New York has hosted more than its fair share of big-time golf events recently.
In 2019, Bethpage Black was the stage for the PGA Championship, and in 2018 the U.S. Open was held at Shinnecock Hills. Upstate, in Rochester, Oak Hill Country Club was the site of the 2013 PGA Championship, and Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck is scheduled to host this year’s U.S. Open.
However, no one is going to be playing golf for the next two and a half weeks in the Empire State.
On Thursday, New York updated its list of businesses and industries deemed to be essential during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Medical facilities, banks, grocery stores and public works departments are going to remain open, as are public parks and open spaces. However, golf courses, boat launches and marinas used for recreational vessels are now not considered essential.
New York quietly put golf courses on the non-essential business list Thursday, a move that will force them to shutter at least until April 29. https://t.co/XpScRAU2mV
— Democrat & Chronicle (@DandC) April 9, 2020
As a result, golf courses, which had been open in New York, must close until at least April 29.
Winged Foot, which is about 32 miles North of New York City, was initially scheduled to host the U.S. Open starting on June 15, but the United States Golf Association on Monday announced that it would move the tournament to September 14.
According to the New York Times, as of Thursday afternoon, just under 160,000 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in New York State and more than 7,000 people have died, making it the epicenter for the virus in the United States. More than 87,000 people have been diagnosed as having the virus in New York City.
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