Read the NENY PGA E-News June 19th Update
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NENY PGA COVID Tournament Protocols Modified
Modifications have been made to our original Tournament COVID Protocols, as the Capital Region was one of the last regions that covers our NENY PGA Section territory to enter Phase 3 this week.
The changes mostly deal with the protocols that were in place to help limit gatherings but the NY State Forward Plan and state rules provide group gatherings of up to 25 people are now permitted.
The below protocols have been removed. Players MUST still abide by the social distancing rules in place at all times while on site and participating in events and section leaders and staff stress to continue to be vigilant regarding utilizing the hand sanitizing provided.
- Removing the arrival time 45 minutes prior to the players starting time
- Removing the 12 feet minimum hitting stations on the driving range (appropriate distance will be utilized)
- Removing the restriction on limiting the number of players allowed on any practice green or chipping green
- Removing the Player Timing Sample
- Removing players must use the Sanitation Station upon entering the Scoring Area
- Removing the note stating players are asked to return to their car and exit the property after leaving the Scoring Area
- Removing that Award ceremonies will NOT be conducted, and all awards will be shipped to the players after the event
- Removing the statement that all practice after the round is prohibited and that players in a playoff will only be able to practice for 10 minutes before the beginning of the playoff.
- Removing the E-Z Lift Putter System on pins/flags ONLY WITH THE PERMISSION OF THE HOST FACILITY to permit removal of the pins if a player chooses to do so. It's important to note that, players do not have to touch/remove the pin.
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| NENY PGA Tournament Updates Registration closes soon for the following tournaments.
Donald Ross at Sagamore & Glens Falls CC
Sun-Mon, June 28-29
Eligible to all Pre-Associates, Associates, Class A Members, & Life Members (in good standing)
Reminder this is a MAJOR POY Event
Deadline for Registration Tues, June 23rd at midnight:
Pro Classic Series #3 at Whiteface Resort
Monday, July 13th
Eligible to all Pre-Associates, Associates, Class A Members, & Life Members (in good standing)
Reminder this is a Classic POY event
Deadline for Registration: Wednesday, July 8th at midnight:
Get Signed Up for the OMEGA POY - Click on Logo Below
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Town Hall Meeting - What's Next in Golf Operations"
NY Forward Phases 3 & 4 and Mass Phases - Tuesday, June 16th
| Review Items-Highlights
On Tuesday, June 16th we took the opportunity to have a Google Meet to discuss what's next in golf operations as NY State and all the regions who begin entering Phase 3. Last week, the WNY PGA Section received the below guidance from the Empire State Development and in collaboration with all four NYS PGA Sections, this communication is being circulated amongst the PGA Sections and New York PGA membership and facilities.
Please remember that the NENY PGA Section is not providing any sort of legal advice. We also cannot stress enough the importance of continuing to follow all proper Social Distancing, sanitizing procedures and group guidelines set forth by the state. Continue to use proper judgement on all areas in respect to the safety of your staff, family and customers/members. 1. NY State - ESD Representative Response - From the Finger Lakes Region
"There aren’t any specific restrictions by NYS with regards to club/bag handling, bunker rakes, or cart operation. All of those safety restrictions are/should be based on industry best practices."
"NYS Executive Order requires a face mask in public when social distancing can’t be maintained. So, while I don’t expect NYS would/will specifically determine about golf carts in that detail, the recommendation of masks being mandatory would make sense for golfers that want to ride together at clubs that are willing to allow it." "Outings/event gatherings of 50 people are not yet allowed based on current NYS restrictions. The current NYS Executive Order allows social gatherings of up to 25 people, with a few designated exceptions for special events and other (indoor) facilities limited to a percentage of max capacity. I expect that will change as we continue to progress re-opening."
2. NENY PGA Facility Operation "Planning/Practices" Sharing
- Although, a small attendance on the meeting - professionals shared that they are planning/preparing to re-introduce for many of these operational practices with the start of Phase 3 in NY - i.e., double rider carts, locker rooms, bag storage, items back on the golf course like rakes, discussing flagsticks, etc.
