Golfers tee off under new rules

Posted 3/31/20

Golfers in Powell teed off under a turquoise blue sky Saturday. But they also took to the course under the cloud of the new coronavirus, along with a slew of new social distancing rules.

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Golfers tee off under new rules

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Golfers in Powell teed off under a turquoise blue sky Saturday. But they also took to the course under the cloud of the new coronavirus, along with a slew of new social distancing rules.

The clubhouse and patio are closed until the Park County Public Health Department deems it safe for gatherings. There’s a huge effort to disinfect practice balls, restrooms, carts and all surfaces — including flags. They’re even putting swim noodles in the holes.

“They’ll go into the hole about 4 inches high so the ball doesn’t go down as deep and you can actually just pick it up without touching the inside of the cup,” explained Kury Reynolds, head professional at the Powell Golf Club. “That’s part of our recommendations to people.”

There’s a list of 25 rules and recommendations — everything from how long before your tee time you can arrive at the course to how groups should approach social distancing with cart use. Tee times have been changed from every 10 minutes to 15 minutes to keep players from grouping up.

“They’re not allowed on property before a half-hour of their tee time, which allows us to control the crowd and, of course, the patio’s closed. That keeps it to where there’s no more than eight people on the putting green or the driving range at any time,” Reynolds said.

Despite being encouraged to walk, many opted for carts Saturday. The recommendation is to have one driver and one walker while using carts, but it’s not required. Even with all the new rules, everyone arriving came with big smiles — most teeing off for the first time this year. For some, getting out of the house is essential.

“We’ll go crazy if we don’t,” said A.J Beemer of Cody.

On March 19, Park County issued a public health order related to COVID-19 that required golf clubs and other public places to close. However, the Powell Golf Club’s board of directors proposed modified operation guidelines to the county’s health officer, Dr. Aaron Billin, who agreed to grant an exception to the closure order.

“He is in support of these modifications and adhering to these allow us to open and remain open,” Jerry Herweyer, president of the board of directors, said in a letter to members on March 21. “The Board of Directors takes the safety and health of our members, customers, and employees very seriously. We believe the proposed operational changes will protect all involved and provide a safe way for our community to enjoy the outdoors and the game of golf.”

Getting the club open was important — especially this year, Herweyer said.

“I think it means everything right now … Definitely it’s a stress reliever. I mean, we have a lot of people that are, you know, raring to go in the spring anyway,” he said. “And then, what with all the uncertainty we had, it was well received.”

Herweyer had a tee time Saturday. Not everyone wanting to play was as lucky. “I called early,” he said.

Calling ahead for a tee time is mandatory. And with fewer tee times available, planning ahead is more important in the world of social distancing.

“With four tee times an hour, that’s basically eight fewer golfers per hour. You do that over six hours and it means we’ll have limited space,” Reynolds said.

While the clubhouse and pro shop are closed, Reynolds will be manning a “drive thru” window to take greens fees and sell refreshments. “Everything we hand out this window has been sterilized,” he said.

Just getting the course open is an important beginning this year, Reynolds said. But if the rules persist through the summer, it will mean many fundraising events may need to be changed dramatically or possibly canceled.

“We’ve restructured our tournaments to include no shotgun [starts]. We’re going into tee times,” he said. “But some of our bigger tournaments of the year start in May and June. Unless this situation is under control and the health department loosens up on groups.”

Powell High School, Panther Golf

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