Robert Markionni is the Executive Director of the Chicago District Golf Association (CDGA).
THE GOG BLOG-by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy and or Facebook & LinkedIn.
From Rory Spears: Robert Markionni CDGA Executive Director, sent out a letter today in regards to golf reopening on Friday in Illinois. Here is what he had to say.
Ladies and Gentleman,
Since last Thursday (April 23), when Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker announced the extension of the Stay at Home Order and that golf courses would be re-opening on May 1, and then on Friday, when the Golf Operational Restrictions were released by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Development, we have received many questions and comments. I want to take a few moments to answer questions and clear up confusion.
The CDGA, along with our Allied Associations (the Illinois PGA Section, the Midwest association of Golf Course Superintendents and the Greater Chicago Chapter, Club Management Association of America), will continue to work together and advocate for the game as one voice, as we have throughout this pandemic. Our associations represent the game and all facets of it and we feel by working collaboratively, it provides the opportunity to interact with the Governor’s staff as one entity, rather than each of us operating on our own.
First and foremost, and we believe everyone will agree with this point-safety and common sense is our number one priority. We do not feel that anyone can disagree with this as the most important aspect. Quite simply, if it’s not safe, we should not do it. Even if it’s safe, common sense needs to be used, and I’ll speak more to this shortly.
Second, the Allied Associations are thankful that golf courses will be opening May 1st. This is an important first step in the process of getting back to the new normal. While we have received many comments in regards to the new rules, regulations and restrictions, if courses were not allowed to re-open, we would not even be discussing regulations. We are grateful that Governor Pritzker has re-classified golf from a non-essential business to an outdoor recreation activity.
Third, the Golf Operation Restrictions that were posted last Friday are not directly reflective of the recommendations the Allied Associations provided to the Governor’s office. We looked at the golf regulations on best practices and what has been in place in the Midwest Coalition, as well as in other parts of the country.
I do want to be very clear on this point, and that is we do agree with the vast majority of the regulations. There are only a few that we feel are too restrictive. It is our belief that golfers will take safety first and utilize common sense when it comes to social distancing, adapting to the new rules and playing in a safe environment. From what we have seen in other parts of the country, as well as here in the Midwest, that is exactly what other golfers have done. We don’t need to look any further than Indiana, home to a handful of CDGA member clubs and a few thousand CDGA members, to see that the regulations that are in place have have worked and golfers are abiding by them.
It is our intent to continue to work with the Governor’s staff on the few restrictions that we would like to see modified as part of step two in the re-opening of our game.
We appreciate your support, your comments and your patience. We all want to get back to some sort of normalcy in our lives, and for golfers, that mean back on the course, playing in events, outings and leagues, enjoying the warm weather and the camaraderie the game brings. That is what the Allied Associations are striving for. You have our commitment that we will continue to advocate the positive aspects that golf brings, while always stressing safety and common sense-first approach.
Should you have any questions, feel free to contact me directly. I only ask that your comments be respectful to the game and the individuals making the decisions. I promise to do my best to answer any and all communications in a timely manner. You can find my contact information on our website. CDGA.org.
Golfers on Golf thanks Robert Markionni for stepping up, in this crucial time for golf in Illinois. Friday will be here soon, stay patient a few more days everyone. RS.