- Common theme seemed to be utilizing proper practices and PPE in place for club employees working in these operations as well the customer/members tolerance and comfort level (2-rider carts, etc.)
- It was stated that a directive from NY State Parks & Recreation has indicated to their state golf course professional operators that golfers who are playing in the same group/tee time (regardless if they've driven/rode to the golf course together) can utilize a 2-person riding cart together with their own approval
3. Aftermath of the Golf COVID-Protocols
- It was discussed that with the pandemic and the required protocols and new methods/protocols golf operators have been forced to institute - some may be a positive for facilities who intend to keep operating in that manner and others may be detrimental to the business and the method of moving away from the "temporary" protocols is becoming more of a priority of how to move away from these
4. Back2Golf - Revised as of June 10th
- Just a reminder that Back2Golf is simply a tool to use as you open up your other golf operations - bag rooms, etc. to ensure that you are following all CDC guidelines and procedures. State phases will always superseed Back2Golf resource.
- Unfortunately this document/resource hasn't been "blessed" by NYS or the ESD, so it should only be viewed as a resource to utilize for best practice, etc. and not as an endorsed protocol for your golf oepration
5. Massachusetts - COVID & Golf Operations
- Massachusetts is quite opposite of NY and at the state level is still issuing very specific guidance regarding golf operations for facilities as well as for golfers themselves
- Practice ranges, and other changes to golf as of June 8th in Phase 2 are in place and Phase 3 is likely another week away
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PGA Frisco Project Update
In case you missed it, last week there was a recent article done on the PGA Frisco project update. PGA CEO Seth Waugh and others have also called the new headquarters the “Silicon Valley of Golf” for its potential to advance the game. The timeline in place provides that in two years for completion of the entire project in North Texas.
Construction along the East Course designed by Gil Hanse at PGA Frisco in Frisco, Texas, on Wednesday, May 20, 2020. The $520 million project is a mixed-use development that will be home to the PGA of America headquarters and two championship golf courses.(Vernon Bryant / Staff Photographer)
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PGA Family Cup - NOW Is the TIME!
Times have been strange the last few months. We were all ordered to stay home and to social distance ourselves. Golf courses closed, golf professionals were out of work (some still are unfortunately), events and trips being cancelled, school and sports were cancelled - the list goes on! Golf was one of the first recreational activities allowed to re-open in the last few months and we have seen a tremendous spike in regular play. Golf courses are seeing record high numbers of rounds. It sounds like we are attracting brand new golfers as well because people just want to get out of the house!
We believe there are a lot of opportunities for our Golf Professionals and golf courses to take advantage of as restrictions slowly get lifted at your facility and/or local health authorities. There is still plenty of time in 2020 to make up for your player development losses!
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PGA of America - Closed Today (6/19) in Observance of Juneteenth Holiday
Given the significance of June 19, 1865 as the final emancipation of slaves in the U.S., PGA of America has declared Juneteenth as a permanent holiday for all PGA of America staff. PGA leaders believe it will provide a needed opportunity for conversation, reflection, healing and volunteerism which is especially important in light of recent events. In order to embrace a new future of understanding, empathy and true equality, we need to recognize the past, atone for our failings and encourage continuous self-development and respect for all cultures. We hope this Friday can symbolize a new beginning, an affirmation of solidarity with our Black colleagues, a chance to recognize our commitment to inclusion for all and provide for a sober celebration of a new awakening for us all.
All the best,
Seth
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June 21st Marks the First Day of the Summer season!
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PGA DUES REMINDER
As of May 1, dues invoices are now available with an extended due date of October 31, 2020. PGA Professionals have two payment options to choose from. Please click here for more information on PGA dues procedures
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NENY PGA Section Staff is Back in the Office
Tracie Warner, Executive Director, twarner@pgahq.com, Cell: 518-470-7033
Doug Evans, Tournament Director/Asst. ED, devans@pgahq.com; Cell 518-248-1973
Christian Torres, Director of Player Development, ctorres@pgahq.com, 518-791-6548
OFFICE Phone: 518-438-8645
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