Area Golf Courses Busy After New Restrictions Put In Place
March 25, 2020 at 11:07 p.m.
Area Golf Courses Busy After New Restrictions Put In Place
By Mark Howe-
Kyle Miller, head pro at Maxwelton Golf Club in Syracuse, said the discussion between the two groups at the state level took place Tuesday, before Governor Eric Holcomb’s executive order to shelter in place took effect late Tuesday night.
“We had to put some different policies in place,” Miller said. “After all, this might ber all there is to do for the next couple of weeks.”
The restrictions include:
• Only one player per cart.
• Carts are sanitized after each use. Players are encouraged to bring their own wipes and sanitizer.
• Flagsticks are not to be removed from the hole. Chips and putts are to be with the pin in the cup.
• Consider any shot within two feet of the pin to be holed. Players are not to put their hands inside the cup to retrieve the ball. A styrofoam cup is at the bottom of the flagstick to prevent balls from falling in the cup.
• Continue to practice social distancing.
• Players are discouraged from congregating before or after rounds. The same restrictions restaurants and bars have also apply to food and beverage service at the courses.
• The number of patrons inside the clubhouse and pro shop is limited. That limit is determined by each course, and has ranged between 1-10 around area courses.
For avid players, the spring itch to play golf can be strong. Miller said “most of your golfers were keeping an eye on things (Tuesday) and how things were going with the IGA.
“I think everyone’s glad we were able to find a way to keep the course open.” Miller said while the course wasn’t as busy as a summer weekend afternoon world be, it was more so than a typical weekday in March.
Several players were taking advantage of workplaces shutting down, and didn’t want to be interviewed or photographed for this story.
Among those playing at Maxwelton Wednesday was Chris Conley of Syracuse, who joined a group of friends to form a fivesome; four carts and a walker.
“I think the combination of being smart, doing the social distancing but also getting out of the house, too; it’s a good idea,” he said.
The virus has created nore uncertainty than, arguably, any time in memory. But players like Conley, anxious to scratch thier golf itch, are more than willing to comply with the restrictions in order to get a round or two in.
“Up until this week it was pretty unclear on what they’d allow and not allow. I think everyone is trying to be responsible, stay away from each other, and yet get out and enjoy the weather, and maybe keep a bit of sanity,” said Conley.
“To be out here and not have to worry about anything, (dealing with the restrictions) is well worth it.”
Latest News
E-Editions
Kyle Miller, head pro at Maxwelton Golf Club in Syracuse, said the discussion between the two groups at the state level took place Tuesday, before Governor Eric Holcomb’s executive order to shelter in place took effect late Tuesday night.
“We had to put some different policies in place,” Miller said. “After all, this might ber all there is to do for the next couple of weeks.”
The restrictions include:
• Only one player per cart.
• Carts are sanitized after each use. Players are encouraged to bring their own wipes and sanitizer.
• Flagsticks are not to be removed from the hole. Chips and putts are to be with the pin in the cup.
• Consider any shot within two feet of the pin to be holed. Players are not to put their hands inside the cup to retrieve the ball. A styrofoam cup is at the bottom of the flagstick to prevent balls from falling in the cup.
• Continue to practice social distancing.
• Players are discouraged from congregating before or after rounds. The same restrictions restaurants and bars have also apply to food and beverage service at the courses.
• The number of patrons inside the clubhouse and pro shop is limited. That limit is determined by each course, and has ranged between 1-10 around area courses.
For avid players, the spring itch to play golf can be strong. Miller said “most of your golfers were keeping an eye on things (Tuesday) and how things were going with the IGA.
“I think everyone’s glad we were able to find a way to keep the course open.” Miller said while the course wasn’t as busy as a summer weekend afternoon world be, it was more so than a typical weekday in March.
Several players were taking advantage of workplaces shutting down, and didn’t want to be interviewed or photographed for this story.
Among those playing at Maxwelton Wednesday was Chris Conley of Syracuse, who joined a group of friends to form a fivesome; four carts and a walker.
“I think the combination of being smart, doing the social distancing but also getting out of the house, too; it’s a good idea,” he said.
The virus has created nore uncertainty than, arguably, any time in memory. But players like Conley, anxious to scratch thier golf itch, are more than willing to comply with the restrictions in order to get a round or two in.
“Up until this week it was pretty unclear on what they’d allow and not allow. I think everyone is trying to be responsible, stay away from each other, and yet get out and enjoy the weather, and maybe keep a bit of sanity,” said Conley.
“To be out here and not have to worry about anything, (dealing with the restrictions) is well worth it.”
Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092