UPDATE - June 19, 2020
The New York State Department of Health has updated "Interim Guidance for Sports and Recreation During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency." This was created to provide owners/operators of sports and recreation businesses/leagues/organizations and their employees, as well as patrons/players/spectators, with precautions to help protect against the spread of COVID-19.
As noted on page 7 - For golf courses and driving ranges, Responsible Parties should ensure players adhere to the following additional safety measures:
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Limit tee times to four players, except for members of the same household
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Restrict use of golf carts to single riders or members of the same family/household only, unless a physical barrier that does not impede visibility or operation of the cart is in place. Cleaning and disinfection are required between each party’s use
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Keep golf bag in possession, when possible
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Consider using remote check-in, with advance tee time reservations (by Internet or telephone)
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Process payment of greens fee in a contact-free manner at the time of play by credit and debit card only (e.g. no cash) to the extent possible; courses should make efforts to take phone payments in advance
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Prohibit the use of bunker rakes (except by employees/maintenance staff), ball washers, and water coolers
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Permit golf pros on the course, provided they do not touch players and keep six feet of distance at all times, unless wearing a face covering or are separated by a physical barrier
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Prohibit common use of tees/scorecards/pencils/ball markers among non-household members, unless such items are cleaned and disinfected between use
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Only allow club and equipment rentals if it is cleaned and disinfected before and after player use
Recreational businesses (including golf clubs and courses) must submit an Online Affirmation Form to NY State.
Click here for the full document.
Previously -- April 17, 2020
This afternoon (4/17), New York State and The Empire State Development Corporation issued a further update on Executive Order 202.6. Section 13 of that update provides: “However, golf courses are not essential and cannot have employees working on-premise; notwithstanding this restriction, essential services, such as groundskeeping to avoid hazardous conditions and security, provided by employees, contractors, or vendors are permitted and private operators may permit individuals access to the property so long as there are no gatherings of any kind and appropriate social distancing of six feet between individuals is strictly abided.”
Based on this afternoon’s new guidance, we understand private operators and private clubs may permit individuals to use their property, including to play golf, so long as there are no gatherings of any kind and appropriate social distancing of six feet between individuals is strictly abided. This afternoon’s guidance essentially returns private operators and private clubs back to what they were doing prior to last Thursday’s guidance. Today’s guidance was issued in response to the MGA’s request to clarify the status of activities, such as playing golf or walking, on private property that is in full compliance with the regulations of the CDC regarding social distancing and the Executive Order on employee reduction.
Golf courses REMAIN non-essential businesses and cannot have employees working on premise (including starters, cart staff, and independent contractor caddies, etc.).
UPDATE - 3 p.m., April 11, 2020
During this challenging period, we have shared updates on the evolving situation with our community and members to provide what we know, when we know it.
New York State’s current intention now appears to be clear based on recently received information from representatives of Empire State Development: no golf is to be played on golf courses until further notice. That update, coupled with what we now know to be the enforcement efforts mentioned in our earlier communication, means New York State wants all golf courses closed.
We remain committed to updating you as we hear of changes. Thank you for your patience during this ever-changing and sometimes confusing week.
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION on the COVID-19 Pandemic in New York
April 11, 2020
It has come to our attention that facilities are being approached by local authorities, such as County Fire Marshalls, requiring golf courses to close. Those authorities have indicated that they intend to use their enforcement powers, including fines, to close private facilities to individual golfers. We suspect these authorities are acting at the direction of New York State. We urge clubs to consult with local authorities immediately regarding the status of golf on their property.
Apart from these actions, there is a substantial amount of uncertainty regarding recreational activities on private golf courses that are complying with the New York Executive Order. Yesterday’s statements regarding golf during Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s press conference contributed to that uncertainty. This is a complicated issue involving concerns of public health, private property rights and individual liberty. We have asked New York State to clarify the status of activities, such as golf, on private property that is in full compliance with the regulations of the CDC regarding social distancing and the Executive Order on employee reduction.
In the meantime, if definitive guidance is issued by New York State authorities, information will be shared as promptly as possible.
