Some Things Wisconsin Golf

[ode1]

Is the order until 8 a.m. 4/24 or was it extended until 5/1?

[rtraudt]

I'm unsure, but I also don't think that it matters much at this point. There is probably an even better chance that the date gets changed at some point than staying the same, given how fluid the current situation is. We are likely still at least a week away from peaking here in Wisconsin, so who knows where we will be in three weeks.

[scratch67]

Palmer only.

[collje26]

Pretty sad to see that Wisconsin campgrounds are considered essential businesses but not golf courses. It’s laughable to see a campground open 100 yards away from Mid Vallee golf course in depere.

[dearth12]

I have a golf trip scheduled to Wisconsin for the week of July 13th. What do you guys think the chances are that courses are open by then?

[Dashfast]

@dearth12 I have one scheduled on May 15...

[TBone0576]

Governor Evers yesterday eluded to the fact that when the Stay At Home order runs out on the 24th that he would likely be tacking an additional 2 weeks on if not another month. He could obviously relax restrictions on golf at that point but seeing that he hasn't done it yet, I wouldn't suspect his stance will change so now best case scenarios are looking like May 15th if I am reading his remarks right. Hoping I am incorrect. There have been politicians trying to get him to relax his stance on the golf but he keeps leaning on his "doing what the science tells us" stance and that he doesn't believe we are to the top of our curve yet.

[ode1]

This just makes me want to ?. He's obviously not a golfer. I'll ? for the best and have already prepared for Memorial Day. If he were smart he'd loosen the leash on golf to see if golfers will walk the walk with strict guidelines. What hurts IMO is the resort golf at places like Kohler and Sand Valley, where IMO social distancing would be much more difficult to do (and other resort settings or courses that typically have a full tee sheet). I think the risk is higher in settings like that, whereas the typical golf experience is nothing like that, where social distancing could easily be followed. I think measures could be put in place to alleviate concerns of social distancing at resorts/etc., but would we truly be able to social distance? I know for a fact I could at my home course. The busiest times are Sat and Sun from ~ 8-noon. Easy to prepare for IMO. What about league's? That's other trouble area IMO, what do course owners do about league's. If/when courses reopen, I am avoiding resorts, at the very least at busy times, and I'm avoiding Milwaukee and the surrounding area, at the very least at busy times. Nothing against those places either as those are some of my favorite places/areas to play! But we have a big and beautiful state and I hope to see it again soon!

[chinaski]

Quote from Evers on reopening courses:

“I’m a golfer. I get this question, but at this point in time, we’re taking a look at the data and seeing if there’s some way to make this happen, but this is a health crisis. Solving some of these other issues take a priority. We are still considering that,” he said.

“Not to belittle golfers here. I’m one of you. Not a very good one.”

...

I don't see them opening until mid May, more likely June. Maybe earlier in remote parts of the state, but I have a hard time seeing MKE area opening up before then. It looks like we are starting to peak here this week. I would guess 6 more weeks of shutdown.

[JoeHatesSnow]

Speaking for myself, I think chances are good.

[Phreddy]

My crystal ball is foggy and cracked, but if we aren't open for play by July the level of hurt in the economy in general and Wisconsin in particular is going to be severe. I wouldn't be surprised in the least to have the Governor keep things closed for another couple weeks into mid May. An error on the side of caution as it were. Golf closure all the way out to Memorial Day and beyond would suggest a world of COVID pain cresting or revisiting at a level much worse than current expectations.

Over priced at my $.02

 

Phred

[ode1]

I take it back, he does golf?. Would not want to be in his shoes, no matter what he decides, folks are gonna be pissed!

[TBone0576]

I usually play at the local county courses and so I could see those staying closed until June since they are funded by taxpayers but the other courses I wholeheartedly believe should be one of the businesses allowed to open up and start serving the public and making money. Tee times every 15 minutes, pay ahead online or over the phone, no clubhouses open, put a pool noodle in the hole or raise the cups ( or take out pins completely if needed), remove ball washers and benches. It's not ideal but I think each of us would be willing to try this out. Then just stay 10 ft away from others in your group, it should be pretty easy. I'm all for riding this Stay at Home thing until May 1st but it would be nice to relax restrictions on golf and maybe some small businesses in areas less effected. At that point we will have been at home for 6 weeks and done our part to try to flatten this thing out. I am fortunate that I can work from home if needed but a lot of people cannot. Just a thought from someone in Kenosha where there are quite a few cases. Either way we are at the mercy of our government officials.

