Tag: coronavirus golf

Golfweek Rewind: Details set for Tiger-Phil II, nation’s top college golfers honored

The NCAA takes a big step toward allowing athletes to earn income, the LPGA pushes back its restart date and we celebrates All-Americans.

Tiger-Phil II has an official date, the last state in the United States announced golf may resume and a pro golfer steps away from her job on the course to help on the frontlines of the pandemic.

Take a look at the week’s top stories on the latest episode of Golfweek Rewind featured below.

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The Match, Part II

Champions for Charity, better known as Tiger-Phil II, is set for May 24 at Medalist Golf Club in Hobe Sound, Florida. It was already announced Peyton Manning and Tom Brady will be included in the event which will benefit COVID-19 relief efforts. Turner Sports will exclusively broadcast the event.

Golf returns

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker reopened the state for golf Thursday, making Massachusetts the last state to resume golf following stay-at-home orders. Baker laid out several rules golfers and courses must follow along with its reopening such as groups will be limited to four players maximum and no carts will be used.

Haskins, ANNIKA

Congratulations to the best players in college golf. It was announced Friday that Furman’s Natalie Srinivasan won the 2020 ANNIKA Award and Pepperdine’s Sahith Theegala won the 2020 Haskins Award. Both golfers plan to pursue pro careers.

All-In

For more on what Tiger Woods is auctioning for the All-In Challenge and why Symetra Tour player Sarah Hoffman is our Hero of the Week, watch the latest episode of Golfweek Rewind featured above.

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Carts or no carts? States still differ in opinion

The issue of carts on-site has remained dicey; some states having restrictions and others allowing cart play to resume with few limitations.

New York is still officially banning golf carts on golf courses due to coronavirus, but will now allow them for individuals with disabilities. Wisconsin has a similar policy.

But Michigan reinstated cart use on Friday and Rhode Island did so on Saturday.

New Jersey says it’s up to courses.

Tough to keep straight? Indeed. It’s all part of what has been a disjointed rollout of golf during the coronavirus pandemic.

Most of the nation’s courses (although not all) have reopened for play. Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker did an about-face this week, instantly opening all the state’s courses after an outcry from golfers and golf course owners who were angry neighboring states had already opened for play.

Washington allowed the game to resume Tuesday, and New Hampshire’s courses are allowed to reopen May 11. Alaska remains closed because of seasonality.

But the issue of carts on-site has remained a dicey one, with some states having restrictions and others allowing cart play to resume with few limitations.

In New York, an updated guidance — quietly provided to courses — is aimed at complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act, according to Empire State Development, the state’s economic development arm. The

The state initially banned golf on April 9, then, amid protests from courses, let golf resume April 18 only for those who walk. Non-essential employees were banned, and only workers who do maintenance and security on the courses are allowed.

But the guidance was updated this week, the state agency said, that “on a case-by-case basis, the use of a motorized cart may be permitted for any individual with a disability who is seeking a reasonable accommodation to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).”

The guidance has not yet been listed on its website as of Friday morning.

But even in the state of New York, those rules aren’t being evenly distributed. In Oneida County, which includes the city of Utica, carts are being allowed on courses, even for those who are not deemed to have a disbility.

“We’ve been letting courses use carts as long as they are cleaned and only have one person riding — unless it’s a husband and wife team,” Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente said. “We’ve allowed these courses to open, but we need to treat everyone equally. How do you tell an older guy that he needs to walk and carry his bag or pull a handcart for 18 holes?”

When questioned about enforcement he said that it’s always the 90/10 rule.

“Ninety percent of people comply — it’s the others that ruin it,” he said.

As far as enforcement, Picente says that weight is on the golf courses to oversee compliance.

The changing guidance in New York comes amid a confusing landscape for golfers.

Westchester County, for example, opened some of its county courses and allowed carts, but restricted to a single rider. Pro shops were opened to accept greens fee payments.

“We’re opening them in sequence to make sure that we have the right social distancing protocols in place, the right protection for our workers,” County Executive George Latimer said April 30.

In New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy this week gave counties the authority to open golf courses at their discretion if they can ensure social distancing and urge golfers to wear masks. A similar stance was taken by Gov. Ned Lamont in Connecticut.

