Got this email from my club yesterday:
We're obviously in uncharted territory in our daily lives. I've communicated with several of you in the past few weeks regarding the current course conditions, ongoing improvements, and the operational outlook. Here is where we are at this point with all the daily changes.
Our primary concern at the moment is opening golf operations ASAP, with the focus on the health and safety of members and employees involved. Governor Baker has eliminated any opportunity to open some 375 golf courses within the state of Massachusetts. He and his administration don't recognize the fact that allowing golf courses to remain open gives participants a healthy and enjoyable experience while responsibly social distancing at the same time. Unfortunately, MA, ME, NH, VT closed all golf opportunities as well as ten other states nationally. In the Northeast, RI, CT, NY are OPEN for play, as are 31 other states across the country. Go Figure! NY. The US epicenter of the virus allows golf. Keep in mind that numerous Golf Associations in the area are pressing Governor Baker and the state to allow golf to continue under stringent guidelines. I would suggest you reach out to your State Representatives and voice your support for a reasonable solution. We're not asking for unfettered access.
There is a manageable option under the current conditions.We will all need to think outside the box for daily golf operations, a new reality of utilizing the club, social distancing, and overall need for hyper hygiene: self-monitoring and the monitoring of others. Thankfully if allowed, we can modify day-to-day golf operations to address safe interactions with members, employees, and the golf operations.
The practice facility presents numerous hurtles for safe operations. The number of players, space between players, (clean) golfball distribution, suspended use of Adirondack chairs, or club washers. All because of the need for continuous monitoring, cleaning, oversight, and safety concerns at this time, all possible though.
When it comes to a once simple round of golf, that has many more potential pitfalls.The handling of ball washer handles a bunker rake, flagsticks, trash receptacles, or retrieving a golfball from the bottom of the cup all present potential frequent points of contact. When the golf course opens, we'll not install ball washers or bunker rakes at first. Trash receptacles will be strategically located throughout the golf course, yet not on every tee. The on-course bathroom facilities will be on a continuous cleaning schedule throughout the day and locked after play. During your round of golf, The course will continue to be maintained at the highest level possible. We will, however, be modifying the daily course setup. We will be placing tee markers on the edge of the tees instead of limiting the teeing ground to a typical 20' between tee marker. Locating the markers to one side gives a general location utilizing the full width of a tee. Taking this step will minimize the need for staff handling of tee markers throughout the day and extending social distancing. As I previously mentioned, the course will suspend ball washers and bunker rakes in play. The grounds staff will be managing bunkers each morning and throughout the day as necessary. The putting surface and hole out of a putt will be of little concern. The cups will be inverted and raised 1" above the surface with a short 5' flagstick. Please don't handle the flagstick, contact the raised cup with your putt and consider it holed. We are considering several options for a 9-18 hole short course for mixed family play or a quick round and other options.
We are monitoring the suspension of play with Local, State, and Federal agencies and will make any appropriate changes necessary to the operation. Keep in mind that our goal is to enhance Andover Country Club as a safe and pleasurable retreat for the entire family under what could be strict guidelines for some time. I sincerely hope that the membership can take solace in the fact that the team at ACC is working diligently to navigate through all options and serve you well in these challenging times. Your enjoyment at our facility is of the utmost importance to all of us here at the club. Ultimately we want you to consider Andover Country Club a nearby safe and secure destination for members and eventually guests alike.
I wish all of you the best for a healthy future for you and yours.