In this file photo, golfers at the Canaswacta Country Club are pictured on the course behind the flag of the fifth hole of the course. After several ups and downs to the start of the season, golf courses in New York State are open. (Meagan Schulz photo)

Owners and staff taking extra measures to ensure health and safety of patrons

NORWICH – With the winter-like weather working it’s way out of the 10 day forecast and temperatures predicted to be in the 60s next week, heading to a local golf course could be featured in your plans.

After several changes to the executive order from New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo since the COVID-19 pandemic first struck the area, golf courses have been allowed to open back up after a brief stint of being deemed non-essential.

On March 22, when the first New York State on PAUSE Executive Order was signed, the golf industry was told it was allowed to remain open but with certain guidelines provided by the CDC and state heath department.

Some things that were included in the CDC’s original recommendations were no access to pro shops or the locker rooms, leave the flagstick in the hole, don’t share equipment with others, and don’t shake hands before or after play among other rules that could not enforce the social distancing rule of 6-feet.

Many golf course owners and operators were taking extreme measures to ensure the safety of all participants. Some made it possible to make a tee time, arrive at the course, head to the first tee and play without coming into contact with another person.