Miles Bennett
Golfing in Pennsylvania has been a contentious issue during the COVID-19 pandemic. While some golfers defied state orders and continued to play, golf courses in Pennsylvania were closed in March 2020 as part of a shutdown of all non-essential businesses. Golf course operators and golfers awaited the resumption of play with uncertainty, with some courses facing potential financial ruin. In May 2020, Pennsylvania issued new guidance allowing golf courses to reopen with social distancing and masking guidelines in place. This decision was influenced by precedents set by neighboring states and the positive behavior of anglers in state forests. Overall, the debate around golfing in Pennsylvania during the pandemic highlighted the importance of balancing public health and safety with the economic and recreational needs of the golfing industry and enthusiasts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Golfing allowed during the pandemic | No, but golf courses were allowed to open from May 1, 2020 |
| Golf cart laws | Must obtain a permit, have four wheels, reach a speed of 20-25 mph on a paved level surface, have a 17-digit conforming vehicle identification number, have a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 3,000 pounds, and meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards |
| Golf resorts | Omni Bedford Springs Resort, Toftrees Golf Resort, DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Lancaster, Shadowbrook Resort |
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What You'll Learn
Golfing in PA during the pandemic
Golfing in Pennsylvania during the pandemic has been a contentious issue, with some golfers defying state orders and continuing to play despite course closures. However, as of May 1, 2020, golf courses in Pennsylvania were allowed to reopen with certain restrictions in place.
In the early days of the pandemic, Pennsylvania, along with New Jersey, took the decision to close all non-essential businesses, including golf courses, to curb the spread of COVID-19. This decision was met with resistance from golfers, with some continuing to play despite the state orders. Golf course owners also faced financial difficulties due to the shutdowns.
As the pandemic progressed, golf enthusiasts and industry associations petitioned the state to allow the reopening of golf courses, citing the mental health benefits of the sport and the possibility of social distancing on the golf course. However, Governor Tom Wolf initially maintained that golf was not to be played during the shutdown.
Eventually, on May 1, 2020, Governor Wolf announced that golf courses could reopen, following in the footsteps of surrounding states such as New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey. This decision came with strict guidelines, including mandatory social distancing of at least 6 feet, the use of masks or protective garments, and the prohibition of gatherings on the course. Golf carts could only be used by one person at a time, and employees were not allowed to be present for facilitating play. Golf courses implemented additional precautions, such as raising cups so balls couldn't enter the hole and removing rakes from bunkers and ball washers from tees.
While golfers were eager to return to the greens, some course owners remained cautious, predicting a slow recovery for the industry. The pandemic highlighted the challenges faced by golf course businesses, with many fearing permanent closure despite the resumption of play.
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Golf courses in PA closed in March 2020
Golf courses in Pennsylvania were closed in March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. The state had declared a shutdown of all non-essential businesses, and golf courses were included in this order. This decision was made to ensure the safety of the community and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
During this time, some golfers in Pennsylvania continued to play, defying the state's orders. This prompted golf courses, such as the Coatesville Country Club, to step up measures to prevent people from accessing the closed courses. They added "No Golf Allowed" signs and blocked off parking lot entrances to emphasize that golfing was temporarily prohibited.
The closure of golf courses in Pennsylvania during the early stages of the pandemic was part of a broader effort to control the spread of the virus. Social distancing and masking guidelines were implemented, and residents were encouraged to stay at home as much as possible. These measures were crucial in protecting public health and reducing the impact of the pandemic.
While golf courses in Pennsylvania remained closed in March 2020, the situation evolved in the following months. By May 1st, the state issued new guidance that allowed golf courses and marinas to reopen with restrictions. This decision was made in alignment with precedents set by neighboring states, such as New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey, which had already opened their recreational facilities.
The reopening of golf courses in Pennsylvania came with strict guidelines to ensure the safety of players and staff. Social distancing was mandatory, with golfers required to maintain a minimum distance of 6 feet apart. Golf carts could only be used by one person at a time, and gatherings of any kind were prohibited on the course. These measures were implemented to reduce the risk of virus transmission while allowing residents to engage in outdoor recreational activities.
