The question of when area golf courses will be open was quickly answered this week by PGA Golf Pro Matt Kleiner who said, “the Villa Roma golf course will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday this week with a $25 fee for 18 holes and $15 for 9 holes including carts.”

Kleiner noted that the driving range is also open.

We inquired with other area golf courses but received no replies.

Prior to the announcement that the Villa Roma would be open there appeared to be some some confusion as to when area golf courses will open.

Nice moderate spring weather several days last week had seen golfers walking some courses in Sullivan County.

While our society continues to deal with the growing threat of the Coronavirus outbreak, one facet of life that is trying to maintain some sense of normalcy and provide active recreation for an anxious population are golf courses.

There also appears to be some confusion in New York State that golfers and golf courses were being placed in the category of non-essential business.

But on the other hand the New York Chapter of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America issued a statement on March 25.

It stated that the GCSANY has heard back from several legislators now that they have spoken with folks from the Governor's counsel's office and their regional Empire State Development directors.

In their calls back to the GCSANY, they have expressed that golf course maintenance can continue, preferably at a minimum level to allow for proper social distancing and sanitation.

They have also expressed that golf courses can currently remain open as long as all CDC and state mandated guidelines can be followed.

This is an example of what we heard, this through a CMAA contact..... Again, not in writing-just verbal.

Here is the information as it pertains to Golf Course and their operation under the NYS Work from home order. This information is provided in direct conversation with the Governor's Counsels office.

“Golf courses may continue to operate all exterior functions (i.e. maintenance) (staff shall practice all social distancing rules recommended). Members/Public may use the golf course for play provided they are following all the social distancing guidance that has been provided. (i.e. 6 feet apart from other individuals, no sharing of clubs/bags or golf carts.

“There is to be no access to the following, Pro Shops, Locker Rooms, Indoor Facilities Restaurants/Bars (unless for take-out purposes only) Staff, as in the General Manager, Club Pro and/or assistant Pro may be on premise to handle only the bare minimum, as to facilitate/coordinate play. They cannot grant access to anyone to any of the facilities mentioned above. Likewise, there is to be no transactions of money, credit cards or the like for purpose of play, equipment and/or merchandise (no direct interaction amongst individuals). “The Bare Minimum to Operate the outside functions of the club.”

The superintendent's association noted that they have not been able to get much in writing.

Ed's Outlook

We are happy to see that the Villa Roma golf facility is open this weekend. Hopefully more golf courses will soon be open as it appears that there are regulations set in place to protect golfers. Our golf and putting tips will be joining us shortly.

Ed Townsend is a Public Relations Consultant to the Sport of Golf and brings over 60 years of sports journalism experience in writing and compiling the information for this column. If you have league or tournament information, shoot a hole-in-one, let Ed know at 845-439-8177, email bght75@gmail.com or fax to 845-205-4474. View this column and Ed's photos at http://bght.blogspot.com We are also on Facebook and Twitter.