WHY And HOW Are You Able To Play Golf?!

When the first "Stay At Home" orders came out in the state (Mecklenburg County WAS the first, I believe), Debbie received this text from her good friend and fellow golf widow:

"It is a man making all these decisions...
-kids have to stay home with mom
-mom is now the teacher
-no hair salons
-no nail salons
-no spas
-no TJ Maxx

The world is coming to an end!

Oh wait.... ALL GOLF COURSES ARE OPEN

WHAT THE .... (this word rhymes with "truck") ???? Yes I spelled it out..."

Look, I've never been more glad that (at least for now), my favorite form of outdoor activity is still legal and viable from a health standpoint.  I can't imagine the hell of loving tennis, swimming, baseball, softball, basketball, etc. with the passion I have for golf, and not being allowed to participate in that activity.

So why and how is golf able to still be allowed (even encouraged)?

First, it is an outdoor activity that can EASILY be played with social distancing (you are RARELY closer than 6 feet to another while playing), and can be done while literally NEVER having contact with another person.

Additionally, clubs are going to great lengths to comply with appropriate safety measures.  For example, here's a list of precautions that Rolling Hills Country Club in Monroe has given their members

-We placed small pieces of foam pool noodles on the flags to prevent the ball from going into the hole. This will remove any opportunity of reaching into the cup and touching the flagsticks. If a ball strikes the foam it will be considered being holed. With this being done the hole in one club is suspended at this time until we return to normal play with the cups.

-All bunker rakes have been removed from the golf course. If your ball lands in a sand bunker you may place the ball with your hand and play from there. Please try to smooth the area with your feet as much as possible.

-All water coolers have been removed. All ball washers and sand buckets have been removed.

-All tees and tee containers have been removed.

-All items from the golf carts have been removed such as towels, tees, sand bottles, and coolers. The Snack Bar has coolers available for those wishing to purchase drinks while on the golf course. After the round please leave the cooler on the golf cart so we can clean and sanitize them. We will keep the water bucket outside and just ask that if you wish to have a towel that you bring one with you.

-Golf carts are being cleaned and wiped down thoroughly after each use. All pencils and scorecards are being discarded after each round whether they were used or not and new ones put in place.

-We are restricting the riding of carts to 1 person per cart with the exception of those living in the same household if they wish to ride together.

-The air nozzle has been removed from outside the Golf Shop

I don't know how much longer golf will be allowed, but both me and my son are really glad for it.  And if you're unable to participate in your sports hobby of choice, maybe it's a good time to break out the sticks for a little outdoor exercise.