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Setting the Bar: What to Expect When Golf Courses Reopen

Public Service Announcement PSA

It’s no secret, I WANT to play golf.  The problem is I can’t because of the “Shelter-in-Place” Order issued by Governor Newsom.  So while we pine away; waiting for the order to be rescinded the staff here at GreensKeeper.org were discussing what to expect when you’re expecting — and unfortunately there is some good news and some really bad news.

Editor’s Note:  This is an OPINION piece.  All the comments herein are the express opinions of the author.  They do not reflect management or circumstances that may arise.

The Bad News

Bad News, first.  It pains me to say this but since the local and state governments consider golf a “non-essential” business they cannot adequately  staff the facility and maintain the golf course properly.  I would suppose they could but certain obligations to staff safety must be completed in order to maintain the safety of the staff involved.

Because of the staff reductions, you can expect trespassing of various degrees.  This could be a simple as a stroll along the many cart paths available or your ATV tearing up a fairway or two.  Or perhaps your local avid golfer who will use the golf course as their own personal playground.

Since this is considered non-essential services perhaps you cannot staff your course properly.  With Aeration season around the corner now would be a GREAT time to get the work done and perhaps open up to a pristine course but if you do that you also need to be able to combat fungus and other turf afflictions immediately.  With profit margins so slim and the sudden halt of any cash flow, how do you expect to pay for these much needed pesticides, fungicides and supplies?  So courses could actually turn out more scruffier than before the shelter in place; costing the golf course operator MORE to rectify.

Vandalism.  This is serious.  Neighbors know their local course is closed.  Many courses do not have fences that border some homes. It wouldn’t take much to tear up a green or two or perhaps a bunker here and there.  One could argue that insurance could handle that.  Perhaps, but who wants to explain this to a bunch of ravenous golfers after they FINALLY get to play a round after so long.  Not to mention the time, coordination and repair time required to fix the problem(s).

Just from these points alone one could expect a worse situation as we emerge from the “Shelter-in-Place” Order.

We can do our part though.  If you see activity at your local course and it doesn’t look kosher.  Call your local police to investigate.  As stewards of the game and of the courses we play it is our responsibility to help keep our courses in as good if not better shape.  We can do our part to ensure these golf courses remain in decent condition so when the time comes and it will, we can play knowing we did our part in some small way.

Now the GOOD

Let’s hope for the best.  Let’s assume the golf course has enough supplies to ensure they have a successful aeration and are able to maintain the golf course.

Imagine a near perfect golf course.  With the rains coming to Southern California I can see green everywhere.  Why not a golf course as well.  Given the skills of the Superintendent I am hopeful with this respite from constant play these golf courses could be near perfect if not perfect.

This Shelter-In-Place could be a God-send for the faltering golf industry.  Speaking for myself, I want to play golf.  I will play golf when they will allow me and I will continue to play golf until my body tells me I can no longer.  So given the fact all us avid golfers are this ravenous for golf, all the golf course would have to do is keep their golfing public informed.  It’s similar to what we do here at GreensKeeper.org. It is our life’s purpose to make sure you “Know Before You Go.”

So check back here often.  Be assured we will eventually get through this and ever hopeful it will be near perfect conditions when we do.

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OPINION UPDATE: Corona Virus And Your Local Golf Course

Public Service Announcement PSA

DISCLAIMER:  This is an OPINION piece.  It is not to be taken as gospel.  The points and arguments set forth are the express opinions of the writer and do not expressly coincide with the opinions of management of GreensKeeper.org or GreensKeeper LLC.  Do this at your own risk.

DON’T PANIC!

The sky is falling!  The sky is falling!  — Chicken Little

It’s madness out there.  The media is spinning their doom and gloom predictions.  The federal and state governments are shutting down services and businesses.  The basic tenets of the actual message, however, has not changed:

  1.   Wash Your Hands with Soap Often
  2.   Don’t Touch Your Face
  3.   Keep Your Distance from Others (Social Distancing)
  4.   Protect the Elderly.

Who do we believe?  What do we do?  What precautions do we follow?  Not being Doctors or medical professionals, we laypeople can only use our common sense in this sort of situation.  Panic is the last thing we should do.  It accomplishes nothing.  It only creates more aggravation and despair.

What we do know is that COVID-19 is here.  We can do nothing to prevent that from happening.  In light of this harsh reality though if we practice these basic tenets above we can limit or reduce the opportunity of being infected with this virus.  (Be sure to check on our previous posts regarding home-made Hand Sanitizer and Disinfectant).

Remember it’s ALSO cold and flu season and with spring just around the corner allergies are going awry as well –be diligent!  Be smart.  Play Safe.

BUILD YOUR IMMUNITY

In the meantime now would be a great opportunity to eat properly.  That is to say eat your fruits and vegetables.  Improve your immunity it’s perhaps the best way to combat this virus.  You do this by eating your fruits and vegetables.  Eat healthy.  Be smart.  Play safe.