In Rhode Island, with Phase 1 of Gov. Gina Raimondo’s plan to reopen the state’s economy expected to go into effect Saturday, some restrictions placed on the state’s golf courses and golfers are being changed.

 

The biggest one for Rhode Island golfers is that electric and gas golf carts will be allowed. Carts will be restricted to one per player, unless two players are from the same household. Carts must be sanitized before and after each round of play.

Courses also must make carts available for those with disabilities recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Courses may verify disabilities through a parking placard issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Courses will also be allowed to distribute push carts that also would have to be sanitized before and after rounds.

But Rhode Island golfers will be asked to cover their mouths and noses with masks or cloth face coverings unless doing so would damage the person’s health. Face coverings are not required for golfers where they can “easily, continuously and measurably maintain at least 6 feet of distance from other people,” a rule that would allow walkers or players using pull carts to stay mask-free.

Meanwhile, the Michigan Golf Course Association notified courses via email Friday that the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity — responding to a query from the Small Business Association of Michigan — has allowed carts to return.

“They are allowed,” the department wrote to the SBAM in a post on its website, “but like with all outdoor recreational facilities there are mitigation measures that need to be implemented under (Executive Order) section 11 (h). Additionally, clubhouses and dining halls in golf establishments are still closed under the public accommodation (executive order).”

“I think it’s big time,” Doug Mervis, who owns a course in Ann Arbor. said of carts being allowed. “… There’s a huge class of people that will only ride. I know people that weren’t playing golf yet because they were waiting for carts.”

 

Jason Lusk of Golfweek, New York state editor Joseph Spector, Eric Rueb of the Providence Journal, and Carlos Monarrez of the Detroit Free Press — all members of the USA Today Network — contributed to this report.

Coronavirus: Memorial director says ‘we will not have massive galleries’

Memorial Tournament director Dan Sullivan changes coming to the PGA Tour event, which was moved to July 16-19.

The Memorial Tournament may want to memorialize itself, because this year the event we know ― with many thousands of spectators, bleachers rising above the sea of green and draft beer spilling from plastic cups during dawn-to-dusk social hour ― is a thing of the past. At least until next May.

Twelve months hence things should be business as usual at Muirfield Village Golf Club, but for now not even Jack Nicklaus has the power to bring normalcy to the tournament he founded in 1976.

Memorial Tournament director Dan Sullivan on Thursday addressed changes coming to the PGA Tour event, which because of the coronavirus pandemic was moved from June 4-7 to July 16-19. As part of the Virtual Sports Report put on by the Greater Columbus Sports Commission, Sullivan outlined what this summer’s event will look like, leaving wiggle room due to the uncertainty of planning caused by COVID-19.

• Spectator attendance will be limited. There remains the possibility that fans will not be allowed on tournament grounds ― a decision that rests mostly with the governor’s office ― but short of that galleries will be spread thin. Volunteers, both on-course and behind the scenes, will required to wear masks and both they and fans will have their temperatures taken before entry.

“The 2019 Memorial Tournament, if anyone was out here looking at it, that will not be what we create this year,” Sullivan said. “We will not have massive galleries. We will not have people on top of each other. We know that’s irresponsible and we can’t do it.”

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How many fewer fans there will be remains unknown; Sullivan and his team should have a better idea by the end of May after checking ticket sales, which already have slowed. But better safe than sorry will rule the day.

“We will make sure we produce a tournament that is extremely safe,” Sullivan said. “We have an environment that, because of the nature of our landscape ― we have over nine million square feet to work with ― our venues can spread out and allow for a limited amount of people.”

And if no fans are allowed in? Tournament officials will monitor the Colonial (June 11-14) and RBC Heritage (June 18-21) PGA Tour events, which will be played without spectators, to see how they host fan-free tournaments.

“We want to make sure we engage our community (if no fans can attend the Memorial), because this tournament we think is important to the fabric of Columbus,” Sullivan said, adding that if nothing else he hopes people still find a way to give to tournament beneficiary Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

• No grandstands will be erected, and concession stands will sell beer in bottles only. As for monitoring crowds to keep large groups from congregating ― the party scene along No. 14 fairway will go on the wagon for a year ― Sullivan said officials can track individual fan movement via transponders in the badges they must wear to enter.

