At least, there is still golf in NC and NY

NORTH CANAAN — We are all wondering what the future holds in light of the COVID-19 crisis and its powerful effect on the way we go about our everyday lives and business.

Thus far at least, some of us can still get out and enjoy the fresh air in the company (6 feet apart, please) of a few friends at golf courses in Connecticut. Courses had been open until early last week. 

Massachusetts golf courses had closed down. They are now in a holding pattern, awaiting word on petitions to the state government to allow openings on a restricted basis.

Canaan Country Club in North Canaan on Route 7 is open under strict guidelines for play passed down from the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), saying that Connecticut courses are allowed to stay open subject to the following special rules: 

• The clubhouse must remain closed and only the course is open

• The clubhouse restaurant has been and will remain closed except for takeout food orders

•  Only one person is allowed in each motorized cart 

Also, the DECD has set out the following as “best practices”: 

• Maintain social distance of a least 6 feet from fellow players and from  course employees

• Putt with the pin in the hole to avoid hand contact with the flagstick

• Sanitize golf carts after use

• Be sure that starting times are at least 10 minutes apart

“The overall message is to get some fresh air, some exercise and enjoy playing the game safely in the current circumstances,” said Canaan Country Club owner Richard Shanley. “Be respectful of everyone’s space, health and safety. And if you are feeling ill, please play another day.”

Hotchkiss Golf Course, located on the grounds of The Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, was hoping to open by May 1, according to head professional Jim Kennedy. 

“We will be opening, but I’m not yet sure as to the date. We’ll be following all distancing guidelines that are in place at the date of opening.”

Undermountain Golf Course and Copake Country Club in Copake, N.Y., had been open briefly but received word that they must close for the time being. They were told on Sunday, April 20, that they can in fact be open for business.

Frank Mazzarelli, owner of Egremont Country Club in Great Barrington, said, ”The golf courses in Massachusetts must remain closed until we receive notice otherwise. The state will determine if the courses can change their status to ‘essential’ as opposed to ‘non-essential.’ My food and beverage is also on shutdown currently.”