Trevor Ng
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has had a complicated relationship with the sport of golf during his time in office. Evers has frequently used his veto power as governor, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, he ordered the closure of golf courses in Wisconsin, deeming them non-essential businesses. This decision was met with opposition from course owners, golfers, and Republican lawmakers, who urged Evers to reopen the courses. However, in April 2020, Evers clarified that golf courses could reopen with certain precautions in place, such as online reservations and restricted access to clubhouses. More recently, in August 2024, Evers visited a mini-golf course in Tomahawk as part of his ''Cabinet on the Road' initiative, where he tried his hand at the game.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Tony Evers |
| Position | Governor of Wisconsin |
| Year of election | 2018 |
| Reelection year | 2022 |
| Party | Democratic Party |
| Actions | Issued a stay-at-home order during the COVID-19 pandemic, banning golf courses from being open to the public |
| Golf course status | Allowed to reopen on April 24, 2020, with certain precautions |
| Golf course restrictions | Online or phone reservations and payments only, clubhouses and non-essential facilities closed |
| Golf course guidelines | Suggested by GOP lawmakers: keeping playhouses closed, four golfers per hole, one golfer per cart, social distancing |
| Golf course owners' actions | Hired a lobbyist to make their case for reopening |
| Golf playing status | Tried playing mini-golf in Tomahawk |
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What You'll Learn
- Governor Tony Evers deemed golf non-essential during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Golf courses in Wisconsin were closed due to the safer-at-home order
- Lawmakers urged Governor Evers to reopen golf courses
- Governor Evers played mini golf during his visit to Tomahawk
- Governor Evers visited UW-Parkside's education students
Governor Tony Evers deemed golf non-essential during the COVID-19 pandemic
In March 2020, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers issued a stay-at-home order in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, banning golf courses from being open to the public and declaring them non-essential. This decision was met with criticism from golf course owners, golfers, and Republican lawmakers, who urged the governor to reconsider. They argued that golf is a popular outdoor sport and good exercise, and that golf courses could implement safety measures to limit human contact and the spread of the virus.
In a letter to Governor Evers, Rep. Rob Hutton and 40 other GOP lawmakers suggested new guidelines to allow golf courses to reopen safely. These included keeping clubhouses closed, limiting the number of golfers per hole and per cart, and ensuring social distancing. Course owners expressed concern about the financial impact of the shutdown, especially as the golf season was about to ramp up. They also highlighted the discrepancy between the closure of golf courses and the allowance of other outdoor activities, such as State Parks.
In response to the backlash, Governor Evers clarified his position on April 16, 2020. He issued an updated order allowing golf courses to reopen to players on April 24, provided they followed certain precautions. These included online or phone reservations and payments, the removal of shared surfaces, and modified cups to prevent touching common surfaces. While some golf course owners were hopeful about the reopening, others believed that Wisconsin's initial closure of golf courses during the pandemic was disappointing and confusing.
Governor Evers' decision to deem golf non-essential during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic sparked debate and highlighted the challenges of balancing public health, economic concerns, and recreational activities during a crisis. The ultimate decision to allow golf courses to reopen with restrictions reflected a careful consideration of these factors and the implementation of safety measures to protect the health of Wisconsin residents.
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Golf courses in Wisconsin were closed due to the safer-at-home order
In response to the petitions and letters, Governor Evers clarified his position on April 16, 2020. He extended the safer-at-home order through May 26 but allowed golf courses to reopen with restrictions. These restrictions included scheduling and paying for tee times online or by phone only, keeping clubhouses and pro shops closed, and following social distancing guidelines. Golf courses in Wisconsin were permitted to reopen on April 24, 2020, with these safety measures in place.
The closure of golf courses in Wisconsin due to the safer-at-home order sparked debate and discussion among golfers, course owners, and lawmakers. Many golfers and course owners expressed their financial concerns and advocated for the safe continuation of the sport. Republican lawmakers joined these appeals, highlighting the health benefits of golf as an outdoor activity. They proposed guidelines to make golf safer during the pandemic, such as limiting the number of golfers per hole and per cart and removing commonly touched objects on the course.
Governor Evers' decision to initially close golf courses as non-essential businesses aligned with similar measures taken by other states to curb the spread of COVID-19. However, some states, like Arizona, kept their golf courses open, while others, like Ohio and North Carolina, navigated uncertainties before reaching a decision. The reopening of golf courses in Wisconsin on April 24, 2020, came with restrictions to balance public health and safety with the resumption of outdoor recreational activities.
The impact of the safer-at-home order on golf courses in Wisconsin highlighted the challenges faced by businesses and communities during the pandemic. It also underscored the importance of adapting to new safety protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Golfers and course owners in Wisconsin welcomed the reopening, expressing joy and relief at being able to return to the sport they loved. The modifications implemented at golf courses, such as spreading out tee times and limiting the use of certain facilities, became part of the "new normal" for golfers in the state.
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Lawmakers urged Governor Evers to reopen golf courses
In 2020, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers issued a stay-at-home order on March 24, asking Wisconsin residents to remain at home unless they needed to leave to get food, seek medical treatment, exercise outdoors, or go to work at an essential business. All non-essential businesses were required to close their physical locations, and golf courses were banned from opening to the public, deemed a non-essential business.
