THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy and Facebook or Linkedin. With Mistwood owner Jim McWethy who passed away this week at age 76, from a lung condition.
THE Chicago District Golf Association (CDGA) has posted the new Phase 4 for Illinois golf guidelines set down by the governor’s office.
These changes to operational restrictions went into effect this morning at 6 AM.
The CDGA along with the Illinois PGA, the Midwest Golf Course Superintendents Association and the Club Managers Association, and recently the Western Golf Association (WGA) have worked together to get the golf courses reopened in Illinois for 2020.
There have been changes on the course, and to cart rules, practice area’s and the clubhouse area, and inside of clubhouses. Individual caddies are now permitted, but there are restrictions. If you take a caddie you should try to not have them handle your clubs at all, or on limited occasions Beverage carts are now permissible. The locker rooms are open, along with halfway houses. Lessons can take place including group lessons of 50 people or less.
For more information visit CDGA.org.
In all cases, golfers should use smart judgement around ALL golf facilities. Wear a mask if you feel you need one, and do practice social distancing at all times. There is no need to crowd the beverage cart worker, or the halfway house or pro shop workers. Do not be mean or difficult to course workers who wear a mask.
While there is no evidence that handling a flag stick or reaching into a cup on the green could give you the Covid-19 virus, avoid doing so as much as possible.
IF YOU have symptoms of Covid-19, do not go to a golf facility. If someone in your household has Covid-19 or the symptoms of the virus, do not go to a golf facility. Be prepared to handle your own golf ball, and bring hand sanitizer if you have with you to the golf course, for use after your round.
Walkers do realize that bench’s will not be out on the golf course, and bringing your own water bottle ( with water or something else in it) is a good idea.
Leagues and shotgun start style golf outings are now welcomed back to the golf course.
Golfers on Golf Radio Am 820 10-11 on Saturday mornings will discuss the changes in restrictions tomorrow morning. Join us live or online Wcpt820.com or watch on Facebook to learn more.