In the latest nonsensical twist to New York State golf in the age of the coronavirus, it seems that private clubs are now permitted to allow member play on the sly, while public golf courses are to remain shuttered.
Empire State Development, which kept golf courses open for weeks before categorizing golf courses as non-essential just eight days ago on April 9, updated its language this afternoon to read that courses remain non-essential, though "private operators may permit individuals access to the property" provided social-distancing measures are followed and no employees are on site. However, golf pros or starters can work on site as "security."
While that new language seems vague, Mike Dougherty, golf writer for the The Journal News (@lohudgolf on Twitter), provided some additional context by citing a Friday e-mail from the New York State Club Association that indicates the following measures were approved by New York State, among others:
- No employees within the golf operation except for security, which is responsible for ensuring members adhere to the CDC mandate for social distancing. Security can be a golf pro or starter.
- All club facilities are to remain closed, including clubhouses, locker rooms and pro shops.
- No caddies. No carts, except for pull or push carts.
- Admission of guests is to be determined by the security personnel on the golf course.
Meanwhile, in line with Governor Andrew Cuomo's Thursday extension of the current "NYS on Pause" regulations, the NYS Parks website indicates all state golf courses are closed through May 15. As outlined by Golf On Long Island since the start of the pandemic, Long Island's public golf courses have followed the lead of NYS municipal courses, specifically Bethpage.
The situation will undoubtedly change again in the next few days. Check back at Golf On Long Island for updates.
As usual the rich get to do what they want.Someone was paid off.
Posted by: Bob Horsham | April 19, 2020 at 05:23 AM