“Anything outside the fence we don’t have control over,” he said, referencing the corporate house parties that happen along the course just outside club grounds. “Inside we will control every venue. We will consider it very much like a restaurant or bar. We will manage as the state mandates at that time. If it means half-capacity at the clubhouse or one of our venues, then that’s what we’ll do.”

The Memorial will look different on television, too.

“When CBS comes on property here they bring over 250 people. They’re not going to be doing that,” Sullivan said. “There will be different camera angles. Some on-air personalities may not be on-site.”

The pandemic packs a punch concerning club planning, too. Sullivan would not comment on the status of major course renovations that originally were scheduled to begin in June, but he spoke hopefully of how the Memorial can leave a positive mark.

“There are still a lot of unknowns, but we may be one of the first events back for people to get outside and enjoy themselves,” he said. “We can tell our story outside of Ohio, and it can be a chance for Ohio to say we’re getting back in the right way.”

It will be a challenge, but done correctly the Memorial can tee off on the fear and frustration created by this cruel virus. Can’t wait to see it.

Rob Oller is a columnist for the Columbus Dispatch, part of the USA Today Network. Contact him at roller@dispatch.com or follow him on Twitter at @rollerCD

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PGA Tour’s return will require lots of COVID-19 testing and travel, but Brendon Todd is ready for both

PGA Tour winner Brendon Todd is anxious to get back to work and says the PGA Tour is taking the right precautions to allow them to do so.

Brendon Todd should have been in Dallas this week for the AT&T Byron Nelson, a tournament he won in 2014 for his maiden PGA Tour title. It’s been well documented how Todd lost his game – and his Tour card – and finally emerged from the abyss late last season to win not once, but twice. You wouldn’t blame him if he were to paraphrase the Bishop in Caddyshack: “The good lord would never disrupt the greatest season of my life.”

Well, Todd’s season has been on hold since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which definitely deserves another line from Bishop Fred: “Oh, rat farts!”

Todd is anxious to get back to work and recapture the magic that led to back-to-back victories at the Bermuda Championship and the Mayakoba Classic, even if that means taking some chances flying to tournaments and staying in hotels. The Tour is targeting to return to action at the Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 11, and Todd revealed the latest plans being discussed to make that happen. He said the Tour will require players to self-test for coronavirus at home before heading to the event, again upon arrival and a third time during the week. A positive test for the virus would require a player to self-quarantine for 14 days.

“It sounds like each person will be tested, even the walking scorers, the officials, to make sure we are COVID-free and healthy. I feel good with that process,” he said. “I’m really excited to get back to playing.”

While details of the Tour’s plan haven’t been finalized, Todd said that the Tour is seeking one or two hotels that are deemed safe for all of the players, caddies and officials to stay, and limit dining to the clubhouse, and potentially even closing the locker room to provide the safest environment to conduct events. How would Todd feel about changing his shoes in the parking lot?

“You’re talking to a guy who played 20 Monday qualifiers two years ago and probably 10 last year. I’m all too used to changing my shoes in the parking lot,” he said. “Even when you play the Desert Classic in Palm Springs we have different courses, you’re in a parking lot. As funny as that may sound, it’s not that big of a deal.”

There is much more to be determined before golf resumes in June, including whether caddies will be able to tend a flagstick, rake a bunker, or even be allowed at all?

Todd, for one, said that as long as everyone tests negative, he doesn’t have a problem with caddies going about their business as usual.

“We’ll be trying to stay 6 feet away but you’re not going to stay 6 feet from your caddie at all times,” Todd said. “I think caddies will rake bunkers just for the spirit of competition. Everybody is being tested and if you are going to test everybody and you know they don’t have it…you have to trust they will also be able to rake the same bunker.”

But if push comes to shove, Todd is willing to carry his own bag and play on a temporary basis without a caddie.

“Not because I don’t want the caddies out there earning a living, but I think getting us back on the golf course and competing is important and is something I’d like to do,” he said.

