Ohio Golf Journal May 2020

In addition, these 24 million golfers spend over $6 billion to purchase clubs, balls, gloves, shoes, colorful attire. Travel is yet another important aspect of the golf industry. Golfers like to visit other courses and spend nearly $26 billion annually in golf-related travel. Golf is BIG Business, if it suffers, the entire country suffers. Golf is SAFE When government officials have taken the time to visit a golf course that exhibits the appropriate safety features to keep patrons safe during this pandemic, they have come away impressed. A California State Health officer visited two courses in the Sacramento area. He soon realized golf did not present a threat to the spread of the disease if proper safety measures were followed. He quickly recommended that the state’s courses be reopened. Wisconsin reopened their courses after the positives, of the golf industry were explained to state regulators, by a lobbyist hired by a combined group of golf associations. Golf course owners understand they need to practice new procedures to keep their courses safe. Flags are not to be touched and left in the hole. The holes themselves are filled so the ball does not need to be pulled out. Rakes are stored in the maintenance shed and bunkers are left ‘au natural’. Single riders are allowed in carts and they are completely wiped down after every use. Better yet, golfers are encouraged to walk and maintain a six- foot social distance, which is easy to do on a 300- acre facility. A limited number of golfers are allowed into a clubhouse at one time and many courses have adopted a pay online system, or simply accept payment outside. The golf industry in the United States is big business, but it is also a way for participants to get some exercise and experience the joy of being outdoors. Golf is open to all walks of life and genders. It provides exercise, is the perfect antidote for high stress and young people learn sportsmanship, and etiquette, plus they gain confidence that will help them all through life. As of the end of April most states have re-opened golf courses with restrictions in place and social distancing requirements. Enjoy, but Stay Safe out there Golfaholics! T3