To Golf or Not to Golf?

Until we get advice from our local governments, we can still follow these basic tenets; limiting our exposure to risk.  So can we still play golf?

That is the questions isn’t it?

As stated we’re not doctors or medical professionals but using reason we can still enjoy a round of golf if we employ these safety measures.  (Golf Course Operators be sure to check this blog post regarding what you can do to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 HERE.)

Check out what Golf Digest has to say about COVID-19 HERE.

Editors Nate:  Added 3/10/20 Additional articles include Golf Magazine: Golf and the Coronavirus:  How to Play with Confidence, According to an Expert.

Look at it this way, with all these “Shelter in Place” directives we will all get a little stir crazy being cooped up in our own homes.  Perhaps a little away time will be needed?  Perhaps you need some fresh air.  Perhaps you have this itch you can’t scratch without a round of golf.

Whatever it is  you will have to get out sometime.  Why not at a place where you can employ proper spacing and some good personal hygiene (wash your hands or use hand sanitizer regularly.)  Walk the course.  Ride and ask the starter for a single rider fee.  Keep your distance but play smart and play safe.

With golf you get sunshine, fresh air, and exercise.  It would be safe to say so long as you employ these basic tenets you could limit your exposure to COVID-19.

Whatever you decide to do is your responsibility.  It is the opinion of this writer that as stewards of the game and golf enthusiasts we will use our wits to mitigate exposure and get to play these golf courses to let off a little steam during this trying time.

Play smart.  Be safe.

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Corona Virus — What Golf Courses Should Do?

Public Service Announcement PSA

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) impact on golf our GK Community can provide important suggestions and guidance to the golf course industry.

What should golf courses do to make us feel safer playing should the Corona Virus become much bigger?

Some ideas to consider.  These do not necessarily expressly reflect  the opinions of GreensKeeper.org they are however suggestions from our demographic of AVID Golfers, most of which happen to be Senior Citizens.  (Fun Fact: GK is a community of over 70,000 registered members.  40% of the GK Community reside in California.  Of that 40%, 60% are over the age of 50, and of that 60%, 70% play more than 24+ rounds of golf yearly.)

  • Provide germicidal disposable wipes with every golf cart rental.
  • Provide a non latex disposable glove to handle the flag-stick.
  • Foam insert (Cut down pool noodle) placed into cup to raise the golf ball from the bottom of the cup. (Added 5/14/20)
  • Anyone that shows signs of being sick at check-in must not be allowed to play.
  • Disinfect ALL equipment at least Daily.  Or in the case of golf carts after each use.  Recommend spray and wipe clean all carts with Disinfectant or use a pressure washer that can include bleach in wash down procedures. (Added 4/1/20)
  • Any employee or vendor showing signs of being sick must not be at the golf course.
  • If walking is not an option, SINGLE RIDER ONLY for carts. (added 3/17/30)
  • Remove all rakes, ball washers; disinfect all benches, flag-sticks, hole cups and smooth surfaces regularly.  (added 3/25/20)
  • (extreme measure) – eliminate foursome play and only allow twosomes.
  • (extreme measure) – cancel or postpone large tournaments/outings.
  • Credit/Debit Card Sales Only.  No Cash Sales (Added 5/14/20)
  • No pre- or post congregating of golf groups before or after round of golf in common areas (Added 5/14/20)
  • SEE MORE (Click HERE) Be a part of the conversation

Our Take

Honestly I feel a golf course might be one of safest places for those of us that need to get out for some outdoor recreation during this crisis.

Politics aside, since the supply chain is waning; consider the homemade options for making disinfectant sprays and hand santizing gel.

UPDATE:

From the Editor 3/17/20  The media hype can be overwhelming.  Who do you believe?  The message however remains the same.  Please keep these in mind when making your policy changes.

  1. Wash Your Hands OFTEN.
  2. Don’t Touch Your Face.
  3.  Keep your Distance.
  4. Protect the Elderly.

By keeping these points in mind while you make your decisions on play you can not only thrive as a business BUT also keep your playing patrons safe.  Be smart.  Play Safe with GreensKeeper.org.

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HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE HAND SANITIZER

Public Service Announcement PSA

HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE HAND SANITIZER

With COVID-19, the Corona Virus, in the news and the hysteria associated with it, we at GreensKeeper.org felt it necessary to at least be the voice of reason and help mitigate it’s spread.  Although we are not medical personal, we do read the news and from conversations with health-care professionals, this is what we were able to glean from what’s out there.  Some helpful tips for our fellow golfers.  

Proactive , common sense things you can do to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and other beasties out there — Remember it’s also FLU season out there.  

