THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, and on Facebook or LinkedIn.

GREAT NEWS-ILLINOIS GOLF WILL RETURN tomorrow, Wednesday March 25th.

Here is part of the updated mandate from the State of Illinois.

Can golf courses open: YES.

But under these guidelines from the Illinois Department of Economic Opportunity.

Clubhouses and food services are closed. To pay for your round if it’s a public course, you must do so in advance, you can not go in the clubhouse to pay. You must have it done before you get there.

YOU MUST WALK-no carts are going out. No food or beverage operations can be up and running. NO beverage carts can be sent out on the course, and no halfway houses can open. You should be using social distancing guidelines.

ILLINOIS GUIDELINES on golf courses have been revised as of March 24th.

Courses can control whether or not they put rakes out in the traps, many will not. IF your on the range, or putting green engage in social distancing.

TRY NOT to touch flag sticks. Many courses will elevate the cups above ground level so you do not have to reach into the cup to get your golf ball.

This morning, the Governor of Ohio reopened golf courses, and all states surrounding the borders of Illinois had courses open as of today. ONLY Illinois was shutdown. If you wish to play, call the course to see if they are open, and make payment. Private club members should check with the head golf professional or director of golf, to see if guests are welcome.

Private club members, you are not allowed in your clubhouses. If you need your clubs from your locker, or other items from your locker, call the pro shop, and your items will have to be brought out to you.

If your out golfing in the next few days and wish to share pictures with us. Post them on my Facebook page (Rory Spears), or send to our Twitter account @GogBlogGuy. Also if you not following us on Twitter, we encourage you to do so.

Good golfing every one. One small step everyone, but it’s a start.  RORY