Read the NENY PGA E-News May 22nd Update
NENY PGA


May 22nd, 2020

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COVID-19 Golf Operation Status Updates in NY & Massachusetts

New York & Golf Operations - NY Forward Plan - Written Safety Plan in Place is REQUIRED

NY Forward Safety Plan Website



  • For the majority of golf facilities, Retail seems to be the most appropriate fit for re-opening within the NYForward Plan
  • Retail is part of the Phase 1 Industry inclusion
  • The only remaining NY Regions who have not yet hit the metrics to be able to open under Phase 1 is the Mid-Hudson Region, Long Island and NYC
  • There is a fill-in-the-blank plan listed on the NYForward website that can be completed and printed out
  • Business's do not need to submit to the state for approval, but you must have it on hand physically at your facility in the event of health and safety inspection or by the Regional Control Room panel members
  • Lack of a documented plan, could ultimately result in the shut down of the operation
  • The plan touches on: Employee social distancing; PPE Equipment for staff and hygiene and signage/communication requirements; process for screening and contact tracing and appropriate logging suggestions
  • Please operate responsibly and beyond the written plan, taking the time and effort to educate your employees of the new protocols in the plan is KEY
  • In the link above, if you scroll down you will see 3 blue buttons - Summary Guidelines; Safety Guidelines and Safety Plan Template


Massachusetts - Status of Golf & Re-Opening

Massachusetts Re-Opening Info




  • Golf has been accessible and been able to be played since May 7th
  • Massachusetts re-opening of golf seems to following in the foot steps of NY State but is just weeks behind
  • Currently, staff of Mass golf facilities are still in the role of "security" personnel only on site
  • Mass has a 4 phase plan to re-open that has been announced and it is still unclear where golf falls within that plan with hopes to be clarified soon.
  • May 25th lists outdoor recreation, but does not call out golf
  • Further, a recent order in the last few days within the Berkshire County called for all facilities to cease operating F&B sales on the course - assumed to have been done to prevent the gathering of groups, etc.
Spring Meeting

Congratulations

We're so happy and pleased to share the news of an addition to the NENY PGA family! Benton Sullivan, Assistant Professional at Glens Falls CC and fiance Christine Phippen welcomed baby Seth to their family on May 15th. Congratulations!!



Members on the Move

Chris Ferraro, PGA Associate Professional will be teaching at Ascot Park Learning Center in an B-6 classification and formerly worked as an Assistant Professional at Wiltwyck Golf Club. Good luck Chris.



Jobs Available
Check out the PGA Job Board as there are a few NENY PGA Section clubs still seeking Assistant Professional positions - click HERE


NE
NY Golf Facility Ops Survey - Please take a Moment to Complete!

In order to help the NENY PGA Section gain a sense where facilities are operationally with COVID, we've create a survey with a questions.

The survey is very brief and we would greatly appreciate, the highest ranking PGA professional at each green grass facility taking a few minutes to complete it. We will gladly the share results individually if requested as an overall view of the landscape. The results will also assist the Tournament Committee and leadership in determining our own specific tournament protocols to be put in place moving forward as we progress through COVID-19.

Complete Survey HERE

Golf EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND UPDATE & PHASE 2 COMING

We are pleased to announce that E4E Relief awarded in excess of $4 million to over 3,300 individuals during Phase 1 of the Golf Emergency Relief Fund. The distribution of funds for grants reviewed and approved by E4E Relief in Phase 1 concluded May 20th.

Applications for Phase 2 grants begin on Wednesday, May 27.

Supplemental documentation will be required for Phase 2 so be prepared in advance!

Click HERE for More Info on Phase 2

View the Latest Golf Tip from our NENY PGA Professionals!

  • Check out Rich Scott, Owner & Head Professional at Fox Run GC in this week's Golf Tip - the Scatter Drill that aired this past Wednesday! Click above or HERE
  • Be sure to tune in live next Wednesday on Channel 13, WNYT!!

Back2Golf Resources - Ready for You!

Operational Playbooks - The latest phase 3 includes competitions & event recommendations!

  • To view Phase 1 operational examples, click here.
  • To view Phase 2 operational examples, click here.
  • To view Phase 3 operational examples, click here.

Social Distancing Back2Golf Posters & Carts Signs

  • Click here to download 4.5’’ x 5.5’’ golf cart signs.
  • Click here to download 8.5’’ x 11’’ horizontal posters.
  • Click here to download 8.5’’ x 11’’ vertical posters.
  • Click here to download 8.5'' x 14'' horizontal posters.
  • Click here to download 8.5'' x 14'' vertical posters.

    30 Second Back2Golf PSA for Your Facility Website & Social Media Channels - click here.

USGA

Virtual Rules School Available Now

The USGA released a virtual rules school - check it out!

  • For a limited time through July 21
  • $25 for 30 days of streaming access through VIMEO
  • Learn and review at your own pace
  • Must register first in order to receive a promotional code for the introductory price

    Video Series Covering the Rules of Golf

NENY PGA - Tournament Updates

Schedule
The Tournament Committee will have the revised schedule/dates of the NENY PGA Section professional schedule finalized in a few days and updated on our Blue Golf Tournament calendar listing on line. With some private facilities limiting outside guests, a few host sites and dates are in the process of being re-worked. We will be adding in a couple of non-points events to the front of the end of the calendar, to provide a few opportunities to play prior to starting our NENY PGA OMEGA Champions Cup points events. One will be an individual stroke play and the other a Pro-Pro team event. Stay tuned!

Protocols
The Committee also recently met to determine some temporary protocols that will be implemented during these times with social distancing mandates and COVID and as soon as they're ready, we will communicate those to our members and ask for your cooperation and understanding with these to operate within the scope of a tournament to the safest extent possible for our staff and players.

OMEGA Player of the Year & Champions Cup Registration
As we firm up the schedule, we will determine the end date of our OMEGA POY registration date. However, as of now registration is open and available and reminder that for the beginning 3-4 weeks the cost of the entry is nominal at $50 per professional.



Eligibility for OMEGA Player of the Year:

* Class A Members Only
* Must be registered into OMEGA POY to have eligibility to earn Player of the Year points from events
* After 3-4 weeks (date TBD), the fee will increase to $100 per professional
* The top 20 from the POY list at the end of the season, will earn complimentary entry into the Tour Championship with the opportunity to earn guaranteed purse from the OMEGA Champions Cup payout

Register Now for OMEGA POY





Direct Deposit Mandatory for Prize Earnings Payment
Don't forget that a new requirement is that each professional must be registered for your Direct Deposit (ACH Payment) in order to receive any prize earnings in any of our tournaments that you are participating. Registration is very simple and secure and all you need is your bank account info handy.

Direct Deposit Sign Up Now

THANK YOU!
to all who have served and those who
are currently serving!

NENY PGA Section Staff Continues to Work Remotely:

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