Ingredients

1/3 Cup Aloe Gel
2/3 Cup Isopropyl Alcohol (Minimum 70%)
Few drops of Essential Oil (OPTIONAL)
1 Squeeze Bottle, Small

Directions

Using CLEAN utensils, add Aloe Gel to mixing bowl. Add Alcohol and Mix. OPTIONAL, add a few drops of essential Oils. Mix well.

Add contents to a small squeeze bottle.

You can get the Aloe Gel from a Big Box Pharmacy or places like Target.  

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HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE DISINFECTANT

Public Service Announcement PSA

INEXPENSIVE HOMEMADE DISINFECTANT

With COVID-19, the Corona Virus, in the news and the hysteria associated with it, we at GreensKeeper.org felt it necessary to at least be the voice of reason and help mitigate it’s spread.  Although we are not medical personal, we do read the news and from conversations with health-care professionals, this is what we were able to glean from what’s out there.  Some helpful tips for our fellow golfers.  

Proactive , common sense things you can do to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and other beasties out there — Remember it’s also FLU season out there.  

Ingredients:

1 Quart (4 Cups) of Tap Water
3-5 Tablespoons (Cap Fulls) of Bleach
1 Squeeze Spray Bottle
1 rag or paper towel

Directions:

Pour water into Spay Bottle. Add Bleach to same bottle. Mix well. Spray mixture ON surfaces and wipe with CLEAN rag or paper towel. After complete be sure to dispose of the paper towel in the trash or LAUNDER your rags.  Be sure to LABEL the spray bottle “BLEACH DISINFECTANT.”

ATTENTION:  When handling bleach be sure you’re in a well ventilated room.  Bleach is Chlorine it’s very poisonous if you breathe in large quantities.  

WHAT TO SPRAY

Do not spray on fabrics.  It will bleach the fabrics.  You could use a can of Lysol to fix that. 

Be sure to CLEAN the surface FIRST. Spay on hard surfaces i.e. tables, chairs, doorknobs, Toilet Seats, Toilet pull handles or any surface folks touch.  Wipe it off after a few minutes.  If you don’t like the smell of bleach wipe the surface again with another cleaner like Simple Green or PINE-SOL and  CLEAN, WARM WET RAG or paper towel.  

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BE SAFE from Covid-19 (Corona Virus)

Public Service Announcement PSA

With the current health crisis and Covid-19 (Corona Virus) hysteria we at GreensKeeper.org felt it necessary to be at least the voice of reason during the madness.  There is no reason to be scared.  You can still play golf.  You can enjoy life.  Just be vigilant; using these helpful hints.  

Some helpful tips for our fellow golfers.  Proactive , common sense things you can do to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and other beasties out there — Remember it’s also FLU season out there.  

Editor’s Note: We are not medical personal. Some of us however read the news and this is a compilation of steps and measures you can take to at least mitigate exposure. Play safe. Play smart with GreensKeeper.org.

4 WAYS TO MITIGATE EXPOSURE to the COVID-19 (Corona Virus)

  1. MOST IMPORTANT. With the supply of hand sanitizer short the most easiest and perhaps one of the most effective things you can do is WASH YOUR HANDS. Wash your hands under warm or hot water WITH SOAP for 20 seconds. The soap and the action of rubbing your hands sanitizes your hands and anything you may touch.
  2. WHEN YOU COUGH OR SNEEZE — COVER UP. Sneeze or cough into your elbow. Coughing or sneezing out in the open will spread droplets and possibly spreading any disease or possible infections.
  3. AVOID LARGE GATHERINGS. You know your own personal hygiene you cannot however be responsible for others Avoid major contact of large groups BUT if you do find yourself in that situation, practice what they call “SOCIAL DISTANCING.” Keep your distance — 3-6 feet at least.
  4. If you find yourself sick.  AVOID contact with other individuals.  It has been recommended that this individual practice self imposed quarantine.
  5. Older Individuals with pre-exsting conditions OR compromised immunity STAY HOME.

Folks COVID-19 is a VIRUS.  It means this beasty is both alive and dead at the same time.  This means it can exist without a host for a period of time (A host being you or me.)  The problem with a virus is that it’s not a bacterial infection.  With a bacterial infection you can use anti-bacterial measures like penicillin to mitigate the illness.  In the case of COVID-19 the problem is, as for any with viral infection, the only thing you can do is let it run its course being sure to care for the symptoms.

Stay Safe.  Play Smart and Know Before You Go with GreensKeeper.org.

www.coronavirus.gov

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/workplace-school-and-home-guidance.pdf

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Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

To quote Martin Luther King Jr. on his observed Holiday is only appropriate.

“The time is always right to do what is right.” 

— Martin Luther King Jr, Oberlin College commencement speech, 1965

Today we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.’s life, legacy, and hope for a better future for ALL Americans.  Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day!  Now, go play some golf to commemorate the day!

From your friends at GreensKeeper.org

Editor’s Note:  Thanks to Biography.com for providing a really great quote from a great individual.