The Tour already announced that the first four events on the revised schedule will be played without fans in attendance. Todd is concerned that if a situation arises where multiple players or caddies or others involved in hosting the event test positive it could lead to a scenario where the Tour will have no choice but to stop play again, but it’s a chance he’s willing to take, if proper testing can be conducted.

“That’s a better situation than going to a crowded grocery store,” he said.

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Stuck at Home With: Budding gardener Paula Creamer

During the LPGA break due to the coronavirus pandemic, Paula Creamer has planted a garden and she’s determined to make it successful.

The “Stuck at Home With” series profiles players, caddies and staff in the women’s game who are making the most of an unprecedented break in tour life due to the coronavirus pandemic. New stories will be posted every Tuesday and Thursday.

Paula Creamer went over to help her fiance’s father put down mulch one day, thinking it would be a nice workout, and something surprising happened: She actually enjoyed it.

The exercise reminded Creamer of the garden she and her father maintained growing up in Pleasanton, California. It wasn’t long before she and Shane Kennedy, a retired baseball player, were taking measurements to build their own raised garden bed from scratch.

“I got to do the staple gun,” she said proudly.

Rosemary. Basil. Red peppers. Jalapeños. Banana peppers. Cucumber. Eggplant. Tomato. Snap peas. Parsley.

The man who sold them the plants was giving replacement advice before they’d put the first shovel in the ground. He obviously didn’t know that professional athletes have high expectations ­– about everything.

“Failure is not in my vocabulary,” said Creamer. “We are not letting this die.”

Paula Creamer poses in front of her garden table. (courtesy of Paula Creamer)

What happens to the table garden when the LPGA starts back up in July, as it’s currently scheduled?

Well, they haven’t gotten that far in the plans yet. But for now, the 33-year-old has embraced the extended break. Creamer’s original plans had her returning to the LPGA around late April, early May after rehabbing her wrist. She hasn’t competed on tour since October of last year and remains conservative in her practice.

But because she’s had extra time at home without being in a cast, she’s been able to focus on the weak areas in her body more than ever. She’s hoping that comes in handy during what should be a packed second half of the year. The first event on the LPGA’s revised schedule is the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational, a team event in Midland, Michigan, held July 15-18.

“The most (weeks) I’ve ever done in a row is 11,” she said. “I was a young pup then, so that’s not happening. I think four or five is my max.”

These next couple of months will be different for Creamer mentally too because it’s a forced break that has nothing to do with injury. There’s something refreshing and peaceful about that.

Most evenings Creamer and her fiancé load up the dogs in their boat and head out for a sunset cruise around Lake Butler. Creamer has lived in Windermere’s tony Isleworth community since 2007, and said that for the first decade, she went on the lake a total of three to four times.

“I know what I like now,” she said. “I know I want to be on the water. I know I want to see sunsets. I didn’t really realize how special they were.”

Creamer out on the water with dogs Penny and Riley (photo courtesy of Creamer)

After renovating her stunning 11,100-square foot Isleworth mansion, Creamer put it on the market earlier this spring. She took it down for a bit after the pandemic hit, but recently put it back up for $6,350,000. Her favorite spot is the kitchen, though the couple spend most of their time on the bottom floor, where they’ve just finished work on the simulator hitting room. There’s a pool table, ping pong table and gym on that floor, too.

In the kitchen, Creamer has been making tons of fish tacos, frittatas and whatever she can whip up in her new air fryer. Her current obsession is eggplant dip, and she now dreams of adding avocado and lemon trees to her next piece of property. Creamer isn’t sure where they’ll move to next but said it won’t be far.

Any vices while on lockdown?

“The other day I made apple fritters and they didn’t turn out,” she said, “and I wanted to make them again.”

A double batch of baked goods seems to be the worst of it. To counter, they eat a lot of salad, she said, and order takeout from Bonsai Sushi.

She’s listening to podcasts for the first time, mostly focusing on the subjects of history and self-growth. She’s about to dig into Sue Monk Kidd’s book “The Secret Life of Bees.”

Creamer looks at the ever-changing LPGA schedule as one big rain delay, where officials say they’ll give another update in an hour.