As a result, dozens of Republican lawmakers, led by Rep. Rob Hutton, urged Governor Evers to reopen golf courses in the state. A total of 40 GOP legislatures signed a letter sent to the governor's office on March 27. The group suggested that golf courses could be made safer to play on amid the COVID-19 outbreak by implementing new guidelines, such as keeping clubhouses closed, allowing only four golfers per hole and one golfer per cart, and ensuring all players maintain social distancing.
Course owners in Wisconsin also urged Governor Evers to allow them to reopen, fearing that their businesses would not survive until the safer-at-home restrictions were lifted. Mike Woodward, the general manager at Norsk Golf Club in Mount Horeb, expressed concern about the financial impact of the shutdown, especially with the golf season about to ramp up.
In response to these appeals, Governor Evers issued an updated order on April 16, allowing golf courses to reopen to players on April 24 while implementing certain precautions. These included accepting tee time reservations and payments online or by phone only and keeping clubhouses and pro shops closed.
Despite the reopening of golf courses, Wisconsin experienced its biggest one-day increase in COVID cases, prompting local leaders to map out plans to ease restrictions. Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann criticized Evers' plan for lacking specifics about reopening the economy. Rabbi Bonnie Margulis, president of Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice, also urged people to follow Evers' safer-at-home order and expressed dismay at protesters organizing demonstrations against the governor's directives.
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Governor Evers played mini golf during his visit to Tomahawk
Governor Tony Evers and members of his cabinet visited Tomahawk as part of the "Cabinet on the Road" initiative. The purpose of this initiative is for the governor and his administration to "be visible and present in different parts of the state and connect with local partners to see the positive work going on across Wisconsin, hear firsthand about any challenges faced and learn how the Evers Administration can help support Wisconsin’s communities and regions". During their visit to Tomahawk, the governor and his cabinet visited two businesses that were assisted by a state grant program.
The first business they visited was The Knot Haus Gift Gallery at 116 W. Wisconsin Ave. Governor Evers and the group toured the downtown store, did some shopping, and spoke with the owner, Char Andreachi, about how the Main Street Bounceback Grant Program impacted her business. After leaving The Knot Haus, the governor and his cabinet took a short walk to their next destination: Big Bear Mini Golf and Ice Cream at 24 N. 2nd St.
Upon arrival at Big Bear Mini Golf and Ice Cream, Governor Evers and his cabinet spoke with owner Sherry Hulett and learned about how the Main Street Bounceback grant helped her and her husband get their business up and running in a safe manner for staff and visitors. They also enjoyed some of the Tomahawk business's ice cream. Following this, Governor Evers tried his hand at mini golf and was cheered on by onlookers after sinking a putt.
The "Cabinet on the Road" event in Tomahawk was not the first of its kind, as Governor Evers and members of his administration previously hosted similar events in Hayward in 2019 and in western Wisconsin in 2022. They also hold a yearly cabinet meeting at the Wisconsin State Fair in Milwaukee.
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Governor Evers visited UW-Parkside's education students
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has been at the forefront of the state's response to the COVID-19 crisis. In March 2020, he issued a stay-at-home order, asking residents to leave home only for essential reasons and closing non-essential businesses. As part of this order, golf courses in Wisconsin were closed to the public, deemed a non-essential business.
However, this decision was not without controversy. Dozens of Republican lawmakers urged Governor Evers to reopen golf courses, arguing that the sport could be made safe with new guidelines. Golf course owners also expressed concern about the financial impact of the closures. In April 2020, Governor Evers amended his order, allowing golf courses to reopen with restrictions in place.
Fast forward to October 2023, and Governor Evers visited UW-Parkside, where he interacted with education students and faculty. The visit provided an opportunity for the governor to discuss the vital roles that education and healthcare play in society. He met with two classes and members of the Parkside Student Government, and attended a Health Care Careers Day event. Throughout his visit, students were able to speak and interact with the governor directly.
During his trip, Governor Evers met with students in the instructional models and strategies course, as well as a teaching development mathematics course. He discussed the importance of education in the contemporary world, and students shared their experiences and observations about the lingering effects of COVID-19 on children's mental health. Evers also interacted with a member of the Parkside Student Government to discuss life as a college student.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Governor Evers issued a stay-at-home order on March 24, 2020, banning golf courses from being open to the public, deeming them non-essential. However, he allowed them to reopen on April 24, 2020, provided they implemented safety precautions.
Governor Evers required golf courses to take safety measures such as accepting tee time reservations and payments online or by phone only. Clubhouses, pro shops, and other non-essential facilities were to remain closed. Golf courses also removed shared surfaces like bunker rakes, ball washers, and water coolers.
Yes, Governor Evers faced opposition from Republican lawmakers, course owners, and golfers. They urged him to reopen golf courses, citing the financial impact on businesses and suggesting guidelines to make playing golf safer during the pandemic.
Yes, Governor Evers allowed golf courses to reopen on April 24, 2020, provided they followed the necessary safety precautions.
Yes, during a visit to Tomahawk, Wisconsin, Governor Evers and his cabinet members tried their hand at mini-golf at Big Bear Mini Golf and Ice Cream.
