Trevor Ng
Michigan is known for its awe-inspiring beauty, incredible golf courses, and golf culture. The state boasts over 650 public golf courses and is considered a golf mecca. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Michigan's stay-at-home orders caused some confusion about whether golfing was permitted. While golf courses were mandated to close, some private clubs allowed members to walk the greens, creating a grey area in the enforcement of the order. Additionally, Michigan has unique laws regarding the use of golf carts on public roads, with varying regulations depending on the location and type of road.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of public golf courses | 650+ |
| Golfing during the pandemic | Banned under Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's stay-at-home order |
| Exceptions to the ban | Members of private golf clubs were allowed to walk the greens |
| Golf carts | Allowed on roads in some parts of Michigan; not allowed on interstate highways and at night |
| Age requirement for driving golf carts | 16 years |
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What You'll Learn
Golfing was banned during the COVID-19 pandemic
Golfing was banned in Michigan during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's stay-at-home order, Michigan residents were mandated to stay home as much as possible, but they were allowed to go outside to exercise. However, golfing was not allowed, even in private clubs. The Attorney General's office maintained that "golf courses – whether public or private – may not be open to golfers."
Despite the ban, some members of private golf clubs in West Michigan continued to play golf on sunny days. Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker noted that there was a small exception that made this acceptable. He argued that there wasn't much difference between walking in public spaces and golfers spending time on a private course. Additionally, some courses open to the public have 'memberships,' and if they want to allow their members to use the course, there isn't a strong basis to prevent it.
Golf courses were required to be closed for business, with no employees taking money and no carts out on the lawn. However, golfers could still be ticketed by the sheriff's office for violating the 6-foot social distancing rule. The ban on golfing during the pandemic was due to the nature of the sport, which often involves more than one person, from filling up gas in carts to interacting with workers at the courses.
The COVID-19 pandemic also disrupted the golf calendar worldwide, with many tournaments being postponed or cancelled. For example, the famed Masters golf tournament, originally scheduled for early April 2020, was postponed to November due to the pandemic. The British Open at Royal St George's was also cancelled in 2020, with the tournament rescheduled for 2021. Additionally, the European Golf Tour was suspended in March 2020 before resuming in July.
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Golf carts are allowed on some roads
Firstly, Michigan law states that towns, cities, and villages with fewer than 30,000 residents are classified as "small villages". These small villages can pass resolutions allowing the operation of golf carts within their area. Therefore, golf carts are permitted on some roads in small villages across Michigan. However, it is important to note that golf carts cannot be considered legitimate vehicles, and there are certain requirements that must be met for their operation.
For instance, there is an age requirement for driving golf carts in Michigan. Only individuals aged 16 or above are permitted to operate golf carts on the street, and they must also possess a license to drive motor vehicles. Additionally, golf carts may only be driven during specific times of the day. For the safety of drivers and pedestrians, golf carts are prohibited from operating half an hour before sunset until half an hour after sunrise. This is to prevent accidents due to low visibility. Moreover, speed limits must be adhered to, with a maximum speed of 15 mph for golf carts in Michigan.
It is worth noting that there are exceptions to the rules regarding golf cart usage. For example, golf carts are briefly permitted on state trunk line highways when crossing from one village or street to another. However, they are never allowed on interstate highways.
The legality of driving golf carts on public roads in Michigan is somewhat ambiguous. While customized golf carts are gaining popularity due to their affordability, quietness, and convenience, there are safety concerns associated with their use on roads. Golf carts lack the safety features of modern vehicles, such as seat belts and airbags, increasing the risk of severe injuries in the event of an accident. Therefore, the main priority is ensuring the safety of drivers and passengers when operating golf carts on roads.
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Michigan has over 650 public golf courses
Michigan is known for its awe-inspiring beauty, with its dense natural forests and breathtaking views. It is also known for its incredible golf courses, with over 650 public golf courses across the state. This makes Michigan a true golf mecca, offering a course for every level of play. From the dunes and bluffs of Lake Michigan to the cliffs of the UP, golfers can enjoy a diverse range of natural landscapes while playing their favourite sport.
Golfing in Michigan has a strong following, with golf packages available to suit a range of budgets. The state's golf courses vary from premier resorts offering a luxurious golfing experience to local public courses that are beloved by the community. The variety of courses available makes golf accessible to a wide range of players, from beginners to experienced golfers.