While she doesn’t go into her closet to pack these days, there are daily reminders of her triumphs. Creamer has the Sunday shirts from each of her 10 LPGA victories and her Solheim singles matches hanging in her closet. She recently pulled out the pink one she wore on Sunday at Oakmont when she won the 2010 U.S. Women’s Open.

Last month she taped a look-back interview with the USGA about the 10-year anniversary of her biggest victory. She could hear the crowd cheering in the background when they played several clips.

“It was like it just happened,” she said. “I had goosebumps again.”

She then went back to tending her garden, a different kind of challenge that yields a new kind of joy.

Click here to read more from the “Stuck at Home With” series.

Coronavirus: Resignations, citations in one Ohio county closed for golf

The debate over whether golfers should be allowed to play at an Ohio country club has caused tension in village about an hour from Columbus.

The debate over whether golfers should be allowed to play at an Ohio country club has caused tension in a rural setting about an hour from Columbus.

The state’s governor, Mike DeWine, left the decision on whether golf courses should open to local municipalities. Officials in Guernsey County, about 80 miles of the state’s capital, decided against such a move.

But officials say members at Cambridge Country Club in the village of Byesville have been on the course in recent days, and that’s led to a pair of potential county-level resignations, as well as citations to some who had been playing.

Guernsey County Health Commissioner Dr. Edward Colby confirmed that Cambridge-Guernsey County Health Department Administrator Rose Ball and Board of Health member Mike Yanico made statements alluding to their resignation from their respective positions before leaving a recent special meeting. However, Colby said he has not received official resignations from either individual.

“You would have to discuss that with her (Ball),” Colby said. “She made comments regarding her resignation, and Mike Yanico got up and stormed out saying ‘take this as my resignation.’ I don’t know if Mike will be at the regular board meeting scheduled for Wednesday or not, but I have not received an official resignation from him.”

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Yanico said that he made the statement in the “heat of the moment” and planned to attend the regular board meeting on Wednesday. He declined to comment further at this time.

A message for Ball left Monday morning at the health department seeking comment had not been returned as of press time. She reportedly worked throughout the weekend and issued two press releases to local media regarding confirmed COVID-19 cases.

Colby said he is not sure of the legality of the special meeting after motions were made and rescinded before multiple people walked out of the session prior to the meeting being adjourned.

“I am not sure if any motions carried,” Colby said. “We will have to talk to our legal counsel.”

The health department had made efforts to stop golfing at the country club. That included sending Guernsey County sheriff’s deputies to check the course, based on guidelines issued by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine. The health department recently issued citations to three unidentified individuals for golfing at the club on Southgate Road.

Colby declined to discuss the specifics of the citations citing the pending status of the legal process. He also declined to discuss alleged threats made against health department representatives.

According to the health commissioner, the three individuals are scheduled to be arraigned in the Cambridge Municipal Court next week.

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“I don’t think it’s a matter to discuss publicly until they go to court,” Colby said. “I am not sure what these three young adults plan to do in court, but they were given options to remediate this situation and that has not come to fruition.

“The charges we filed would not have been accepted if there was no merit, and we have been told that we are well within our rights to file the charges. People can’t flaunt the law. The rules apply to everybody. If it goes to trial, it will all come out.”

According to item No. 13 of the Stay Safe Order signed by Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton on March 17 titled Closed Businesses and Operations, “the following businesses and operations are to remain closed until this order is amended or rescinded.”

Paragraph “g” states in part that “All places of public amusement, whether indoors or outdoors, including, but not limited to, locations with amusement rides, carnivals, amusement parks, water parks, aquariums, zoos, museums, arcades, fairs, children’s play center, playgrounds, funplexes, theme parks, bowling alleys, concert and music halls, and country clubs or social clubs shall be closed.”

The penalty for violating Acton’s order is a fine up to $750, 90 days in jail or both, according to the Ohio Revised Code.

Colby said the state left the opening of golf courses to the discretion of local jurisdictions, but the Guernsey County Health Department has not issued a legal order allowing golfing in the county.

Colby said he believes people are losing sight of the real issue.

