*NENY PGA Leadership Messaging - Golf Operations*
Please take note that as of the time of this writing (Friday 3/27) the NENY PGA Section leadership continues to seek to provide as much relevant information and communication as possible to our members. The COVID-19 pandemic and the decision on where the golf industry and operation of green grass facilities stands comes down to a state, regional, local decision and continues to be ever-evolving and varies widely. Seeing many of the recent communications in the last few days from Allied Golf Associations in New York relaying the "confirmation of approval of golf in NYS", the NENY PGA Section understanding is similar. It seems from all of our inquiries there will be no specific exemption granted per se (unlike other states), but the guidance being issued to any golf course at this time is to follow what the State of NY is allowing and recommending per their own NYS Parks Dept. under its "golfing" section.
Here is the link with that information: https://parks.ny.gov/covid19/
This ultimately means that each facility and governing boards/leaders must make the personal decision for their own facility. We highly caution, if that decision is made to proceed with operations that you are cautioned to do so with very specific restrictions to follow per the CDC guidelines and helpful "Park and Play" policies that can be found HERE.
We will continue to update you as any other changes or new information is made available. The NENY PGA cannot provide any legal advice and these facility decisions should be first and foremost based on the safety of your staff, their families, and your respective members. We must all continue to do our part during this pandemic.
Massachusetts Members Notice - Executive State Orders ARE NO GOLF
The state of Massachusetts is completely opposite of NY and for our Section members and facilities in Berkshire County, Mass you fall under the Governor’s Executive Orders that clearly calls out no golf operations:
- Golf courses and facilities are not on the essential services list and must shut down operations. This includes golf operations staff as well as golfers not being allowed to play golf.
- The Mass Allied Golf Association continues to be an excellent resource specific to the state and golf. Click HERE
Golf Course Maintenance Reminder - Massachusetts & New York States
NY State: As previously confirmed, maintenance of golf courses is covered by the current Executive Order in the recent NYS TurfgrassAssociation (Under Horticulture in the Agriculture subject).
Massachusetts: Golf courses and facilities wishing to continue maintenance during the shutdown period must contact their local Health Department and/or local Government Officials for approvals. A listing of contacts for local health departments can be found through the link below. Directory of Local Health Departments
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