Trevor Ng
Michigan's golf courses have been closed at various times in the past, including during the COVID-19 pandemic and after storm damage. In 2020, Governor Gretchen Whitmer determined golf courses were non-essential and ordered them to close under her stay-at-home order. Some golf clubs initially remained open, interpreting the order as not applying to outdoor areas. However, the attorney general later clarified that all golf courses must remain closed. In 2023, Dearborn Hills Golf Course, the oldest municipal golf course in Michigan, reopened after a two-year shutdown due to flooding.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Status of golf courses in Michigan | Closed |
| Reason | Governor Gretchen Whitmer's stay-at-home order |
| Reason for the order | To prevent the spread of the coronavirus |
| Exception | Private membership clubs |
| Reopening date | 30 April 2020 |
| Reopening of Dearborn Hills Golf Course | Late spring 2023 |
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What You'll Learn
Michigan golf courses closed due to COVID-19
Michigan's golf courses were closed due to COVID-19 concerns. The state's stay-at-home directive, which was in place until May 15, 2020, included restrictions on outdoor activities such as golf and boating. However, these restrictions were gradually eased, and golf courses were allowed to reopen with safety measures in place.
During the pandemic, golf saw an increase in popularity as it was one of the few recreational sports that allowed participants to maintain social distancing while enjoying the outdoors. As a result, golf courses in Michigan experienced a surge in business, with golfers from neighbouring states, such as Illinois, also travelling to Michigan to play as their local courses remained closed.
For example, the Beechwood Golf Course in LaPorte, Indiana, saw a 20% increase in course play in 2020 compared to the previous year. The head golf professional, Kyle Cashmer, attributed this increase to golfers from Michigan and Illinois, as their local courses were closed due to the pandemic.
Another golf course that saw high demand during the pandemic was Duck Creek Golf Course in Porter County, Indiana. Nino Muffoletto, the pro shop manager, reported a 30% to 40% increase in business, with golfers from Illinois making up a significant portion of their customers.
While Michigan's golf courses were closed due to COVID-19, they have since reopened and are now operating with safety protocols to ensure the health and well-being of their patrons. These safety measures have helped to make golf one of the safer recreational activities during the pandemic.
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Golf isn't life-essential, says Michigan governor
Golf courses in Michigan have been closed for nearly three weeks, as Governor Gretchen Whitmer deemed golf courses non-essential under her stay-at-home order. Whitmer ordered all Michigan golf courses closed until at least April 30, 2020, causing a wave of disappointment among golfers and course owners.
The decision sparked controversy, with many golfers contacting Whitmer's office and urging her to reopen the golf courses. They argued that playing golf did not pose a higher risk of spreading COVID-19 than visiting a local park or kayaking. Golf course owners also implemented precautionary measures, such as sanitizing carts and instructing players to avoid touching flagsticks.
The Golf Association of Michigan (GAM) initially caused confusion by interpreting Whitmer's executive order to include the closing of the state's 650 golf courses. However, they later amended their statement, clarifying that only golf clubs were mentioned without recommending any closure. The situation was further complicated by the fact that Michigan is home to the fourth-highest number of golf courses in the nation, with the golf industry contributing over $4 billion to the state's economy.
Despite the backlash, Whitmer stood firm in her decision, reiterating that she did not believe Michiganders needed to play golf during the pandemic. She listed several reasons for her stance, although these were not disclosed in full. In a show of defiance, a private club in Michigan, the Great Oaks Country Club, announced plans to reopen, citing guidance from the state attorney general.
In conclusion, while golfers and course owners in Michigan expressed their displeasure with Whitmer's decision, the governor maintained that golf was not life-essential and took necessary precautions to curb the spread of COVID-19. The impact of this decision on the state's vibrant golf industry and enthusiasts was undoubtedly significant, but public health took precedence during the critical phase of the pandemic.
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Dearborn Hills Golf Course closed due to flooding
The Dearborn Hills Golf Course, the oldest municipal golf course in Michigan, has been closed due to flooding. The course, located about 20 minutes west of Detroit, was forced to shut down in 2021 due to heavy storms that caused extensive flooding and damage. The city of Dearborn made efforts to keep the golf course operational, but the severity of the flooding damage left them with no choice but to close it for the season.
