Miles Bennett
Golf is allowed in Maine, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, there were restrictions in place. Golf courses in Maine reopened in May 2020, with strict social distancing rules in place. Out-of-state golfers were not allowed to play on Maine golf courses until the Executive Order requiring a 14-day quarantine for out-of-state visitors was lifted. Golfers had to follow rules such as not loitering before or after a round, only one person per golf cart, and advance booking and payment. Maine has over 130 golf courses, offering a relaxed way to spend time on the green, with panoramic vistas and breathtaking views.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is golf allowed in Maine? | Yes, golf is allowed in Maine. |
| When were golf courses reopened in Maine? | May 1, 2020 |
| Were there any restrictions? | Yes, social distancing rules were imposed. Only Maine residents were allowed to play and only at courses in their own county. |
| Were there any changes in the rules in 2021? | No specific information found. |
| How many golf courses are there in Maine? | There are more than 130 golf courses in Maine. |
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What You'll Learn
Golf courses in Maine reopened with new rules and restrictions
Golf courses in Maine have reopened with new rules and restrictions. Governor Janet Mills announced that golf courses could reopen for play as part of the first stage of restarting the state's economy. This comes as welcome news for golfers in the state, who will be eager to get back out on the course. However, it's important to note that this reopening comes with strict guidelines to ensure the safety of players and staff amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
One of the key restrictions is the limitation on out-of-state golfers. According to the state's COVID-19 Prevention Checklist Industry Guidance, out-of-state golfers are prohibited from playing on Maine golf courses until the executive order requiring a 14-day quarantine for out-of-state visitors is lifted. This rule will be enforced by course managers and golf professionals, who will be checking IDs to ensure compliance. Additionally, golfers from Maine are restricted to playing only in the county where they reside, except for clubs where they are members.
Social distancing measures are also being strictly enforced. Golfers must maintain distance, with no more than four golfers allowed on the tee at a time. They are also encouraged to leave the course promptly after finishing their game. To facilitate social distancing, the clubhouse, driving range, and putting green will remain closed. Furthermore, golfers are not allowed to loiter in the course or parking lot before or after their round.
Other changes include the implementation of online or phone payments only, with tee times requiring advance booking and payment. Golf carts will be restricted to one person, and trash cans, scorecards, and pencils will not be provided. These new rules are being embraced by golf courses across Maine, with clubs such as Brunswick Golf Club expressing their readiness to accept and enforce these guidelines to ensure the safety of their patrons and staff.
The reopening of golf courses in Maine is a positive step towards a return to normalcy, but it is important for golfers to adhere to the new rules and restrictions. By following these guidelines, golfers can enjoy their favourite sport while helping to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and ensuring that the courses can remain open.
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Golfers must play at courses in their own county
Golf is allowed in Maine, but there are some restrictions in place. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Janet Mills announced that golf courses could open for play on May 1, 2020, as part of the first stage of reopening Maine's economy. This came with the stipulation that golfers must play at courses in their own county, with exceptions made for clubs where they are members. This restriction was amended to allow members of golf courses who live in a different county to play at their home club.
Golf course managers were surprised by this rule, as many of their members lived outside the county. Jeff Maldonis, of the Links at Outlook in York County, said he was prepared to turn away out-of-state players, and would be checking driver's licenses when players checked in.
Other rules were also put in place to ensure the safety of players and staff. Social distancing was enforced, with no more than four golfers allowed on the tee at a time, and players were encouraged to leave the course as soon as they finished playing. The clubhouse and driving range were to remain closed, and payments were to be made online or over the phone. Golfers were also not allowed to loiter before or after their rounds, and trash cans were removed.
Maine is home to over 130 golf courses, many of which offer stunning views. Courses such as the Aroostook Valley Country Club, where three holes border Canada, and the Samoset Resort Golf Course, where 14 of the 18 championship holes have ocean views, offer unique golfing experiences.
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Social distancing rules must be followed
Golf is allowed in Maine, but social distancing rules must be followed. Golf courses in Maine reopened in May 2020, with Governor Janet Mills announcing that golf courses could open as part of the first stage of reopening the state's economy.
To ensure social distancing, golfers must adhere to several guidelines. Firstly, strict social distancing rules must be followed, with no more than four golfers allowed on the tee at a time. Golfers are encouraged to leave the course promptly after finishing their game. The clubhouse, driving range, putting green, and other indoor facilities will typically remain closed to prevent gatherings. Payments should be made online or over the phone, and golfers are not allowed to loiter in the parking lot before or after their round.
Signage will be displayed to remind players of social distancing requirements and other pandemic-related precautions. Tee times must be booked and paid for in advance, with extended intervals between tee times to reduce the number of golfers on the course at once. Only one person is permitted per golf cart, and trash cans may be removed to discourage the disposal of personal items. Scorecards and pencils will not be provided, and golfers are advised to bring their own equipment.
