Golf courses across Illinois reopen under modified ‘stay home’ order

Posted on May 1, 2020
City of Bloomington golf director Jason Wingate shared a video update Thursday on Facebook. (Facebook/Golf Bloomington)

 

By Neil Doyle

BLOOMINGTON – Golfers across Illinois are breaking out the clubs as golf courses reopen Friday under Gov. JB Pritzker’s modified “stay home” order.

There are some strict guidelines courses must follow. Golfers must play in twosomes, no carts, and tee times must be spaced out every 15 minutes.  Practice greens, driving ranges, and clubhouses will remain closed.

“Out on the golf course, we are asking golfers do not touch the flagsticks and we will be modifying the cups on the course so the ball doesn’t fall all the way in,” said Bloomington golf director Jason Wingate. “Also, I know it’s hard and a tradition, but try to stay away from those hand shakes and high fives after those great shots.”

Bloomington Country Club head professional and Illinois PGA president Jim Miller says it’s important for golfers to follow the guidelines.

“Hopefully, we can demonstrate that golfers in Illinois can follow the rules and we can get some of these regulations modified moving forward,” said Miller.

Including golf, some state parks will begin to reopen under the governor’s modified “stay home” order which runs through the end of the month.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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