Golfers in the area were disappointed by the closure, as the course is a popular spot to warm up and play during the season, which typically runs from March to October. The course lost 42 days of play the previous season due to flooding, and the city had to rope off a significant portion of the course. Despite the closure, banquet events were held as planned, and all reservation deposits were refunded.
The flooding damage at Dearborn Hills was not an isolated incident, as further harm was caused by logjams on the Rouge River. The golf course sits on the river, making it vulnerable to flooding when heavy storms strike. The grounds needed time to recover from the flooding, remaining closed throughout the 2022 season.
In late spring 2023, the Dearborn Hills Golf Course will reopen nine holes to the public after a two-year hiatus. This reopening coincides with the course's 100th anniversary, as it first opened in 1923. When it reopens, only the back nine holes will be playable as logjam mitigation work continues. Golfers will once again be able to enjoy the challenging and scenic course, which offers a unique blend of natural beauty and refined elegance.
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Private clubs allowed members to use the course
In March 2020, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer ordered all golf courses in the state to close, deeming them non-essential. This order came as part of a stay-at-home directive aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19. However, the following month, some private clubs in Michigan allowed members to use their courses, citing guidance from the state attorney general. This move prompted a swift response from the attorney general's office, which reiterated that all golf courses, including private clubs, were required to remain closed under the governor's executive order.
The interpretation of the executive order regarding golf courses caused some initial confusion. The Golf Association of Michigan (GAM) initially interpreted the order to include the closing of the state's 650 golf courses. However, the GAM later amended its statement, saying that only "golf clubs" were mentioned without recommending any specific action. The mention of "golf clubs" could have been interpreted to refer only to indoor facilities within golf courses, such as restaurants.
Despite the governor's order, some private clubs in Michigan chose to reopen their courses to members. Great Oaks Country Club, for example, announced plans to reopen for member play in April 2020. This decision was based on their interpretation of guidance from the state attorney general. However, the attorney general's office quickly clarified that the executive order applied to all golf courses, regardless of whether they were private or open to the public.
The closure of golf courses in Michigan was met with resistance from golfers and course owners, who argued that playing golf posed no more danger than visiting a local park or kayaking. The golf industry in Michigan is significant, with an estimated half-million recreational players and tens of thousands of employees. The shutdown of golf courses during the peak season, which typically starts in April and May, had a substantial impact on the industry.
It is important to note that the situation regarding golf course closures in Michigan evolved over time. While private clubs initially allowed members to use their courses during the COVID-19 pandemic, the state government and attorney general's office took swift action to enforce compliance with public health directives. As the pandemic situation changed, golf courses in Michigan may have been allowed to reopen under specific guidelines to ensure the safety of players and staff.
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Golf courses fall under the governor's executive order
In March 2020, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer determined that golf courses were non-essential under her stay-at-home order and would need to close. Whitmer's executive order, which included the shutdown of all in-house services at bars and restaurants, was scheduled to run until at least April 30.
The Golf Association of Michigan (GAM) informed its 650 courses that they believed golf courses fell under the governor's executive order. However, there was confusion among golf course owners and operators, with some choosing to remain open. The GAM later amended its statement, saying that only golf clubs were mentioned in the order without recommending any action.
A spokeswoman for the Attorney General, Dana Nessel, later clarified that all golf courses in the state must remain closed, as per the Governor's Executive Order. However, a news article from the same day stated that Michigan golf courses could open under certain circumstances, including if they were private membership clubs, according to new state guidance.
The Dearborn Hills Golf Course, Michigan's oldest municipal course, was closed for two years beginning in 2021 due to flooding and damage caused by heavy storms. The course was set to reopen nine holes to the public in late spring 2023, coinciding with its 100th anniversary.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, golf courses in Michigan were closed for nearly three weeks starting in April 2020. Governor Gretchen Whitmer determined that golf courses were non-essential and must close.
Yes, private membership clubs were allowed to remain open.
The decision was made to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Yes, the Golf Association of Michigan appealed to the governor, arguing that golf courses could operate and offer safe outdoor exercise for players.
Yes, the Dearborn Hills Golf Course, believed to be the oldest municipal golf course in Michigan, was closed for two years starting in 2021 due to flooding and damage caused by heavy storms.
