the NYSGA, the Governor’s office and regional Empire State Development directors recently provided some clarification.

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 Rules 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.

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

View The Post Star article

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 1 billion data points from more than 50 million rounds of golf and has relationships with in excess of 500 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 35 of the Top 100 US courses, as well as many $30-$50 green fee courses, which are seeing excellent results using the system.

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NEWS

Rice Lake Golf Course opens with COVID-19 precautions in place

By Chris Zoeller, Globe Gazette 

29 March 2020

With an abundance of caution, the Rice Lake Golf and Country Club opened its gates for the season on Friday in Lake Mills.

Amid the outbreak of the COVID-19 in Iowa and across the globe, citizens and businesses are adapting to the restrictions put in place by local and federal agencies to help slow the spread of the contagious coronavirus. 

Under the guidance from the governor’s office and the Iowa Golf Association, Rice Lake manager Travis Laudner said he has kept an open dialogue with those agencies and other golf courses to adopt safety procedures that would allow them to open and keep patrons safe.

“We’re treating this as a fluid situation, taking it one day at a time,” Laudner said. “We’re going to do what the appropriate agencies feel is necessary so we’ll fall in line with that, and when they give us the green light to pull some of these procedures back, we’ll go ahead and do that.”

While most non-essential businesses have been ordered closed by Gov. Kim Reynolds’ State Public Health Emergency Declaration, outdoor recreation is still allowed as long as gatherings are limited to less than 10 people at a time.

With that restriction in mind, Rice Lake released its COVID-19 policy that helps limit golfers interaction with golf course staff and other golfers.

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.
Rice Lake 2
Golfers walk between holes at the Rice Lake Golf and Country Club on Friday in Lake Mills.

“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.

Rice Lake 3
Lake Mills golf team members Jimmy Gallardo, right, and Bennett Berger arrive at Rice Lake Golf and Country Club to practice on Friday in Lake Mills.

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.

With Iowans all feeling the effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic in their own way, Laudner said he hoped opening the golf course would bring back some sense of normalcy.

“We get to this point every year and everybody’s kind of like a kid in a candy store, we’re anxious to get going,” he said. “This is obviously a totally different animal than last year, so we’re trying to be smart and doing what is recommended of us, but still providing folks some entertainment.”

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

View Globe Gazette article

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 1 billion data points from more than 50 million rounds of golf and has relationships with in excess of 500 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 35 of the Top 100 US courses, as well as many $30-$50 green fee courses, which are seeing excellent results using the system.

SOLUTIONS

NEWS

Here’s some amazing stories emanating from golf clubs during COVID-19

By Alistair Dunsmuir, The Golf Business 

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.

View The Golf Business article

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 1 billion data points from more than 50 million rounds of golf and has relationships with in excess of 500 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 35 of the Top 100 US courses, as well as many $30-$50 green fee courses, which are seeing excellent results using the system.

SOLUTIONS

NEWS

Mizner CC Converts Restaurant into a Market

By Rob Thomas, Club+Resort Business 

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.

View Club+Resort Business article

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 1 billion data points from more than 50 million rounds of golf and has relationships with in excess of 500 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 35 of the Top 100 US courses, as well as many $30-$50 green fee courses, which are seeing excellent results using the system.

SOLUTIONS

NEWS

Pinehurst auctioning incredible experiences to support its employees

By Brentley Romine, Golf Channel 

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.

View Golf Channel article

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 1 billion data points from more than 50 million rounds of golf and has relationships with in excess of 500 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 35 of the Top 100 US courses, as well as many $30-$50 green fee courses, which are seeing excellent results using the system.

SOLUTIONS

NEWS

Where can you play golf right now? Here’s a handy state-by-state guide

By Golf.com 

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.

View Golf.com article

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 1 billion data points from more than 50 million rounds of golf and has relationships with in excess of 500 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 35 of the Top 100 US courses, as well as many $30-$50 green fee courses, which are seeing excellent results using the system.

SOLUTIONS

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