Additionally, residency restrictions were initially implemented, allowing only Maine residents to play at golf courses within their own county, except for clubs where they were members. Out-of-state golfers were required to comply with a 14-day quarantine period before playing on Maine's golf courses. These restrictions aimed to limit the potential spread of COVID-19 and ensure the safety of residents and golfers.
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Maine's golf courses offer stunning views
Golf is allowed in Maine, and the state boasts over 100 golf courses, with options ranging from lakes and rivers to sites with oceanfront and mountain views. Here are some of the golf courses in Maine that offer stunning views:
Sugarloaf
Sugarloaf is a Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed mountain course set in the Carrabassett Valley against the Appalachians. The course features narrow fairways guarded by dense forest and imposing rocks, with significant undulations on the greens, creating a variety of pin locations. The 10th and 11th holes offer panoramic views of the Maine wilderness and dramatic dropoffs from tee to green.
Sunday River
Sunday River is another Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed course set among the Appalachians. It offers scenic mountain vistas and plays to more generous landing areas than Sugarloaf, making it a gentler option for golfers. Playing at Sunday River in late September, with the foliage in full display, is considered one of the best mountain golf experiences in the Northeast.
Belgrade Lakes
Belgrade Lakes is a picturesque Clive Clark design in central Maine. The course features sloping greens that often penalize short-sided misses. The clubhouse and first tee sit high above the rest of the property, offering panoramic views of the surrounding lakes and forests.
Brunswick Golf Club
Brunswick Golf Club, located in Midcoast Maine, features tree-lined fairways and immaculate greens. The course is highly walkable, with the original 9 holes designed by Wayne Stiles and John Van Kleek in 1921 and an additional 9 holes constructed by Geoffrey Cornish in 1968.
Boothbay Region Country Club
Boothbay Region Country Club offers challenging holes with easy views of the oceanfront. The course provides a classic New England golfing experience across 18 championship holes, with the first 9 holes designed by Wayne Stiles and John Van Kleek in 1921 and expanded to 18 holes in 1999.
Samoset
Samoset combines coastal and mountain views, with the course turning away from the coast at the turn before returning to the exposed hillside for the final holes. It offers a scenic opportunity to experience a Pebble-like aesthetic at a fraction of the cost.
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Golfers must book and pay for tee times in advance
Golf is allowed in Maine, but there are some restrictions in place. During the COVID-19 pandemic, golf courses in Maine were closed, but they were allowed to reopen with certain restrictions in place. Golf courses across the state implemented new rules and guidelines to ensure the safety of golfers and staff. One of the key measures put in place was the requirement for golfers to book and pay for tee times in advance. This measure was implemented to maintain social distancing and control the flow of golfers on the course.
Booking tee times in advance helps manage the number of golfers on the course at any given time, reducing overcrowding and minimizing the risk of close contact between groups. By spacing out tee times and limiting the number of golfers on the tee to no more than four at a time, golf clubs can ensure that social distancing guidelines can be effectively followed. This also helps to prevent gatherings or congestion at the club facilities, such as the clubhouse or driving range.
In addition to social distancing, advance booking and payment streamline the check-in process, reducing potential contact between staff and golfers. Golfers can arrive closer to their scheduled tee time, minimizing the need to congregate or wait in groups before their round. This also helps to avoid any unnecessary delays or bottlenecks during the check-in process, creating a smoother and safer experience for everyone involved.
Furthermore, paying in advance reduces the need for physical transactions, such as handling cash or exchanging credit cards, which can help minimize the risk of virus transmission through surfaces. It also encourages a more efficient and contactless experience, as golfers can simply arrive, confirm their booking, and proceed to their round without the need for additional interactions or transactions.
By requiring golfers to book and pay for tee times in advance, golf clubs in Maine can effectively manage the number of golfers on the course while also promoting social distancing and reducing potential health risks. This measure is an important part of the state's effort to safely reopen recreational activities while prioritizing the health and safety of its residents and visitors. It ensures that golfers can enjoy their favorite sport while adhering to the necessary precautions during the pandemic.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, golf is allowed in Maine. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, there were restrictions on out-of-state golfers playing on courses in the state.
Yes, golfers were required to play only at courses in their own county, except for clubs where they were members.
Yes, golfers were not allowed to loiter at the course or parking lot before or after their game. Social distancing was enforced, and only one person was allowed per golf cart.
Yes, all tee times had to be booked and paid for in advance, either online or over the phone.
Maine has over 130 golf courses, including the Aroostook Valley Country Club, where three holes border Canada, and the Belgrade Lakes Golf Club, which was named one of America's 100 best public golf courses by Golf Digest.