“It is disheartening that we should be concerned with public health, but we have people more concerned about golfing at our country club,” Colby said.

He said the health department has not received complaints about not being able to golf at any public course.

“There is a rationale why we suspended golfing,” Colby said. “But, they were out there golfing this past weekend.”

A check of the dispatch log at the sheriff’s office failed to reveal any requests golfers at the county club be removed from the course.

LPGA pushes back 2020 restart to mid-July

After planning to resume its 2020 season in June, the LPGA pushed back its restart date to mid-July.

The LPGA won’t be back in action until mid-July at the earliest. On Wednesday morning the tour released its latest revised schedule with the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational, a team event in Midland, Michigan, now in the lead-off position July 15-18.

The final event of the season, the CME Group Tour Championship, moves to Dec. 17-20 in Naples, Florida, immediately following the U.S. Women’s Open in Houston, Texas.

“One thing that has become clear is that there will be no ‘opening bell’ regarding a return to safe play in this new normal of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan in a statement. “To be honest, being ‘first’ has never been the goal when it comes to returning to play in this new normal. We have built a schedule that we think is as safe as possible given what we know about travel bans, testing availability, and delivering events that our sponsors and our athletes will be excited to attend.

“While July seems like a long way away, we are certainly aware that restarting our season in Michigan, Ohio and New Jersey will require a continued improvement in the situation in each of those states.”

MORE: KPMG Women’s PGA rescheduled for October

The Walmart NW Arkansas Championship, originally scheduled for June 19-21, will now be held Aug. 28-30, taking the place of the now canceled UL International Crown.

The KPMG Women’s PGA is the latest major to move to a fall date. Originally scheduled for late June, the championship will now be held Oct. 8-11 at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania.

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Four other events that were scheduled to take place earlier this spring and then postponed – Volvik Founders Cup, LOTTE Championship, HUGEL-AIR PREMIA LA Open and LPGA MEDIHEAL Championship – have now been canceled for this season. That’s now a total of eight canceled events for 2020 plus the International Crown.

The Marathon Classic, Meijer LPGA Classic, new Pelican Women’s Championship and Volunteers of America Classic have all moved to later dates on the schedule featured below.

The AIG Women’s British Open remains on the schedule in late August even though the men’s British Open has been canceled for 2020.

There are four events still in the fall Asian swing, with tournaments scheduled for China, Taiwan, South Korea and Japan. The Korean LPGA is scheduled to return to action in mid-May with no spectators.

Players will compete for more than $56 million for the remainder of the year.

Updated LPGA schedule

Date Event and location Money
July 15-18 Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational
Midland C.C., Midland, Michigan		 $2.3M
July 23-26 Marathon LPGA Classic presented by Dana
Highland Meadows G.C., Sylvania, Ohio		 $2M
July 31 – Aug. 2 ShopRite LPGA Classic presented by Acer
Seaview, A Dolce Hotel, Galloway, New Jersey		 $2M
Aug. 6-9 The Evian Championship
Evian Resort G.C., Evian-les-Bains, France		 $4.1M
Aug. 13-16 Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open
The Renaissance Club, North Berwick, Scotland		 $1.5M
Aug. 20-23 AIG Women’s British Open
Royal Troon G.C., Troon, Scotland		 $4.5M
Aug. 28-30 Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G
Pinnacle C.C., Rogers, Arkansas		 $2M
Sept. 3-6 CP Women’s Open
Shaughnessy G. and C.C., Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada		 $2.35M
Sept. 10-13 ANA Inspiration
Mission Hills C.C., Rancho Mirage, California		 $3.1M
Sept. 17-20 Cambia Portland Classic
Columbia Edgewater C.C., Portland, Oregon		 $1.75M
Sept. 24-27 Kia Classic
Aviara G.C., Carlsbad, California		 $2M
Oct. 1-4 Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give
Blythefield C.C., Grand Rapids, Michigan		 $2.3M
Oct. 8-11 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship
Aronimink G.C., Newtown Square, Pennsylvania		 $4.3M
Oct. 15-18 Buick LPGA Shanghai
Qizhong Garden G.C., Shanghai, People’s Republic of China		 $2.1M
Oct. 22-25 BMW Ladies Championship
LPGA International Busan, Busan, Republic of Korea		 $2M
Oct. 29 – Nov. 1 Taiwan Swinging Skirts LPGA
Miramar G. and C.C., New Taipei City, Chinese Taipei		 $2.2M
Nov. 6-8 TOTO Japan Classic
Taiheyo Club (Minori Course), Ibaraki, Japan		 $1.5M
Nov. 12-15 OFF
Nov. 19-22 Pelican Women’s Championship presented by DEX Imaging
Pelican G.C., Belleair, Florida		 $2M
Nov. 26-29 OFF (Thanksgiving)
Dec. 3-6 Volunteers of America Classic
Old American G.C., The Colony, Texas		 $1.75M
Dec. 10-13 U.S. Women’s Open
Champions G.C., Houston, Texas		 $5.5M
Dec. 17-20 CME Group Tour Championship
Tiburon G.C., Naples, Florida		 $5M

