#Play golf it how to#

Take Florida, for instance, where the governor has not ordered golf courses to shutter. In Wisconsin, meanwhile, the state has ordered that golf courses cease operations altogether.Įlsewhere in the country, a hodgepodge applies. Whatever clarity emerges in Michigan, it might not be the same as what now holds in Illinois, where the state is allowing golfers to play on, but without carts.

“We don’t know yet whether this new order overrides the prior one,” Whitten said.

#Play golf it how to#

How to interpret it is the question, because a prior statewide declaration, issued last week, allowed for golf courses to stay open, with restrictions on food and beverage, and other services. On Tuesday morning, just after midnight, Michigan’s governor issued a statewide stay-at-home order, but the language in it does not specifically mention golf. “At this point, we’re seeking clarity,” said Chris Whitten, executive director of the Golf Association of Michigan.ĬAN YOU PLAY GOLF IN YOUR STATE? FIND OUT HERE Many recreational golfers, golf organizations and course operators alike have been left to wonder not only whether and how golf can be pursued safely but also if it’s permissible to play the game at all. From city to city, county to county and state to state, varying mandates have kicked up questions.

And a study in contrasts, within the New York metropolitan area, that reflects the inconsistencies and confusion now clouding the golf industry nationwide.Īs the coronavirus outbreak tears across the country, a grey area has engulfed much of the game. All of the New York City municipal courses, for example, some of which are just 20 miles west of Bethpage, are closed. For them, we are a much-needed escape.”Īt many nearby courses, though, no such luck. “And the golfers who are coming out are happy to be here. “We’re following all the safety protocols, both on and off the courses,” said Kelley Brooke, managing partner at the Bethpage Golf Group.

They’re among the exceptions to a statewide stay-at-home order that has shuttered “non-essential” businesses while allowing certain outdoor activities in state parks to continue. Though the famous Black Course, host of multiple major championships, has yet to open for the season, three other state-run courses at Bethpage - the Blue, Yellow and Green - have been welcoming golfers. But the tee sheets at Bethpage State Park were jammed. On Thursday morning in New York, the stores, salons and sidewalks were empty.