When golf reopens

As we prepare for an eventual return to golf, there will be some changes that we will all have to get used to. The Grounds staff has been preparing by removing regular items from the golf course.

When you return you will notice many changes: staying further apart from one another, lots of single cart riders, etc. But there will also be several accessories missing from the course. Anything that is a high-use, high-touch surface has been taken back to our shop. This was the best strategy to reduce possible transmission of the virus.

Bunker rakes, ball washers, water coolers, divot bottles and boxes have all been removed from the course and will be kept away for the immediate future. Golfers will also be reminded multiple times to leave the flagstick in the cup on every green. Until we know more, having one or more person from every group handle the flagstick or any of these other surfaces will not be safe. We do not know what the new normal will be or what guidelines we will eventually follow for golf specific items. So, for now, eliminating the opportunity for multiple people to handle the same items is the easiest protection.

In order to eliminate the handling of the flagstick, the cups will also be altered. In coordination with the Golf Committee we will decide on the best practice for retrieving the golf ball from the hole. There are several options, many of which have been featured in articles over the last couple of weeks. The options range from completely new devices that attach to the flagstick to raising the cup slightly up out of the green. We will aim to keep things as simple as possible while still achieving the safety needed. However, please do expect a change when golf reopens.

Many things will be different in the near and long-term, including on the golf course. The Grounds department is working to make these adjustments as best as possible.

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Please remember to remove any bunker sand that may be stuck to your spikes before walking on the greens.

Also, as part of a Golf Committee initiative to improve course etiquette, we have included links to videos teaching proper on course etiquette. Please take a moment to watch:

Ball Marks - How to properly repair

Bunker etiquette

See you on the course!

Joe

jvillegas@bwrc.org