 

 

Pennsylvania will also allow courses to open on May 1

In addition to golf courses, marinas, guided fishing trips and privately-owned campgrounds may reopen statewide on May 1.

Count Pennsylvania as another of the states that will allow players back on the links soon. Golf courses across Pennsylvania can reopen on Friday, May 1, Gov. Tom Wolf announced early this week.

Deemed non-essential, golf courses have been closed as part of the Wolf administration’s mitigation efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wolf announced Monday he is lifting some restrictions on businesses related to certain outdoor activities to ensure Pennsylvanians have opportunities to safely enjoy outdoor recreation as a way to maintain positive physical and mental health, according to a news release from Wolf’s office.

In addition to golf courses, marinas, guided fishing trips and privately-owned campgrounds may reopen statewide on May 1. Campgrounds in state parks will remain closed through Thursday, May 14.

Shepherd’s Rock Golf Course at Nemacolin Woodlands, a Tim Liddy and Pete Dye Designed golf course in western Pennsylvania.

Businesses and patrons are required to follow updated life-sustaining guidance that prioritizes public health and safety. According to those guidelines, golf carts may be used at courses, but they are only for one person at a time, among other requirements.

“Pennsylvanians have remained resilient throughout this COVID-19 crisis, and as we successfully continue to flatten the curve to protect our physical health, it is critical that we also focus on our physical and mental health during these extraordinary times. As the weather warms and daylight lengthens, enjoying time outdoors is an important way to manage stress,” Wolf said. “As we start to take measured, limited steps to reopen our commonwealth, reopening these industries will help to rebuild our economy and strengthen our mental health.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued guidelines that must be followed by businesses and when engaging in outdoor activity while the state disaster declaration remains in effect, according to a news release. The guidelines will ensure safety and adherence will help slow the spread of COVID-19:

• Stay close to home: Pennsylvanians are encouraged to enjoy permitted outdoor recreational activities within their community and avoid crowding popular destinations.

• Practice social distancing: Maintain the recommended minimum 6 feet apart from fellow recreationists. Pennsylvanians are also encouraged to wear a mask or protective garment that covers the nose and mouth any time they go outside. If a parking lot at a park is full or there are too many people on the same trail, find an alternate place to recreate. Cross the street to avoid running directly past another runner or wait longer at a golf hole for a fellow golfer to move forward.

• Minimize risk to others: Individuals should only go out if they feel healthy and have not been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

• Practice good hygiene: Wash hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol. Avoid surfaces that are touched often, such as doorknobs and handrails.

• Have a plan: Create a safety plan before heading outdoors. Explain to children the need to keep their distance from others, even if they happen to see a friend while outside. Discuss with partners, social distancing while on the golf course. Think through how to avoid other runners when waiting to safely cross a street at the same time.

“Practicing social distancing takes a little planning and patience but it is necessary if we want to continue to flatten the curve while ensuring that Pennsylvanians have opportunities to de-stress and get exercise,” Wolf said. “Finding the balance between enjoying the outdoors and staying safe is only possible when all Pennsylvanians are abiding by the same precautions. It’s critical that all Pennsylvanians adhere to the safety guidelines to allow for these outdoor activities to remain available to the public.”

