(LINO LAKES) – Golf course managers are getting what they’ve been asking for, a chance to open under special rules for distancing. They were ordered closed in March under Governor Walz’s order that also closed bars and restaurants.
Courses like Anoka County’s Chomonix course have been working to be ready in anticipation of the opening.
“We have been continuing preparations on the golf course with debris clean up and hydrology management on Chomonix Golf Course,” said Jeff Perry, Anoka County Parks Director. “Every day counts in this business, every day is critical in terms of preparation,” Perry added.
The goal was to be ready whenever the order came that they could open. For Chomonix, that happens Saturday, April 18 at 10:00 am.
“The course is playable right now,” Perry said.
One new strategy is to never touch the pins, or flags you see on every green. It’s something every golfer touches and could be a transfer point for virus.
“There are strategies to raise the cups so golf balls go near the hole and you don’t have to touch the pin,” said Perry. “So the ball would just hit a cup, and not go in the hole.”
Under the new order, safety measures include distancing between golfers and making tee times and payment before you arrive at the course.
“So you make a reservation online, you show up for your tee time, you have a starter and they’ll have an iPad to confirm the reservation,” said Perry. “I think it’s very doable.”
Chomonix will work to set up an online system, but at the opening on Saturday all reservations and payments will be made over the phone.
After being cooped up at home, course managers hope for a pent up demand for golfers to get on the course. That would be good for Chomonix which is in the middle of a three year evaluation of its financial picture. This year may not be a good barometer, since everyone is having to think outside the box.
“I think we have to be creative and adaptable to meet this demand of the public and we’re very prepared to do that,” Perry said.
Meanwhile, work at the TPC course in Blaine also continues with a positive outlook that the 3M Open will go on as planned. It’s one of few PGA events not canceled or postponed. The PGA is planning to allow fans to the July tournament, while planning continues on ways to do so safely.