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Golfers defied orders and played anyway
Golfers in Pennsylvania defied state orders and played golf during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. The state had declared a shutdown of all non-essential businesses, which included the closure of golf courses. However, some golfers were seen playing rounds of golf at Coatesville Country Club, which received complaints about people playing on the property. The president of the Board of Governors for the club, Tom Riesenberg, called the behaviour "inappropriate" and asked people to "stay at home and honour the rules".
In response to the defiance, the Coatesville Country Club stepped up measures to prevent people from accessing the golf course. Additional "No Golf Allowed" signs were put up, and parking lot entrances were blocked off. Despite these efforts, it was believed that a mix of members and non-members were still illegally entering the facility.
Golf enthusiasts were eager to resume playing, and a coalition of golfing organizations even petitioned Governor Tom Wolf to allow courses to reopen. However, the governor denied these requests, and golf industry associations did not plan to contest the rulings.
The situation improved when Pennsylvania issued new guidance allowing golf courses and marinas to open during the pandemic, with social distancing and masking guidelines in place. Golfers were required to maintain a minimum distance of 6 feet apart and were encouraged to wear masks when outside. This decision followed precedents set by surrounding states, such as New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey, which had already opened their recreational facilities.
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Golf courses allowed to reopen in May 2020
Golf courses in Pennsylvania were closed in March 2020 when the state shut down all non-essential businesses due to the coronavirus pandemic. Golf enthusiasts and golf course operators were left waiting for news on when they would be able to resume play.
Some golfers defied state orders and continued to play on closed courses. However, many golfers and course operators respected the rules and awaited the day they could return to the greens.
In May 2020, Pennsylvania issued new guidance allowing golf courses and marinas to reopen. Social distancing and masking guidelines were required, and golfers had to remain at least 6 feet apart. Golf carts could only be used by one person at a time, and employees could not be present to facilitate play. Golfers were also encouraged to wear masks or protective garments when outside.
Golf courses in Pennsylvania were able to reopen in May 2020, providing a much-needed reprieve for golfers and course operators alike.
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Golfers must follow social distancing guidelines
Golfing was prohibited in Pennsylvania during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2020, the state issued a shutdown of all non-essential businesses, which included golf courses. Despite state orders, some golfers continued to play, defying the governor's mandate.
However, as of May 1, 2020, golf courses in Pennsylvania were allowed to reopen, providing they followed social distancing and masking guidelines. Golfers were required to maintain a strict social distance of at least 6 feet, and no gatherings were permitted on the course. Golf carts could only be used by one person at a time, and employees could not facilitate play.
In addition to social distancing, golfers should practice good hygiene by washing their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are unavailable, golfers should use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content. Golfers should also avoid touching their faces and cover their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing.
By following these social distancing and hygiene guidelines, golfers can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and keep themselves and their community safe. These practices are crucial in reducing the transmission of the virus and allowing golf courses to remain open during the pandemic.
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Frequently asked questions
Golfing was banned in Pennsylvania during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, golf courses were allowed to reopen from May 1, 2020, with social distancing and masking guidelines in place.
Golfers must maintain a strict social distance of at least 6 feet, and no gatherings of any kind are allowed on the course. Golf carts can only be used by one person at a time, and employees cannot be present for the purposes of "facilitating play".
Yes, there are several golf resorts in Pennsylvania, including the Omni Bedford Springs Resort, which has an 18-hole course with views of the Allegheny Mountains and Cumberland Valley. There's also the Toftrees Golf Resort, which has an 18-hole course suitable for players of all skill levels.
If your town allows it, you will need to obtain a permit for your golf cart. Golf carts must have four wheels, a speed of no more than 25 mph on a paved level surface, a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 3,000 pounds, and a 17-digit conforming vehicle identification number.
Players and caddies are required to dress appropriately for the golf course. Items of clothing such as cargo pants, blue jeans, short shorts, and tank tops are considered inappropriate.
