Ohio was one of the first states to reopen golf courses and with the dawning of spring, traffic has been brisk.
The various golf associations around the state have worked diligently to keep course owners and managers informed of the proper safety measures, that will keep golf strong and vibrant in the state.
Safety measures are in place to protect staff and players. Carts are available for single riders. The holes are filled with a variety of products to prevent the ball from falling to the bottom of the cup. Flags are to be left in at all times and bunkers left unattended, as the rakes are stored in the maintenance sheds.
No food or beverage service is available at many courses and only available for take-out at others.
Matt Lefferts, Executive Director of the Ohio Golf Association told us,
“I believe recreational golf is marching forward although with a few minor changes. Golfers are staying closer to home, holes stuffed with pool noodles, pvc pipe, or the cups raised to prevent the ball from falling deep into the cup. The flagsticks are never to be removed and bunker rakes are not available for use. Reports are that golfers are adapting and we are event hearing that handicaps are decreasing. The idea of competitive golf is still pending, but we believe that competitive golf events can be held in a safe manor with minor risk to Covid-19. Consumer confidence will be a large hurdle to overcome as traveling will slowly come back.”
The Ohio Golf Association oversees the operation of USGA qualifying events and for golfers itching to get back structured competitive golf, Matt also said,
“The Ohio Golf Association is working on a plan to assure we operate with the best and safest practices, when we begin competitive golf. You will see lots of hand sanitizer, thermal thermometers and maybe even a barrier between staff and players on the first tee and scoring area. We ask players to keep a safe physical distance from others. The Ohio Golf Association respects the dangers from Covid-19 and Health Safety remains our main priority, but we feel as though golf can bring some normalcy to people’s daily activity while being safe.”
Be glad golf is back in Ohio, but practice safety first. Don’t be that guy that forces your club or course to close due to improper practices, during this pandemic.