[dearth12]

Thank you for the information. We are really hoping that we can still make the trip. Also, I agree with those of you that think golf courses can be open and adhere to social distancing. Here in Ohio the courses are open and I have not seen any issues. Putting greens, driving ranges, and clubhouses are closed. Cups are either raised, have pool noodles or PVC pipe in the hole so that the ball does not go all the way down, and ball washers and water jugs are not out. Most people are walking and those riding are in carts solo. It has been a nice place to escape from this situation.

 

 

I guess another question I have in regards to our trip is if hotels will be open? We may have to look in to renting an RV!!

[TBone0576]

My golf pro just texted me telling me that Governor Evers is lifting the ban April 24th. Great news if true.

[rtraudt]

Gov. Evers directs DHS to extend ‘Safer at Home’ to May 26

From the article:Golf courses: Golf courses may open again, with restrictions including scheduling and paying for tee times online or by phone only. Clubhouses and pro shops must remain closed.

 

Seems like a decent compromise. Reality is, we will be needing a form of social isolation for a LONG time, but we obviously can't keep everything shut down for the next year or so. And I do believe that golf, when done properly, can certainly operate within the guidelines...hoping that carts still are restricted though! Imagine the shape that our courses would remain in if carts use was minimized...not to mention the fact that the carts will continue to serve as a nidus for infection.

[Dashfast]

Heck yeah!

[jwhite86]

Some of the best news I have heard all day... Ready to finally get out

[ode1]

That's huge. Let's do our part and respect the restrictions. I am willing to bend over backwards to follow the rules. Thank you thank you thank you!

[okular]

great to hear. now minnesota needs to follow suit.

[Phreddy]

This is certainly good news, although the way I have read it, there will be NO golf carts which I think is rather odd. I'm a walker so I won't be bothered, but I do think it excludes a lot of potential players under a one player per cart rule. I think I understand the logic of keeping driving ranges and miniature golf facilities closed. I does chafe a bit as I am a range rat early in the season. Still, I will regard this as a gift as I really thought we would remain closed until mid-May.

[klebs01]

I think it makes sense as carts are a vector and would require more staff to maintain and clean. Also, walking provides exercise that carts don’t. Makes the decision more consistent with the rest of the order.

[collje26]

Already made my first tee time! Ridgeway Country Club. If anyone wants to meet up on Sunday let me know.

[chinaski]

I'm surprised, but great news! Big fan of no carts and less condensed tee times. The way it should be(Unless you can't walk) I wonder if how far in advance we will need to book with new demand and less availability. Can we post scores and will they reflect the situation? Rakes-Free drops/Putting etc.

[rtraudt]

Maybe carts will never return!!!

 

[TheBear95]

Let's hope! It would benefit the game in many ways.

 

[Phreddy]

Well that didn't last long.....

 

Scott Molitor has pulled out of his offer to purchase The Bull for $3.1 million as a result of his "due diligence" process...or was it just cold feet?

[psygolf]

Carts are a big revenue stream for courses, even courses where a good % walk...though I wonder what the exact bottom line that is when you consider the overhead for them (cart lease, cart staff), but I would still think no carts would = higher green fees.

[collje26]

Golden sands is open currently. Playing there tomorrow. Glad to see courses finally getting some play and revenue.

[rtraudt]

I'd personally pay higher green fees for a no-carts course. Both better conditions, as well as faster play. Sure, a single in a cart can fly through 18 holes unencumbered in quicker fashion than I can play 18 walking (although I've played Oakwood down in SE Wisconsin in approximately 2hrs several times walking without anyone ahead of me, without "gimmies"), but cart culture certainly promotes a far slower pace of play, at least in my experience and especially on public courses. If there is one reason that I am planning on joining a private club in the near future, it is to allow myself to play golf in less than 5 hours in the midday on a weekend (right around 4 hours should be all that is needed to play 18). I regularly turn down my friends that don't want to play until 9-10am because even by that point places have usually grinded to a halt, and I'd much rather be the first or second group out at 6am and finish in 3hr with plenty of day remaining! I know it sounds lame given the far more important concerns that currently exist in society, but part of me hopes that COVID19 and the changes it forces us to make will promote some positive changes in golfing culture, especially in regards to pace of play. But thats just my 2 cents, and please forgive me for soapboxing!