A Letter to Minnesota Golfers

Minnesota

Dear Minnesota Golfer,
On behalf of Minnesota’s Allied Golf Associations, we hope this note finds you, your family and your playing partners healthy and safe during the coronavirus (COVID-19) public health crisis.  As of April 18, 2020, (5 a.m.) playing golf is now permitted in Minnesota by Governor Walz’s executive order 20-38. We have worked with the Governor and his team to ensure that golf can be a safe outdoor activity consistent with the Minnesota Department of Health’s COVID-19 outdoor recreation guidelines (see this link), and provided everyone involved follows the strict Centers for Disease Control guidelines and COVID-19 safety protocols.
 
We believe golf is an outlet to alleviate some of the fear we face in the world today. We are encouraged that golf is seen as a means of safe recreation, exercise and a welcome respite for Minnesota’s golfers, but as we open our golf courses, it is possible that the decision may not be a popular one with some sectors of society or media. We implore you to follow strict social distancing and golf course safety protocols. You can help by being self-aware of golf course safety guidelines at all times while on the course property including, prior to and after play.
 
As operations commence for golfers in Minnesota, open golf facilities will be mandated to implement the following safety protocols (see below). As golfers, we expect you to do your part by actively incorporating the list below into your personal golf routine.
• Check golf course websites for COVID-19 safety protocols;
• Practice safe social distancing at all times before, during and after play;
• Pay your green fee online or by phone;
• Arrive 10 minutes prior to your tee time;
• Walk or single-rider carts only;
• Bring your own antibacterial wet wipes for use before, during and after play;
• Upon arrival through departure handle your own golf bag;
• Do not share clubs, touch flagsticks, bunker rakes or ball-washers;
• Do not adjust flagsticks or hole-liners;
• Be aware that you may be scrutinized by the public and media watching for golfers ignoring COVID-19 safety protocols.
 
As we play golf, we must remember that these are unusual times and we have to do what’s best for the health of our families and communities. Do not be the one to jeopardize the privilege of playing this great game for your fellow golfers. Whether you are a golfer, an owner, a superintendent, a manager, a golf professional, or a golf club employee, please do your part to ensure you’re following the outdoor recreation guidelines set forth by Governor Walz’s emergency executive orders and your golf facility’s COVID-19 safety protocols.
 
Since its inception, golf has been a game of integrity. A game that has trusted each individual to police themselves. Let’s continue in that legacy in an effort to make golf safe for everyone.
Stay safe, stay well, keep golf open by being self-aware at all times.

Respectfully,
The Minnesota Allied Golf Associations:
 
Minnesota Golf Association
Midwest Golf Course Owners Association
Minnesota Golf Course Superintendents Association.
Minnesota Section of the PGA
Upper Midwest Chapter, Club Management Association of America