Coronavirus and golf: Don’t forget extra water if you’re heading to the course

Golf courses might not be providing one of the keys to being able to play in the heat: Water.

After one of the milder springs in several years – a mild spring that added to the frustration of golfers who might not be have been allowed to play golf – things are starting to really warm up across the country.

People have been longing to get on golf courses that had been closed because of coronavirus. And as of the week ending April 26, 58 percent of U.S. courses were open, based on a survey of more than 1,200 courses. That’s up from 49 percent open the week before.

However, here’s something to consider if you’re heading back to the links —  golf courses might not be providing one of the keys to being able to play in the heat: Water.

Restrictions on golf courses that allowed them to reopen have caused some courses to change the way they do business. In some cases, that includes taking water coolers off of carts and not providing larger water cooler on the courses. It’s a way to make sure there is less contact with other people, just as taking rakes out of bunkers mean people aren’t touching and sharing rakes.

Lee Westwood wipes away sweat during a golf tournament.

But in the heat of the summer golfers need access to cold water or ice to stave off the heat. Hydration is perhaps the key element in being able to play in the warmer areas like Arizona, Texas and the California desert during June, July or August.

So golfers are going to have to be smarter about hydrating in the coming weeks than they have in the past. They are going to have to bring their own water in many cases. It’s important to call the golf courses you will be playing to see what is and isn’t available. If they don’t have water coolers on their carts, make sure they let you bring your own.

And hydrating before getting to the course will be important, too. Most people don’t do this, but having water before you even get to the course makes it easier throughout the round to stay hydrated.

There are other things to remember as you scurry back to the golf course to get in those precious rounds golfers were missing in March and April. For instance:

1. Sunscreen: Scorching temperatures can cause a lot of skin troubles, including skin cancer. And the sun can turn your skin into leather pretty fast. Sunscreen is practically mandatory. You can pick your own protection number, though most people will tell you 30 SPF should be a bottom line.

2. Other precautions: Yes, this seems obvious, but wearing a hat helps. It keeps the sun off of your face and neck a bit (if you are wearing the right hat), and it will make you more comfortable. Another tip is to keep a cold towel around (perhaps in a cooler). Toss that towel around your neck two or three times a round and you’ll be amazed at the cooling effect.

3. Play early, if possible: The heat of the day is at 2 or 3 p.m., and in some areas, you can’t be on the golf course then. If you play at 7 a.m., you can get around in three hours and not have to face the crushing heat of the day.

4. Don’t be stupid: A round of golf is not worth your life or worth even short-term damage to your health. If you feel dizzy or can’t focus or you notice you’ve stopped sweating, get in your cart and get off the course immediately. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are real things, and you shouldn’t risk either of them for a round of golf.

So stay off the course if you can’t follow those simple rules. And remember that better playing conditions are on their way … eventually.

Larry Bohannan is golf writer for The Desert Sun in Palm Springs, California, where it can get awfully warm. He can be reached at larry.bohannan@desertsun.com. Follow him on Facebook or on Twitter at Sun.@Larry_Bohannan.

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Survey: More public golf courses are closing, losing staff at higher rate

A survey on the coronavirus’ impact on public golf says not only are more courses closing, they’re also losing staff at a faster rate.

According to a recent survey on the coronavirus pandemic’s impact on public golf, not only are more courses closing, they’re also losing half their staff at a faster rate.

A GOLFNOW survey of nearly 1,300 golf course operators that ended April 15 showed an increase from 42 to 62 percent of reporting facilities closing for play. As for the courses that have remained open for business, the numbers aren’t looking much better.

Last month’s survey showed 24 percent of courses reportedly laid off at least half their workers. In the latest survey, the percentage rose to 39 percent, with 12 percent reporting they had furloughed or laid off anywhere between one-quarter and one-half of their staff.

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The survey also showed over half of the courses still open have gone paperless and won’t accept cash. For many, online prepayment is necessary due to safety concerns and smaller staffs.

The bright spot to the survey may come as a shock. In March, 24 percent of responses showed rounds played had increased compared to 2019’s numbers during the same time frame. The most-recent survey says 15 percent reported an event or increase in rounds played.

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