The popularity of golf in Michigan is evident in the number of public courses available. With over 650 options to choose from, golfers can always find a new course to explore and enjoy. These courses are often situated in picturesque locations, making the most of Michigan's natural beauty. Whether it's a course nestled among the trees or one that offers stunning lake views, golfers are spoilt for choice.
The state's golf courses also vary in terms of difficulty and design, providing a range of challenges for golfers of all skill levels. Michigan's golf courses cater to those who are new to the sport, offering beginner-friendly layouts and affordable rates. At the same time, more experienced golfers can find courses that test their skills and provide a more competitive environment.
In addition to the public courses, Michigan is also home to private golf clubs that offer exclusive experiences to their members. These private clubs often feature meticulously maintained courses and luxurious amenities, providing a premium golfing experience. While they may have restrictions on who can play, they contribute to the state's reputation as a premier golf destination.
With its abundance of golf courses and stunning natural scenery, Michigan is a golfer's paradise. The state's commitment to the sport, as evidenced by the variety and accessibility of its courses, ensures that golfers of all skill levels and backgrounds can enjoy the game. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor, Michigan's golf courses offer a unique and memorable golfing experience.
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Golfing is allowed in private clubs
Michigan is known for its incredible golf courses, with more than 650 public golf courses across the state. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Gretchen Whitmer's stay-at-home order raised questions about whether golfing was permitted. While golf was initially banned under the order, some private golf clubs continued to allow members to walk the greens, creating confusion about the rules.
The stay-at-home order allowed people to walk around outside and engage in recreation activities like hiking, walking, running, biking, and fishing. Some argued that golfing, particularly at private clubs, should be allowed under these exceptions. Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker noted the difficulty of preventing members of private clubs from accessing the courses, drawing comparisons to walking in public spaces.
Despite the ambiguity, the governor's office maintained its stance that golfing was not allowed, regardless of the course being public or private. The Michigan Golf Alliance sought clarity on the order and requested that golf course maintenance be permitted during any shutdowns. The governor's office clarified that golf course employees were not considered critical infrastructure workers, and the course could not designate them as such.
While there were reports of private country clubs and courses allowing golfers to play even during the ban, this was not universally accepted. Golfers at private clubs could be ticketed by the sheriff's office for violating social distancing rules, and the attorney general's office stood firm on the ban, stating that golf courses, whether public or private, were not to be open to golfers.
In conclusion, while Michigan is renowned for its golf courses and golfing opportunities, the COVID-19 pandemic and associated stay-at-home orders caused temporary restrictions on the sport. The situation regarding private golf clubs allowing members to access the courses during the ban highlighted the complexities of enforcing such orders, with safety and liability concerns coming to the forefront.
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Golfing is not considered a critical outdoor activity
Michigan is known for its awe-inspiring beauty and incredible golf courses. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, golfing was not always considered a critical outdoor activity in the state.
In March 2020, Governor Gretchen Whitmer's stay-at-home order allowed people to walk around outside and permitted many public parks and state parks to remain open. However, the governor's office clarified that golf courses, whether public or private, were not allowed to be open to golfers. The Michigan Golf Alliance sought clarity on the order, requesting that golf course maintenance be allowed to continue during the shutdown.
Some critics of the stay-at-home order pointed out the apparent contradiction between allowing outdoor activities like walking in public parks and banning golfing on private courses. Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker noted that there wasn't much difference between walking in a park and golfers spending time on a private course. He also acknowledged that some courses were opening up a "bag of worms" regarding liability issues if non-members trespassed onto the course.
Despite the ban, members of private golf clubs in West Michigan continued to play golf, and some private country clubs and courses allowed golfers to play during the prohibition. They interpreted that members were entitled to recreation on private property.
On April 24, 2020, Governor Whitmer issued a new order allowing previously prohibited outdoor activities, including golf, to resume while assuming strict social distancing measures. This change allowed golf enthusiasts to return to the courses while adhering to the necessary safety protocols.
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Frequently asked questions
Golfing is allowed in Michigan, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a ban on golfing under Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's stay-at-home order.
The legality of driving golf carts on roads in Michigan is unclear. While some parts of Michigan allow it, others do not. However, golf carts are never allowed on interstate highways and cannot be driven at night.
There are over 650 public golf courses in Michigan.
Popular golf courses in Michigan include Milham Park, Eastern Hills, and Red Arrow golf course.
Private golf clubs are allowed in Michigan, but they cannot be open for business. Members are allowed to walk the greens.
